Alabama Shakespeare Festival | Montgomery, AL
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
James Evans, Casting Assistant
OTHER
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.
Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Festival Stage
Director: Quin Gresham
First rehearsal: September 9
Preview: October 2 & 3
Opening: October 3
Closing: October 26
SYNOPSIS:
Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American businessman lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer – in case they decide to strike again.
Book your passage now for the fast-moving, powerfully theatrical locomotive that is the new stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
Hercule Poirot (Male, 50s–60s) Any ethnicity. Renowned Belgian detective with a meticulous nature and sharp wit. Highly intelligent, observant, and eccentric, with a strong sense of justice. Carries the show — charisma and precision are key. Accent: Belgian/French
Monsieur Bouc (Male, 40s–60s) Any ethnicity. Director of the Wagon Lit company and old friend of Poirot. Jovial, affable, and perhaps a bit fond of hearing his own voice. Often serves as comic relief but also has moments of seriousness. Accent: French/Belgian
Mary Debenham (Female, 20s–30s) Any ethnicity. An English governess — poised, intelligent, and emotionally restrained. Beneath her calm exterior lies a deep emotional intensity and secret. Accent: British (RP)
Colonel Arbuthnot (Male, 30s–40s) Any ethnicity. A Scottish army officer — stoic, strong-willed, and deeply loyal. Holds himself with a military bearing. Will understudy Ratchett. Accent: Scottish
Princess Dragomiroff (Female, 60s–70s) Any ethnicity. An aging Russian aristocrat with a commanding presence. Sharp, sophisticated, and unapologetically proud of her status. Accent: Russian
Hector MacQueen (Male, 20s–30s) Any ethnicity. Secretary to the victim. Nervous, slightly awkward, but earnest. Loyal and emotionally driven. Accent: American
Countess Andrenyi (Female, 20s–30s) Any ethnicity. Beautiful and refined Hungarian noblewoman with a mysterious past. Intelligent, elegant, and emotionally guarded. Accent: Eastern European (Hungarian preferred)
Ratchett (Male, 40s–60s) Any ethnicity. The murder victim. A wealthy American businessman with a sinister past. Must appear both charismatic and menacing. NOTE: Will understudy Arbuthnot.
Greta Ohlsson (Female, 30s–50s) Any ethnicity. A Swedish missionary and nurse. Kind-hearted, emotional, and very religious. Tends to be anxious and nervous under pressure. Accent: Swedish
Helen Hubbard (50s–60s) A loud, brassy American woman with a flair for drama and gossip. Flirtatious, nosy, and unapologetically outspoken, but hiding more than she lets on.
Michel (Male, 40s–60s) Any ethnicity. The conductor of the train. Polite, discreet, and professional. A supporting role with key dramatic moments. Accent: French. NOTE: Will understudy the Head Waiter.
Headwaiter / Ensemble (30s-60s) Any ethnicity. A fussy, know-it-all waiter who will also understudy MacQueen, Michel, Bouc, and Poirot. Accent: Turkish, French, or RP
Festival Stage
Director: Quin Gresham
Choreographer: Sam Hay
Music Director: TBD
First rehearsal: November 4
Preview: November 26
Opening: November 28
Closing: January 4
SYNOPSIS:
For the first time in forever, the beloved Disney film comes to life as a breathtaking theatrical experience. In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. With stunning visuals and unforgettable music and heart, Frozen is a magical tale of love, courage, and a bond that can melt even the coldest heart.
ELSA (Female identifying, Mid 20s-Early 30s, Any Ethnicity, Soprano with high belt, F#3 to D5)
The older of the two princesses and next in line for the throne. She was born with magical powers that she is still learning to control. In the past she has unwittingly harmed loved ones with them. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn. Eventually she learns to take control, and become confident in both her powers and as a leader.
ANNA (Female identifying, Early 20s-mid 30s, Any Ethnicity, Soprano, G3 to D5)
The younger of the two princesses, she is imbued with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love. She is a hopeless optimist and extreme extrovert. She longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Must be a strong singer with great comic timing.
KRISTOFF (Male identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Baritone, G2 to A3)
A hardworking ice harvester who has a sarcastic sense of humor and a rough-around-the-edges exterior that hides his big heart. Taken in by the Hidden Folk when he was young, he loves them dearly, but is a bit of a loner. Sven, a reindeer, is his best friend and trusted confidant.
