Chicago Shakespeare Theater CAT and TYA 2024-25 Seasons - Chicago EPA
Chicago Shakespeare Theater | Chicago, IL
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (C)
Lunch 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CAT / TYA
$1057.75 weekly minimum (CAT Tier 6) $625 weekly minimum (TYA)
$375 weekly minimum (CAT - Tier 2 Outreach)
Equity actors for Chicago Shakespeare Theater's CAT and TYA 2024-25 Seasons (See breakdown).
All roles will be understudied.
As theater-makers, we are charged with engaging honestly and deeply in conversations about our humanity, and our inhumanity.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is deeply committed to welcoming artists, audience members, and staff of broadly diverse and intersectional identities, including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, ability, faith/belief tradition, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, socio economic background, and nationality. Acknowledging the entrenched structural inequities around race in the American theater, we are especially focused on addressing equity and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals within our IDEA efforts.
Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center
557 W Randolph St
1st Fl
Chicago, IL 60661
Artistic Director: Edward Hall
Expected to attend:
Casting Director: Bob Mason
Casting Associate: Alexis Taylor
See breakdown for production specific personnel.
See breakdown for production specific dates.
OTHER
https://www.chicagoshakes.com/
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided.
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.
FOR MUSICALS: Please prepare a short song that shows your dramatic and vocal range. Bring sheet music. FOR DRAMATIC:
Please prepare one classical piece (verse preferred) and one contemporary piece; or two contemporary pieces, or two classical pieces, not to exceed three minutes total. American accents, please. If auditioning for both MUSICALS and DRAMATIC: Please prepare a short song and one monologue, not to exceed three minutes total. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
While characters may be written on the binary, casting will be expanded to consider the entire range of the gender spectrum. Roles open to all races and ethnicities and abilities unless specifically noted.
by BARRY KORNHAUSER
DIRECTOR/ CHOREOGRAPHER: AMBER MAK
FIRST PREVIEW:06/18/2024
OPENS:06/22/2024
CLOSES:07/14/2024
LISA. Black/African-American. Female-identifying. Young girl who is between the ages of 8-10 years old (but played by an adult.) She desperately wants Corduroy. She will do anything to convince her mom to give her an advance on her allowance to be able to buy Corduroy so he can have a home and a friend. She is innocent. Sweet and having a hard time transitioning to a new school and making friends.
LISA’S MOM. Female-identifying. Black/African-American. 30s to early 40s. Maternal. Mom trying to manage life and a move. Wants to set boundaries with Lisa but also knows she is struggling to make friends in her new school.
NIGHT GUARD. Any gender. 20s to 40s. Overnight watch guard for the department store that Corduroy is in. Trying to solve the mystery of how everything is getting out of place and destroyed but only finding a stuffed bear everywhere they go. Takes their job incredibly serious. Has strong physical comedy and improvisation skills.
CLOWNS 1 AND 2. Any gender. Two kids (played by adults) who are reading the story and bring the story to life on stage as they literally create it all and adjust the scenery and props. Strong physical comedy skills, perhaps some dance, and clowning skills.
Director: Tyrone Phillips
Contract begins: 7/01/2024
First performance on Navy Pier: 7/20/2024
Performances throughout city begin: 7/23/2024
Closes: 8/28/2024
Abridged 8-person TWELFTH NIGHT that is a pop-up around the city.
Actors will play multiple roles. Any gender, race or ethnicity.
VIOLA. Adventurous young woman who disguises herself as a boy named Caesario and falls in love with Count Orsino
ORSINO. Count of Illyria, dramatically in love with Olivia.
OLIVIA. A countess in mourning for her brother's death but who is reawakened by the youth Caesario (Viola in disguise).
MALVOLIO. Olivia's puritanical steward who is secretly in love with Olivia and on whom the other members of the household ply a terrible trick.
SIR TOBY BELCH. Olivia's oft-drunken uncle.
SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK. An easily influenced young gentleman, also in love with Olivia, whom Sir Toby takes advantage of financially.
