Community actors, singers, and performers of all experience levels are invited to audition for the world premiere of the new Southern musical comedy “The Great Skillet Killin’ of Jericho County”, written by award-winning songwriters Tom Brown and Becky Buller.
Auditions will be held Tuesday, August 4, and Thursday, August 6, from 6 to 9 pm, as well as Saturday August 8, from 2 until 4 pm. There are roles available for children, teens, adults, and senior adults. The production is seeking performers of all ages to bring thecolorful citizens of the fictional town of Gribbleville, Tennessee to life.
Set in rural Tennessee during the early 1950s, “The Great Skillet Killiin’ of Jericho County” blends traditional country and bluegrass-inspired music, small-town humor, and unforgettable characters into a two-act musical comedy. The story follows Irene McGibboney, the eleven-time champion of the Jericho County Cornbread Contest, whose championship celebration takes an unexpected turn after a confrontation with her abusive husband. What follows is a whirlwind of gossip, mystery, courtroom antics, and an unforgettable wedding inside the Jericho County jail.
The production features a wide variety of speaking, singing, and ensemble roles for performers of all ages. No previous stage experience is required, and newcomers are encouraged to audition alongside experienced actors.
Tom Brown, a retired educator from Whitfield County Schools, is an award-winning songwriter and longtime advocate for community music. His previous theatrical works include the internationally performed bluegrass musical comedy Fat Shirley’s: A Trailer Park Opera and Twisted Roots, inspired by the life of Appalachian writer Emma Bell Miles.
Co-writer Becky Buller, of Manchester, Tennessee, is one of bluegrass music’s most acclaimed artists. A ten-time International Bluegrass Music Association award winner, Buller is a Grammy-winning songwriter whose music has been recorded by Molly Tuttle, The Travelin’ McCourys, and The Infamous Stringdusters. Her 2024 album Jubilee debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart.
“The characters in Gribbleville remind us of people we’ve all known, ”Brown said. “We are looking for a cast that’s ready to have fun, tell a great story, and bring this community to lifenthrough music and laughter.”
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, this production offers an opportunity to be part of the premiere of an original Southern musical comedy celebrating family, friendship, humor, and the rich traditions of Appalachian storytelling.
Audition Dates:
Tuesday, August 4 from 6 until 9 pm
Thursday, August 6, from 6 until 9 pm
Saturday August 8 from 2 until 4 pm.
Auditions will be held at Murray Arts Council, located at 120 N 3rd Ave, Chatsworth, GA, 30705 in the heart of downtown. For more information or for an information packet which includes a character breakdown, the audition dates/requirements, and the synopsis of the musical, email a request to greatskilletkillin@yahoo.com.
Performances will be the first two weekends in November at The Dèrr-Berry Venue in Chatsworth, Georgia.