HANS (Male identifying, mid 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Tenor, G2 to B3)
An ambitious Prince of the Southern Isles and overlooked thirteenth son of a king. He boasts an exceedingly charming façade. Acts as a typical Prince Charming, but in reality is self-serving and out for personal gain at any cost. Has no value for other people except for how they may benefit him.
OLAF (Any Gender, 20s-40s, Any Ethnicity, Tenor, F#2 to D4)
A magical snowman created by Elsa when she and Anna were young. Olaf is endearingly delighted by everything - especially the idea of summer. Goofy and sweet, Olaf should possess a childlike innocence. Has excellent comic timing.
SVEN (Any Gender, Any Age, Any Ethnicity)
A reindeer, who happens to be Kristoff's best friend and companion. Fiercely loyal, though stubborn at times.
PABBIE (Male identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Baritone)
The mystical leader of the Hidden Folk who has a soft spot for strays. Along with Bulda, is a parental figure to Kristoff, and always has his and the rest of the Hidden Folks best interests at heart, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.
BULDA (Female identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Any vocal range)
One of the Hidden Folk who has a soft spot for strays. Along with Pabbie, is a parental figure to Kristoff, and always has his and the rest of the Hidden Folks best interests at heart, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.
WESELTON (Male identifying, 30s on up, Any Ethnicity, Baritone, F#2 to D4)
A visiting duke with a huge inferiority complex. A bombastic, overbearing sycophant, Weselton's sole purpose is to hobnob with influencers and royalty.
BISHOP (Male identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity)
Officiates the coronation and passing of the crown to Elsa. (Can come from Ensemble)
KING AGNARR (Male identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Baritone)
The warm-hearted ruler of Arendelle who is committed to protecting both his family and the townspeople. (Can come from Ensemble)
QUEEN IDUNA (Female identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Mezzo-Soprano)
The queen who possesses a sense of rightness and kindness that guides her in her protection of her two young girls. A daughter of the Northern Nomads, this queen can communicate with the Hidden Folk of the mountains and therefore understands Elsa's powers deeply. (Can come from the Ensemble)
OAKEN (Male identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity, Baritone)
An exceedingly cheerful and convivial wandering salesperson and ardent devotee to all things cozy and comfortable. Actor must be adept with humor. (Can come from Ensemble)
ENSEMBLE (All Genders and Ethnicities, Any Age, Any vocal range)
Seeking strong singers and dancers to play townspeople, hidden folk, snow dancers, and other various parts in the show. Tapping a plus.
Octagon Stage
Director: TBD
First rehearsal: December 30
Preview: January 28 & 29
Opening: January 30
Closing: February 15
Possible extension through February 22
SYNOPSIS:
On a chilly September morning in 1844, a young man from Bavaria steps onto a New York dock full of dreams and determination. Soon, he’s joined by his two brothers, and their journey takes them not to Wall Street, but first to Montgomery, Alabama — where the seeds of a financial empire are sown in the heart of the American South. From those humble beginnings, the Lehman brothers rise to unimaginable heights, building a firm that would shape — and later shake — the very foundation of global finance. 163 years later, their legacy collapses into bankruptcy, igniting the largest financial crisis in modern history. The Lehman Trilogy is a sweeping theatrical epic, tracing the rise and fall of a single immigrant family and the capitalist machine they helped create. It’s the story of ambition, identity, and the price of unchecked success — told through the lens of the American dream from Alabama to the world stage.
Henry Lehman – The eldest of the Lehman brothers. A German-Jewish immigrant from Bavaria and the first to arrive in America. The son of a cattle merchant, he is intelligent, driven, and deeply proud of the business he is building from the ground up. Practical and tenacious, Henry lays the foundation for what the Lehman enterprise will become. Doubles as: Philip Lehman, Pete Peterson, and others.
Emmanuel Lehman – The middle brother and second to immigrate from Bavaria. Fiery, passionate, and sharp-witted, Emmanuel brings ambition and bold ideas to the family venture. He frequently clashes with Henry over the direction of the business but ultimately pushes the firm into new territory, relocating it from the South to New York. A lover of luxury and refinement — his motto: “always more, always better.” Doubles as: Herbert Lehman, Lewis Glucksman, and others.