MARIA. A wickedly clever attendant in Olivia's household, in a relationship with Sir Toby.
SEBASTIAN. Viola's twin brother, thought drowned, who is constantly confused with being Caesario (Viola).
ANTONIO. A pirate wanted in Illyria, who forms a deep attachment to Sebastian.
Book and Lyrics by Shaun McKenna and and Matthew Warchus
Music By A.R. Rahman Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale
Director: Paul Hart
Music Director: Mark A Spinall
Choreographer: Anjali Mehrer
Contract begins: 06/03/2024
First preview: 07/19/2024
Opens: 07/26/2024
Closes: 09/01/2024
Regardless of their character description, creatures of Middle Earth can play anywhere along the gender spectrum and any race or ethnicity. AMERICAN ACCENTS, PLEASE. All actors must be able to move to simple choreography.
Frodo Baggins (Male-identifying, 20-35) Frodo is an earnest, inquisitive young Hobbit who finds himself faced with a quest that will test not only his bravery but his very sense of self, as he is wracked by the powers of the One Ring. Music: something simple and unaffected. High note: A4.
Samwise Gamgee (Male 20-35) SAM plays the guitar (it's strumming only). Sam is a warm, friendly, and stubbornly loyal Hobbit, he is fiercely protective of those he loves and quietly courageous in his determination to see Frodo to the end of his perilous journey - even as he longs to return to his sweetheart and his quiet life in The Shire. Music: something simple and unaffected. eg I'd Rather Be Sailing, Johanna. Tenor or high baritone. Honest, direct, unaffected tone. More folky than Musical Theater.
Gollum (Any Gender, 25-45) The creature known as Gollum was once a Hobbit before he was twisted and driven mad by the One Ring over hundreds of years. Gollum’s one desire is to be reunited with the Ring at any cost. He is manipulative, cunning and deeply conflicted, while still able to tug on the heartstrings of those he encounters. Highly experienced with movement and choreography, and is skilled in at least one instrument. Music: Baritone, and with a really characterful voice. It requires an extremely agile vocalist who can get creative around producing interesting sounds and vocal qualities for Gollum, and rapidly switching in and out of this for his song. Low note: C3; High note: F4; Falsetto to high C.
Strider/Aragorn (Male, 30-40 Years) Strider is the name given to the mysterious Ranger who traverses Middle Earth, protecting its people from rising evil. His true identity is Aragorn – the heir to the throne of Men. He is a quick-thinking and just leader, whose bravery and devotion to his people inspires all he encounters. Despite his claim to the throne, Aragorn initially doubts his ability to lead and fears failing those he is responsible for. Music: Musical Theater or folk song with drive that shows range (i.e. “Streets of Dublin”) Robust, manly baritone/high baritone. Not operatic. High note: G4.
Boromir (Male, 30-40 Years) Boromir is a valiant and hot-headed warrior, the son of the Steward of Gondor. He is headstrong, determined to a fault and tirelessly loyal to his people. Highly skilled in at least two instruments, and skilled in movement and choreography. Experience with puppetry is desirable but not essential. Music: Musical Theater or folk song with drive that shows range.
Gimli (Male, 25-40) Gimli could play guitar (picking and strumming) Gimli is a steadfast and fearless Dwarf, one of the last of the House of Durin, determined to prevent the decline of his people by destroying the Ring. He is deeply distrustful of Elves and is easily provoked into arguments with Elven prince Legolas, but Gimli’s softer side is brought out by the excitable young Hobbits and the beauty of Galadriel of Lothlorien. Highly skilled in at least one instrument and experienced in movement and choreography. MUSIC: Bass. Manly and noble. Low note: B2; High note: E4. If with contemporary sound, he would play guitar; with operatic sound, he would not.
Legolas (Male, 20-35) Legolas, the Elven prince of Mirkwood, is a quick-witted master archer and a valiant and loyal defender of the members of the Fellowship. He distrusts Dwarves and misses no opportunity to enrage Gimli on their journey to destroy the One Ring but ultimately overcomes his preconceptions in favor of friendship. Highly skilled in at least two instruments and experienced in movement and choreography. Music: Light, easy, but still somewhat manly tone, one befitting of an elf! High baritone or tenor. High note: Ab4.
