Lifestyle & Entertainment
3 December, 2025
Hopelessly devoted to Grease
ARARAT Regional Theatre Society is excited to announce that its 2026 production will be the hit musical Grease. Grease is another musical that has been on ARTS’ bucket list for some time, and ARTS’ president Leanne McCready said the Society believed the time was right to stage this production, due to the number of younger potential cast members currently keen to be on stage.
“Mamma Mia attracted a fantastic amount of young talent this year and we want to encourage and support the next generation of local people to participate in our productions, while still providing space on stage and behind the scenes for older cast members,” Leanne said.
ARTS is also excited to announce that Russell Purdie will direct Grease next year.
Russell is no stranger to the Ararat stage, having taken on major roles in Curtains, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Mamma Mia.
He is also no stranger to Grease, directing a production for Numurkah Singers in 2016 and performing in Grease for Shepparton Theatre Arts Group in 2011.
“I am really looking forward to bringing Grease to life in Ararat next year,” Russell said.
“Grease is a great show full of fantastic characters and memorable songs that everyone knows, and we believe it will attract a great cast.”
Russell said he was keen to foster the development of talent on and off the stage next year.
“It’s really important to me to encourage the next generation of ARTS’ members, both in performing on stage and learning stage craft, as well as giving people the space to step up and take on production team and backstage roles.
“These are the people we need to encourage as they are the future of ARTS.”
An information night will be held on Tuesday December 2 at 7pm in the Ararat Scout Hall, Queen Street.
“We encourage anyone interested in being part of Grease – on stage or off - to attend the information night, where audition information will be outlined, as well as the rehearsal process, with rehearsals commencing early next year,” Leanne said.
“However, due to the story content of Grease, ARTS is unfortunately unable to include primary school aged children in the production next year.”
Auditions will be held on December 9, 11 and 13.
Everyone wishing to be on stage will be required to audition this year, but don’t be scared, auditions are held in a supportive, friendly and fun environment, and everyone who auditions will be part of the cast.
Grease will be staged over two weekends at the end of June 2026 at the Ararat Town Hall and you must be available for all performances.
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