Mayer Lehman – The youngest brother and the last to arrive in America. Calm, thoughtful, and even-tempered, Mayer often acts as the peacemaker between his older siblings. He is warm, persuasive, and quietly ambitious, helping to guide the family's growing legacy with charm and care. Doubles as: Bobby Lehman and others.
Festival Stage
Director: Bruce Longworth
First rehearsal: February 17
Preview: March 19
Opening: March 20
Closing: April 5
SYNOPSIS:
The war is over, but the real battle is just beginning — between the sharp tongues and stubborn hearts of Beatrice and Benedick. Armed with wit as their weapon of choice, these two rivals spar with relentless charm, unaware that love is quietly taking aim. As friends plot to bring them together and secrets threaten to tear others apart, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing delivers a whirlwind of romance, deception, and laugh-out-loud mischief. A sparkling comedy where hearts are won, masks are dropped, and love triumphs — though not without a fight.
BEATRICE – (Female Identifying, 20s-40s, Any Ethnicity)
Witty, intelligent, fiercely independent. She masks vulnerability with sarcasm and brilliance. Her verbal sparring with Benedick hides a deep capacity for love. NOTE: Requires strong command of language and comedic timing.
BENEDICK – (Male Identifying, 20s-40s, Any Ethnicity)
Charming, clever, and proud. He swears never to marry but slowly reveals a tender heart beneath the bravado. His journey from cynicism to sincerity is central to the play. NOTE: Strong comedic skills and chemistry with Beatrice essential.
HERO – (Female Identifying, Late Teens-30s, Any Ethnicity)
Gentle, kind, and modest. Hero is deeply wronged and remains graceful in adversity. She has strength in her quietude.
CLAUDIO – (Male Identifying, 20s-30s, Any Ethnicity)
Young soldier, honorable but naive. Easily influenced, his love for Hero is genuine, but his rashness leads to heartbreak.
DON PEDRO – (Male Identifying, 30s-50s, Any Ethnicity)
A nobleman and soldier. Wise, respected, and generous, though occasionally blind to nuance. Enjoys matchmaking and mischief.
DON JOHN – (Male Identifying, 20s-40s, Any Ethnicity)
The villain. Bitter, resentful, and jealous. He sows discord with subtlety and calculated malice.
LEONATO – (Male Identifying, 40s-60s, Any Ethnicity)
Hero’s father and governor of Messina. Dignified and proud, but prone to outbursts. Has a deep sense of family honor.
DOGBERRY – (Male Identifying, Any Age, Any Ethnicity)
The bumbling constable. Overconfident, verbose, and hilarious. A master of malapropisms. Comic gold. NOTE: Requires physical comedy and strong character work.
VERGES / THE WATCH – (Any Gender, Any Age, Any Ethnicity)
Sidekick to Dogberry and members of the comically inept Watch. Great roles for character actors with physical comedy instincts.
MARGARET – (Female Identifying, 20s-40s, Any Ethnicity)
Hero’s witty and sharp-tongued waiting woman. Unwittingly caught in Don John’s scheme.
URSULA – (Female Identifying, Any Age, Any Ethnicity)
Another of Hero’s attendants. Loyal and warm. A confidante.
Octagon Stage
Director: Tiffany Nichole Greene
First rehearsal: March 31 or March 24
Preview: April 23
Opening: April 24
Closing: May 3
SYNOPSIS:
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan’s ReCON$truXion, commissioned by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for its New Southern Canon, plunges into the searing aftermath of the Civil War where the fight for a new America is anything but over. At the center stands Congressman John Lynch — a real-life trailblazer and one of the first Black men elected to the U.S. House of Representatives — who dares to challenge the broken promises of Reconstruction. As power shifts, alliances fray, and justice teeters on a razor’s edge, this bold new work exposes the brutal truths of a nation struggling to redefine itself. ReCON$truXion is not just a story of history — it’s a thunderous call to confront the past that shaped our present.
Octagon Stage
Director: Ron Himes
First rehearsal: May 12
Preview: June 4
Opening: June 5
Closing: June 21
SYNOPSIS:
Laughter and chaos collide as the Jenkins family gathers to lay their beloved patriarch to rest — only to have the service turn into a feast of family drama when a shocking revelation bursts into the room. As past wounds resurface and tempers flare, this uproarious Broadway comedy dares to ask: what happens when the truth shows up uninvited? With biting humor and a whole lot of heart, Chicken & Biscuits serves up a deliciously messy feast of Black joy, forgiveness, and the fierce love that holds us together — even when everything’s falling apart.