Merry (Any Gender, 20-30 Years) Pippin or Merry plays the fiddle. Meriadoc Brandybuck is the inquisitive younger cousin of Frodo Baggins. Merry is enthusiastic, kind-hearted and intelligent, and spends most of his time reining in his more impulsive cousin Pippin. Highly skilled in at least one instrument, and skilled in movement and choreography. Experience with puppetry is desirable but not essential. Music: something simple and unaffected eg I'd Rather Be Sailing, Johanna Light, young tenor. High note: G4, with a brief A4 (can be cheesed!).
Pippin (Any Gender, 20-30 Years) Pippin or Merry plays the fiddle. Pippin is a mischievous and fun loving Hobbit. They are impulsive and an occasional troublemaker, but their heart is in the right place, and they remain courageous and fiercely loyal to the Fellowship throughout their journey. Highly skilled in at least two instruments, and skilled in movement and choreography. Experience with puppetry is desirable but not essential. Music: something characterful, i.e., Wait a Bit, Notice Me Horton Mezzo. Colourful, characterful, direct voice. High note: E5 if female (could be adjusted to D5 for the right person).
Gandalf (Male, 50-70 Years) Gandalf is an incredibly powerful Wizard, sent to Middle Earth to aid in the battle against the Dark Lord Sauron. He acts as a guide and protector for the members of The Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf possesses both tremendous gravitas, as in his clashes with the corrupt Wizard Saruman, and deep warmth, clear in his relationship with the young Hobbits.
Galadriel (Female, 25-35 Years) Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlórien, is one of the mightiest Elves in Middle Earth and over a thousand years old. Though her realm is untouched by the Dark Lord, Galadriel is grieved and resigned to the fact that the One Ring’s destruction will also signal the end of Lothlórien. She is benevolent and graceful, but those in her presence cannot forget her power and omniscience. Does not need to play an instrument. Music: Galadriel should bring something dramatic and fearsome - with a good belt. Excellent vocalist. Conveys wisdom and maturity in her voice. Dramatic belt/mix. Low note: A3; Belt/mix to D5; Soprano extension to G5 belt. Examples” Your Daddy's Son With One Look, No Good Deed, “My Heart Will Go On”.
Saruman/Elrond (Male, 35-50 Years) Saruman was once the head of the White Council of Wizards, but – power-hungry and blinded by ambition – he was seduced into serving the Dark Lord, Sauron, and is building an army of Orcs. He is wise, composed and immensely powerful. Elrond is an Elf, the Lord of Rivendell. He is benevolent, intelligent and resigned to the fact that the era of Elves is over, and he must move his people overseas. Music: a ballad with drive (i.e., “Streets of Dublin”).
Bilbo Baggins/The Steward of Gondor (Male, 50-60 Years) Bilbo should ideally play harmonica; this could be substituted for another folk instrument such as Low D whistle, fiddle or concertina. Bilbo is an elder Hobbit of the Shire, who is passing on his home and legacy to his nephew. He is wise and cheerful, if a little world-weary. Though his time for adventure has passed, he longs to help Frodo with his quest. The Steward - once a valiant leader of the Men of Gondor - has withered under a dark enchantment, grieving the loss of his son Boromir. Music: Theater or folk song, Plays harmonica and one other instrument.
Arwen (Female, 20-35 Years) A singer/ harpist is ideal. Arwen is the half-Elven daughter of Elrond, Lord of Rivendell. She is wise, courageous and has the grace and gravitas of someone over two thousand years old. Her deep love for Aragorn (a human) leaves her torn between the Elves and the world of Men. Music: Arwen should bring something folky and unusual such as Both Sides Now, Hallelujah, or their own cover of something that they might do for an open mic night somewhere smoky. They should then contrast it with something belty but modern, i.e., Someone Else's Story. In general, a lighter sound than Galadriel. For this role, it could be interesting to explore unusual vocal tones. Her sound is otherworldly, heavenly, dreamlike. Belt/mix to D4.
