Carmela, Full of Wishes
by Austin Playhouse
Nov. 18 - Nov. 19
Carmela Full of Wishes is a hopeful play based on the acclaimed book of the same title by Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor-winning author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Christian Robinson. On her birthday, young Carmela wakes up thrilled to finally be old enough to join her big brother on their family errands. As they travel through their neighborhood, Carmela stumbles upon a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow away its white fluff, her brother reminds her to make a wish. With a heart full of hopes and dreams, Carmela wishes for a candy machine, a fancy bed for Mamí like the ones at the hotel where she works, and most importantly, for Papí to come back home soon. Then her dandelion is crushed before she can make her biggest wish. Can her brother help her to believe in the power of wishes once again? Join us on this journey celebrating family, dreamers, and the power of hope found in the most unexpected places.
Austin Playhouse is seeking non-Union local actors for the upcoming Theatre for Youth production of CARMELA FULL OF WISHES adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios.
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Actors must have daytime availability for the rehearsal and performance run. Rehearsals will begin the week of February 1, 2026. School performances will be March 3 - 6 and 10 - 12, 2026. Public performances will be Saturdays and Sundays, February 28 - March 15, 2026 at 1 pm with additional 11 am shows on February 28 and March 14. The play is directed by Mateo Hernandez.
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ROLES TO BE CAST:
-Actor 1: Female identifying. Latine. 18-25. Plays CARMELA, seven years old. Our big-hearted, optimistic protagonist.
-Actor 2: Male Identifying. Latine. 18-25. Plays BIG BROTHER, ten to twelve years old (Carmela’s older brother).
-Actor 3: Female identifying. Latine. 30s-40s. Plays MAMI (Carmela's mother), as well as BEJEWELED GRANDMA, LA PALETA LADY, and BODEGA OWNER (various residents of CARMELA's neighborhood).
-Actor 4: Male identifying. Latine. 30s-40s. Plays PAPI (Carmela's father), as well as SEÑOR LOPEZ and FLOWER BOY (various residents of CARMELA's neighborhood).
All roles will be paid.
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Invited auditions will take place at Austin Playhouse on Tuesday, November 18 from 3-5 pm and Wednesday, November 19 from 1-3 pm. To request an audition slot, please fill out the Audition Request form by Sunday, November 16.
Visit austinplayhouse.com/opportunities to learn more!