BANEATTA MABRY Black woman, late 40s to mid-50s. A dignified, devout Christian matriarch. Mother to Kenny and Simone, wife to Reginald. Baneatta is loving — sometimes to a fault — but rigid in her faith and traditional values. She means well, but often leads with judgment instead of grace. Balances emotional control with moments of vulnerability and humor.
REGINALD MABRY Black man, 50s. Baneatta’s loyal husband and the newly appointed pastor of their home church. A warm, affable peacekeeper with a steady presence and a knack for corny Dad jokes. The heart of the family, he radiates patience and love. Grounded with strong comedic warmth.
KENNY MABRY Black man, mid to late 20s. The youngest child of Baneatta and Reginald. Kenny is openly queer and confident — except around his mother, whose disapproval still deeply affects him. Sensitive, quick-witted, and deeply yearning to be seen and accepted. Possesses emotional depth, comedic timing, and nuance.
LOGAN LEIBOWITZ White man, mid to late 20s. Kenny’s high-strung, overly analytical Jewish boyfriend of four years. Full of nervous energy, Logan is eager to make a good impression and struggles to stay calm under pressure — often turning to his weed pen for comfort. Brings neurotic charm, sharp timing, and heart.
BEVERLY JENKINS Black woman, 40s–50s. Baneatta’s younger sister. Loud, lively, and always dressed to impress. The self-proclaimed “fun aunt” who’d rather party than parent. Beverly is brash, unapologetic, and the life of every room — until real feelings sneak through. Possesses big comedic energy with emotional grounding beneath the surface.
LA’ TRICE FRANKLIN Black female-identifying actor, age 16 (or able to play teen). Beverly’s daughter. Bold, nosy, and always in the middle of adults’ business. A Gen Z firecracker with a sharp tongue and no filter — but it’s all out of love.
SIMONE MABRY Black woman, 30s. Kenny’s older sister. Polished, poised, and Baneatta’s pride and joy. Simone appears put-together but is privately unraveling after a failed engagement. She's sharp, slightly shady, and fiercely guarded.
BRIANNA JENKINS Black woman, 40s–50s. The half-sister no one expected. Daughter of the deceased, born from an affair. Sweet, grounded, and emotionally open. She arrives at the funeral not to stir drama, but to find peace and connection.
Festival Stage
Director/Choreographer: Deidre Goodwin
Music Director: TBD
First rehearsal: June 23
Preview: July 16
Opening: July 17
Closing: August 16
SYNOPSIS:
Before she was Carole King, she was Carole Klein — just a Brooklyn girl with a piano, a dream, and a sound all her own. Beautiful tells the extraordinary true story of a young woman who transformed heartbreak into hit records and found her voice in the process. King wrote chart-toppers for music’s biggest stars and eventually became one herself. Her rise to fame is as powerful as the songs that defined a generation. Packed with over two dozen timeless hits — including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Natural Woman,” and more — this unforgettable musical celebration takes you from the songwriting rooms of the Brill Building to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Beautiful isn’t just the soundtrack of an era — it’s the story of a woman who changed music forever.
CAROLE KING (20s–30s) – Humble, brilliant, and emotionally open. Grows from shy songwriter to iconic solo artist. Plays piano. Mezzo with strong mix/belt.
GERRY GOFFIN (20s–30s) – Charismatic, passionate, and troubled. Carole’s lyricist and first husband. Bari-tenor.
CYNTHIA WEIL (20s–30s) – Stylish, sharp, and confident. Carole’s best friend and songwriting peer. Mezzo with belt.
BARRY MANN (20s–30s) – Goofy, lovable, and neurotic. Cynthia’s partner and future husband. Tenor with falsetto.
DON KIRSHNER (40s–50s) – Supportive music producer. Believes in talent and success. Baritone; minimal singing.
GENIE KLEIN (50s) – Carole’s tough but loving mother. Mezzo; minimal singing.
ENSEMBLE – Plays iconic groups (The Drifters, The Shirelles, etc.) and various roles. Strong singers/dancers with R&B, soul, and pop style.
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