Rosie Cotton (Female, 20-30 Years) Rosie Cotton is a Hobbit who stays behind in The Shire during the quest to destroy The Ring. She is warm and funny, while still making sure that her sweetheart, Samwise Gamgee, knows who is in charge. Highly skilled in at least two instruments and skilled in movement and choreography. Experience with puppetry is desirable but not essential. Should sing something fun and characterful.
ENSEMBLE (any gender, all vocal types) Music: Something that shows character and energy—you are hobbits telling the story, so let your hobbit’s personality come through. Seeking all ranges. Ensemble must move well. Highly skilled in at least one instrument, and skilled in movement and choreography. Experience with puppetry is desirable but not essential.
Director: Edward Hall
Contract begins: 07/29/2024
First preview 09/06/2024
Opens: 09/16/2024
Closes:10/06/2024
Also seeking adult understudies for all roles of all races, ethnicities and any gender. Please note all roles but Henry include Ensemble, who also serve as The Chorus.
HENRY V, Male-identifying, 20s, Street-wise prince who grows into a warrior-leader.
FLUELLYN/ GRAY, 30s to 50s. Female (F) or non-binary (NB).
FLUELLYN is a passionate and loyal soldier with a thick Welsh accent. GRAY is a comrade turned traitor.
PISTOL/BURGUNDY (
EXETER (
KATE/YOUNG LAD (
KATE. a royal French woman who becomes the Queen Of England. Independent, feisty, witty, and with little English.
YOUNG LAD, Son of the King of France. Headstrong and over-confident.
MOUNTJOY/LORD SCROOP (
DAUPHIN/ELY/NELL. Female (F) or non-binary (NB). Late 20s to 30s. DAUPHIN, Son of the King of France. Head-strong and over confident. ELY. A bishop whose first alliance is to the church and its coffers, not to Henry, NELL. aka Mistress Quickly, A friend of Falstaff's. Pistol's wife.
KING OF FRANCE/ ERPINGHAM/ YORK (
CANTERBURY/BATES/GOV OF HARFLEUR, Female or NB, or Actor of Color. Bishop of Canterbury is a political creature looking to take advantage of what he assumes to be Henry's lack of experience. Bates is a ground soldier distrustful of this young king. Governor of Harfleur, goes eye to eye with Henry when his city is under siege.
WESTMORELAND/LE FER/ALICE (
NYM/WILLIAMS/SALISBURY (
Director: EDWARD HALL
Contract begins: 01/07/2025
First rehearsal: 02/04/2025
Opens: 02/08/2025
Closes: 03/08/2025
Actors of any gender, all races, ethnicities and abilities are encouraged to audition.
THESEUS/OBERON. Male or Non-Binary. 30s, THESEUS is ruler of Athens. OBERON is the jealous fairy King.
HIPPOLYTA/ TITANIA. Female or Non-Binary. 30s
HELENA, HERMIA, DEMETRIUS, LYSANDER. Any gender, 20s. Four young lovers who run away into the Forest. Energy and comic ability.
EGEUS. 40s to 50s. Hermia's stern father who forbids her from marrying Lysander. Doubles as a mechanical.
PUCK. Any gender. 20s to 30s. A mischievous sprite who serves Oberon. Agility.
BOTTOM. 20s to 40s. A rude mechanical who sees himself (mistakenly) as knowledgeable about all things theatrical. Comic sense.
QUINCE, SNUG THE JOINER, STOUT THE TINKER, FLUTE THE BELLOWS MENDER, STARVELING THE TAILOR. 20s to 40s. Hard-handed men of Athens putting on a VERY amateur entertainment for the King's nuptials. May double as fairies of the forest.
Music and Lyrics by Ray Davies
Book by Joe Penhall
Director: EDWARD HALL
Contract begins: 02/10/2025
First preview: 03/21/2025
Opens:03/28/2025
Closes:04/27/2025
Seeking all roles and understudies. Note the members of the band will be playing live and must be excellent musicians. Seeking all races and ethnicities unless specifically noted.
