Black Ensemble Theater 2026-27 Season Equity Principal Actors - Black Ensemble Theater Auditions

AUDITION DATE

LOCATION

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Black Ensemble Theatre
4450 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (C)

Break: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

PERSONNEL

See breakdown for production-specific contract personnel.

CAT

$718 weekly minimum (tier 4)

EXPECTED TO ATTEND

• Jackie Taylor - Founder & CEO
• Daryl Brooks - Producing Managing Director
• Caren Blackmore - Casting Liaison
• Accompanist - TBA

Note: Due to a scheduled system upgrade, signups for this audition will start one day earlier than usual, and will end three days earlier than usual. You may not be able to cancel signups/appointments via Casting Call in the days leading up to your audition.

OTHER DATES

See breakdown for production-specific dates.

OTHER

Equity actors for roles in Black Ensemble Theater's 2026–27 Season (see breakdown).
www.blackensemble.org

All roles will be understudied. EPA procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity monitor will be provided.

PREPARATION

Brief selection of any soul song (Gospel, Blues, R&B, Pop, Motown). Please also prepare a 1-minute contemporary monologue. Please bring your headshot and resume stapled together. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

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.

BREAKDOWN

Muddy Waters (The Hoochie Coochie Man)

Historical celebration of one of the Blues’ greatest.

Written by Jackie Taylor
Directed by Daryl Brooks

First rehearsal: May 11
Tech begins: June 2
Previews: June 6, 7, 12, 13
Open: June 14
Close: July 26

SEEKING

• Muddy Waters - 30s–40s, sings
• Howlin’ Wolf - 20s–40s, sings
• Koko Taylor - 20s–40s, sings
• Ensemble - male/female 20s–50s, sings and moves well

You Can’t Fake The Funk (A Journey Through Funk Music)

A flashback journey with Dr. Funk to honor some of the most memorable music in funk.

Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks

First rehearsal: August 11
Tech begins: Sept. 8
Previews: Sept. 5, 6, 11, 12
Open: Sept. 13
Close: Oct. 25

SEEKING

• Ensemble - male/female 20s–50s, must sing and move well to play various roles (Dr. Funk, EWF, Chaka Khan, Gap Band, Rick James, Isaac Hayes)

The Other Cinderella

Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmama works at the Post Office, the Brothers are from the Hood, and the Fairy GodMomma hails from Jamaica! At the helm of the Kingdom of Other is the King and the Queen and everybody – even Dorothy – has soul.

Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor

First rehearsal: November 3
Tech begins: Dec. 8
Previews: Dec. 12, 13, 18, 19
Open: Dec. 20
Close: Jan. 24

SEEKING

• King - mid 30s–50s, sings
• Queen - mid 30s–50s, sings
• Cinderella - 20s, sings and moves well
• StepMama - mid 30s–50s, sings
• Dorothy - 20s, sings
• Prince - 20s, sings and moves well
• Fairy GodMomma - 30s–50s, sings
• Ensemble - male/female 20s–50s, sing and move well to play various roles