Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative to hold auditions for teens-only show

LACONIA — Teens 12-18 who love to act are invited to audition for “Pooh’s Birthday Surprise.” For the first time, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, the resident theater company of the Colonial Theatre, will be producing a play that is only open to teens. The production will mostly rehearse and perform during New Hampshire’s February break (Feb. 23-27, 2026) at area libraries to entertain younger kids and their families.

“Winnie the Pooh” is turning 100 in 2026 and to commemorate that milestone, Powerhouse commissioned Jaydie Halperin to create a short play from the original “Winnie the Pooh” stories. With familiar characters including Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo and Rabbit, Powerhouse is looking for seven to nine teens to participate in this production.

Auditions will be held at the Colonial Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 16 at noon. To register for auditions and find out more about the production go to powerhousenh.org/auditions.

Readings will be from the script and are provided in advance on the website so teens can practice. The production will be directed by Powerhouse’s Associate Producer Courtney Palmer who is also the director of the Inter-Lakes Middle High School Theatre Company.

Palmer said, “I am very excited to direct this teen production. Powerhouse has always done family-friendly shows, but it's wonderful to have something just for youth. I grew up with ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and was even in a ‘Winnie the Pooh Jr.’ production when I was in middle school, so it's a real full circle moment for me to share this story with a new generation.”

Contact info@powerhousenh.org for more details or with any questions about the production.