RAY DAVIES. M. White. 20s to 30s The lead singer of The Kinks. The more intense of the two brothers, Complex. personality. Plays acoustic and electric guitar and has a great singing voice with tenor notes. North London accent.
DAVE DAVIES. M. White. 20s to 30s. Lead guitarist. Ray's younger brother. Flamboyant personality. The rock star. Likes girls, booze, drugs. Has a very strong tenor voice and be able to play acoustic and electric guitar to a very high standard. North London accent.
MICK AVORY. M White. 20s to 30s. Drummer of The Kinks. Dry sense of humor. Plays to a very high standard. North London accent.
PETE QUAIFE. M. White. 20s to 30s. Bassist of THE KINKS. Plays electric bass to a very high standard. North London accent.
DAVIES/ALLEN KLEIN. M. 30s to 50s. Mr. Davies (Ray and Dave's father, North London accent) and Allen Klein (American record label executive and music manager). Also Doubles as ensemble roles (Priest, Limo Driver, etc.) Sings and can play electric bass to a high standard. Any piano skills are a plus but can be taught the melodica.
LARRY PAGE. M. (30s to 40s) Sings. He is the Manager of The Kinks. A wheeler dealer, North London accent. Doubles as smaller roles. No instrument skills required.
EDDIE KASSNER. M. (20s to 30s) Austrian born with Austrian accent. Music Publisher for The Kinks. Doubles as smaller cameo roles. Good singing voice. Plays drums to a high standard and has good natural skill on basic percussion (tambourine, congas, etc.) Also has the ability to play acoustic guitar to a reasonable standard.
ROBERT WACE. M. (20s to 30s). (One of The Kinks Managers) Middle class. A stockbroker. First a singer of The Ravens who then becomes The Kinks Manager. Doubles as other smaller roles. Able to play trombone/clarinet/trumpet (or any other similar instrument if possible) and has a great singing voice.
GRENVILLE COLLINS. M. (The second of The Kinks Managers) Middle class. Doubles as other smaller roles. Plays trombone/clarinet/trumpet (or any other similar instrument if possible) and has a great singing voice.
RASA. F. (20s TO 30s) (Ray Davies wife) Doubles as other smaller characters. Has a great singing voice and be able to play the acoustic guitar and banjo to a good standard. Movement skills needed.
GREGORY PIVEN/ TAILOR (Black/mixed race) PIVEN: The American Musicians Union Rep.
TAILOR: The London tailor The Kinks go to for their new suits. Flamboyant personality. Doubles as smaller cameo roles. Has a good gospel/rock voice. Ability to play percussion useful but this will be taught.
MRS DAVIES/MARSHA F. WHITE (30s to 50s) Sings.
MRS. DAVIES (Ray & Dave’s Mother, North London accent).
MARSHA (Allen Klein’s secretary, New York accent) and Doubles as other smaller roles. Has a great singing voice and is able to play percussion (a bonus).
GWEN/ PEGGY/ JOYCE (20s TO 30s) Strong dancers for the three named Davies sisters. Doubles as the TOTP dancers, fans, air stewardesses and other smaller characters. Have great singing voices. Dance must be extremely strong. Any guitar skill is useful.
By Lolita Chakrabarti
Contract begins:04/01/2025
First preview: 04/29/2025
Opens: 05/03/2025
Closes: 05/29/2025
Description: a play about male friendship; a love between two men that is not physical or romantic, but subtle, complicated and often uncertain. The power balances are complex and shifting. There is a layer of music throughout.
BENNY. 50. Black. A Chicagoan. At first a jittery drinker with a blue streak. With both men there are many layers. Able to sing but does not have to be polished. Music beneath the songs is created by the actors, though not necessarily with instruments.
GIL. 50. Black. A Chicagoan. Religious. Of a higher class than Benny. At first a bit condescending. With both men there are many layers. Able to sing but does not have to be polished. Music beneath the songs is created by the actors, though not necessarily with instruments.
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