The Most Massive Woman Wins
by Madeleine George
Directed by Milan Levy ’23
Auditions will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on January 6 & 7, 2026, with callbacks from 6-8 p.m. on January 8,
all in the Nelda K. Balch Festival Playhouse, 129 Thompson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
(www.playscripts.com)
Performances are February 26 – March 1, 2026.
Synopsis
Challenging, brutal and hilarious, four women of various shapes and sizes sitting in the waiting room of a liposuction clinic explore their perceptions of body image. The women reveal their experiences dealing with their weight issues through monologues, short scenes, and even schoolyard rhymes. From painful childhood memories to frustrations with the opposite sex, these experiences both haunt and empower these women as they imagine their way to a new vision of themselves as beautiful and whole.
Auditions
Auditions will be held Tuesday and Wednesday of First Week, January 6-7 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Nelda K. Balch Festival Playhouse, with callbacks on Thursday, January 8, from 6-8 p.m., in the Playhouse as well. The Playhouse is attached to the backside of the Fine Arts Building, overlooking the tennis courts and adjacent to the entrance to Dow. K Theatre alum and current Production Manager for Face Off Theatre Company, Milan Levy ’23, will be directing.
All types of people are invited to audition, and a variety of experience is wanted (and any experience is not necessary!)
Scripts will be provided at auditions, so come as you are! If you would like to peruse a copy of the script beforehand, please email Kirsten Sluyter (kirsten.sluyter@kzoo.edu) or stop by the Theatre Production Office in the lower level of FAB.
If you’re still interested in being a part of the play but not sure about acting, check out the production application page, where you can apply to be part of the backstage company for The Most Massive Woman Wins.
Roles Included:
Carly: 31 years old. In acid washed, a rhinestone-studded denim jacket and a sweatshirt with high-top Reebok sneakers.
Cel: 26 years old. In a long dress. Her name is pronounced “Seel”, it’s short for Celia.
Sabine: 25 years old. In à la mode nineties officewear.
Rennie: 17 years old. In overalls and a flannel. She is a high-school senior.
Non-Acting Opportunities
Students can work for pay by applying to work for one of the shops on Handshake, or for credit by completing the production application on this website. All members of the company are eligible for a THEA 200 (practicum) credit.
How to get to The Playhouse for auditions:
1. The Playhouse is located near Dow Science Center on 129 Thompson St. As you face the Light Fine Arts Building, go to the left towards the Dow parking lot. The Playhouse is to the right of Dow Science Center on the far end of the parking lot.
2. The Stage Manager will give you the paperwork you need to complete then direct you into The Playhouse for your audition. Please have your complete schedule available to reference when you arrive.
FAQs About Auditioning for Festival Playhouse
Do I have to be a Theatre Arts major or minor to audition?
No! In fact, we highly encourage involvement in different majors and activities outside of theatre. On average, up to 70% of students working on a Festival Playhouse show are not Theatre Arts majors or minors.
What other opportunities are there for students who are not cast or are not interested in auditioning?
Most production positions for any Festival Playhouse show are filled by students. We have student set/lighting designers, stage managers, assistant stage managers, light/sound board operators, spot light operators, wardrobe crew, props crew, dramaturgs, and more! Even if you are not cast in a show, you can always find a way to be involved!
When do we rehearse?
Our productions usually rehearse 5 nights per week 7pm-10pm, either Monday thru Friday or Sunday thru Thursday. Beginning two weeks from opening night we extend another hour to 11pm. The tech weekend before the show opens is Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 11pm with a dinner break. This is a generic schedule, and it may vary with each individual director’s preferences.
Do I have to come to rehearsal every night?
It depends on the size of the role. Larger roles will be in rehearsal almost every night. Smaller roles may only be called 2-3 evenings per week and not necessarily the entire rehearsal. Often, the entire cast is called every night the first week of rehearsal as we read through the play. No matter what the size of the role, however, everyone will be called every night for the full rehearsal period the last two weeks of rehearsal before opening night.
What if I have an evening class?
Every show and every director treats this differently, but a general rule of thumb is that if you clearly indicate the class on your audition sheet, if the director casts you, then they understand they will have to work around your class. The exception is always the last two weeks of rehearsal, though, when everyone is called every night. It’s up to you to negotiate with the professor.
What if I can’t get out of a class though?
The best thing to do is just audition and be very clear with the director about your schedule. We’ve always worked it out.
Won’t such a big time commitment affect my grades?
It might, but you should know that many, many students in the plays actually have a better GPA than those who are not! There is a culture of learning to manage time and taking pride in academic achievement that goes along with any artistic endeavor at K.
What about Monkapult?
Monkapult (the student comedy improv group) typically rehearses from 10-12pm. The only possible overlap of rehearsal is the last two weeks when we go to 11pm (usually not a problem since many Monkapult team members are also theatre students).
If I’m cast in a production, do I need to get stage makeup?
Yes! Lucky for you, we have this guide with resources on how to find and purchase your own makeup kit.
Further information will be posted for each play as it is available.
Welcome to Festival Playhouse! We’re glad you’re joining us!