Auditions

SHOW DATES: October 10-12 & 16-19, 2025

WHERE
The Belmont Theatre
27 South Belmont Street, York, PA

Enter main lobby early to fill out audition form.

Director: Rich Mehrenberg

Anyone under 18 must have a parent signature on back of audition form due to mature themes.

SHOW DESCRIPTION
When Andy Dufresne is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in the notorious Shawshank prison, he must find a way to keep himself and his hope alive by using his wits and forging friendships. Based on the novella by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption brings the story of resilience made famous by the acclaimed film to the stage.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Ages listed below are suggested ages of how the character should appear.

Andy Dufresne (30-35) Andy Dufresne is a man of quiet dignity and intelligence. Often seen as a “fish out of water” in Shawshank, his calm demeanor and clean-cut appearance set him apart. Despite enduring brutality and injustice, Andy retains his humanity and dignity. His character symbolizes hope and resilience as he navigates the prison’s harsh environment, ultimately outsmarting the corrupt system and escaping. Andy’s friendship with Red and his journey highlight themes of redemption, trust, and the enduring human spirit. 

“Red,” Ellis Boyd Redding (40-45)  Red is the seasoned inmate who serves as the narrator, providing insight into the harsh realities of prison life. With a background as a salesman and a tragic past, Red initially embodies cynicism and survival instinct. His charm and resourcefulness make him the “guy who can get things” inside Shawshank. Through his friendship with Andy, Red’s perspective shifts, allowing him to believe in the possibility of a better future. His eventual parole and reunion with Andy underscore themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of friendship. 

Warden Stammas (40-50)Warden Stammas is a cruel and corrupt figure, embodying the abuse of power within Shawshank. With a history of unethical behavior and a ruthless approach to maintaining control, he exploits the inmates for personal gain. His downfall comes from underestimating Andy’s intelligence and resilience. Stammas represents the moral decay and injustice inherent in the prison system, serving as a foil to Andy’s ingenuity and determination. 

Hadley (40-45) Hadley is the head prison guard, known for his brutality and lack of subtlety. He maintains control through fear and violence, embodying the physical cruelty of the prison environment. Despite his harsh exterior, he becomes entangled in Andy’s financial schemes, revealing a pragmatic side. Hadley’s character highlights the complex dynamics of power and the dehumanizing effects of institutionalization. 

Bogs Diamond (35-40) Bogs Diamond is a formidable and feared inmate, known for his violent tendencies and keen intelligence. As the leader of the prison gang known as the “Sisters,” he poses a significant threat to Andy. Bogs’ interactions with Andy highlight the constant danger and power struggles within Shawshank. His character represents the internal threats inmates face, adding tension and conflict to the story. 

“Brooksie,” Brooks Hatlen (65-70) Brooksie is an elderly inmate who has been incarcerated in Shawshank since the 1920s. Once a college-educated man with a degree in animal husbandry, his downfall came through a gambling addiction that led to the murder of his wife and daughter in a drunken rage. Brooksie became a model prisoner, running the prison library trolley, which gave him a sense of identity and purpose. When he is eventually paroled, he struggles to adapt to life outside the prison, feeling lost and disconnected after decades behind bars. Brooksie’s tragic story illustrates the devastating effects of long-term incarceration and the difficulty of reintegration into society, highlighting themes of institutionalization and the loss of personal identity. His fate serves as a poignant counterpoint to Andy’s hope and Red’s eventual redemption.  

“Entwistle,” Mert Entwistle (35-40) Mert Entwistle is a prison guard who follows in the shadow of the more dominant Hadley. Known for his compliance and occasional acts of kindness, Entwistle is a complex figure who sometimes tries to emulate Hadley’s toughness but often falls short. His moments of compassion add depth to the story, highlighting the human element within the harsh prison environment. 

Rooster Coogan (25-45) Rooster Coogan is a dangerous and conflicted inmate, serving two life sentences for a violent crime. Hailing from a troubled background, Rooster is both a feared figure and a product of the brutal prison system. His character reflects the complex dynamics of survival and the darker aspects of prison life. Rooster’s relationship with other inmates, particularly Bogs, reveals the power hierarchies and the struggle for dominance within Shawshank. Rooster often appears to be having a devilishly fun time, whether he is hanging out with his fellow inmates or brutalizing his fellow inmates. 

“Rico,” Paul Rodriguez (35-40) Rico is a troubled and pious inmate, originally from Detroit, with a Portuguese background. With a bipolar disorder and a tragic past, he has found solace in religion. Despite his violent crime, Rico’s character is marked by his naïveté and sexual repression. His journey highlights the psychological struggles faced by many inmates and the ways in which they cope with their circumstances. 

Tommy Williams (20-25)Tommy Williams is the youngest inmate in Shawshank, characterized by his youthful energy and desire for redemption. Raised in foster care and with a history of car theft, Tommy’s good heart and determination to improve himself make him a sympathetic figure. Andy becomes a mentor to him, helping him with his studies. Tommy’s story underscores themes of transformation and the impact of mentorship within the prison system. 

“Dawkins,” Jordan Dawkins (35-40) Dawkins is a tough and violent inmate with a short fuse, serving a life sentence for murder. His background in organized crime and gambling addiction define his character. Despite his violent tendencies, Dawkins can be seen as an “ordinary decent criminal” who struggles with his vices. His interactions with other inmates and his obsession with gambling add to the narrative’s exploration of prison life and the coping mechanisms of its inhabitants. 

Pinky (25-35) Pinky is a minor character and one of the “Sisters,” involved in scenes of sexual violence. His character allows for flexibility in portrayal, offering an opportunity to explore the darker aspects of prison life and the predatory behaviors that exist within Shawshank. Pinky’s interactions with other inmates contribute to the tension and danger present in the story.