Timber Lake Playhouse 2026 Season Equity Principal Actors - Timber Lake Playhouse Auditions

AUDITION DATE

LOCATION

Thursday, February 5, 2026
Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (C)
557 W Randolph St, 1st Fl
BREAK: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Chicago, IL 60661

CONTRACT

PERSONNEL

SPT – $697 weekly minimum (SPT 7). See breakdown for production-specific personnel.

SEEKING

Expected to attend: Equity actors for roles in Timber Lake Playhouse's 2026 Season (see breakdown).

Tommy Ranieri – Artistic Director
Matthew W. Surico – Music Director

PREPARATION

Please prepare a short song that both reflects the season’s programming and brings you joy. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together. If interested in solely Constellations, please prepare a brief contemporary monologue.

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.

OTHER

www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

BREAKDOWN

GODSPELL

Book by John Michael Tebelak
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Conceived and Originally Directed by John Michael Tebelak
Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew

DATES:

First Rehearsal - May 12th
Opening - May 29th
Closing - June 7th

SEEKING:

Jesus. 20s. A charismatic, energetic individual. A natural leader. Strong movement and singing. A high voice, strong up to G5.

John the Baptist/Judas. 20s. Perhaps the most serious of the group, but still has great skills with comedy and movement. Incredibly strong singer. Sings “Prepare Ye”, “All for the Best”, and “On the Willows.” Baritenor.

Performer 1. 20s. Sings “We Beseech Thee”. Strong singer, with a strong falsetto/head voice up to a high D6.

Performer 2. 20s. Sings “All Good Gifts”. Sings with control and brightness up to an A5. Tenor/soprano.

Performer 3. 20s. Has sharp comedic skills. They have solos in songs, but do not need to be as strong a singer.

Performer 4. 20s. Sings “Day by Day”. A strong voice, but not necessarily a high voice.

Performer 5. 20s. Sings “Oh Bless the Lord my Soul”. Does not require a high belt, but sings an A5 with power.

Performer 6. 20s. Sings “By My Side”. The shyest of the group to start, slowly warms up through the show.

Performer 7. 20s. Sings “Turn Back, O Man”. A low voice, all the way down to a low G3 (or even D3). Seductive, silly, and slightly rebellious.

Performer 8. 20s. Sings “Learn Your Lessons Well”. A lower, beltier voice, down to a G3.

LES MISÉRABLES

Book by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer

DATES:

First Rehearsal - May 26th
Opening - June 12th
Closing - June 28th

SEEKING:

Jean Valjean. 30s–40s. A poor peasant who rises to affluence, he has great natural nobility and dignity. A powerful figure, with a character of operatic size and passion. (Range: G#2–B4)

Javert. 30s–40s. Must have a natural gravitas with ability to be expressive and dynamic. The ultimate ‘law and order’ figure. Obsessed, to the point of irrationality, with a rigid and merciless moral code. (Range: F2–F#4)

The Bishop Of Digne. 60s. A religious man who, despite Valjean’s theft of his valuable possessions, sees past the convict and allows him to move on with his new life. (Range: A2–E4)

Fantine. 20s. Poor but beautiful and elegant factory girl, struggling to support her fatherless daughter. Earthy and poignant. She should appear to be strong and a survivor. (Range: F3–Eb5)

Marius. 20s. Member of the revolutionary student movement. The goofy boy next door who is constantly thrust into relevance. (Range: A2–Ab4)

Enjolras. 20s. Charismatic political figure and leader of the revolution. (Range: A2–G4)

Thenardier. 30s–40s. Strong comic role. A crooked innkeeper and later petty, amoral thief. Greedy, irreverent, selfish, boorish, and vulgar. (Range: C2–G4)

Eponine. 20s. Daughter of the Thenardiers but in no way behaves like them. Fired by an unrequited love for Marius. Gamine. Hasn’t learned to disguise her emotions; wears her heart on her sleeve. (Range: F4–E5)

Cosette. 20s. Light, young ‘floating’ sound, without heavy vibrato. Fantine’s daughter who is delicate, elegant, and vulnerable. (Range: Bb3–C6)

Madame Thenardier. 30s–40s. Tough, sharp, coarse, boorish, vulgar. Strong character comedienne role. (Range: C2–G4)

The friends of the ABC. 20s. An anti-monarchist insurrection group of Parisian republican students: Combeferre, Grantaire, Courfeyrac, Lesgles, Prouvaire, Feuilly, Joly.

ENSEMBLE. 20s. Factory workers, turning soloists, lovely ladies, etc. The heartbeat of the revolution and women who were the backbone of the working class and underbelly of nineteenth-century France. They carry grit, resilience, and raw humanity. Strong singers and storytellers who bring vocal energy, physical specificity, and emotional depth to the world of the show.

CABARET

Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb

DATES:

First Rehearsal - June 16th
Opening - July 3rd
Closing - July 12th

NOTE: Actor/instrumentalists who are proficient in Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Violin, Cello, Harp, Trombone, Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Accordion, Clarinet, Clarinet in A, Trumpet, Bass (Upright) are encouraged to audition.

SEEKING:

Emcee. 20s–30s. Host of the Kit Kat Club. A gender nonconforming-presenting, exuberant figure. Comfortable with being close to the audience. Dark, comedic, sinister, and vulgar yet lovable. Possesses a strong presence that is playful and mysterious. (Range: C3–G4)

Sally Bowles. 20s–30s. A British cabaret singer at the Kit Kat Club. Quirky and flighty. Struggles with knowing the darkness of the reality of her life and has woeful luck in her relationships with men. Sings and dances well; comfortable with moments of intimacy and bawdy/suggestive staging/choreography. (Range: E3–C5)

Clifford Bradshaw. 20s–30s. An American novelist and English teacher traveling to Berlin. Through his journey he explores many facets of his sexuality, politics, and artistic goals. (Range: C#3–E4)

Ernst Ludwig. 30s. A friendly and likable German, takes English lessons from Cliff, and smuggles funds for the Nazi party. (Range: D3–F#4)

Fraulein Kost. 20s–40s. A larger-than-life personality, quick-witted and sharp-tongued; exhibits a strong sexual and commanding nature; moves well and sings in German. (Range: F#3–Eb5)

Fraulein Schneider. 40s–60s. She is alone and resigned to her place in life, but secretly longs for companionship. Very comfortable with stage movement and light dance. (Range: Eb3–B4)

Herr Schultz. Late 40s–60s. A Jewish fruit shop owner who falls in love with Fraulein Schneider; sweet and lovable with an adoring nature, heartbreakingly naïve about the political turmoil rising around him. Sings well and is comfortable with stage movement and light dance such as waltz, and moments of intimacy. (Range: C3–G4)

Kit Kat Ensemble. 20s. A dynamic group of Kit Kat Girls and Kit Kat Boys. Strong singer-dancers comfortable with intimate or suggestive movement and direct audience interaction. Non-speaking roles still sing.

Kit Kat Girls. 20s. Rosie, Lulu, Frenchie (doubles as Gorilla), Texas, Fritzie, Helga.

Kit Kat Boys. 20s. Bobby, Victor, Hans (also plays Rudy), Herman (doubles as Customs Official and Max).

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

DATES:

First Rehearsal - June 30th
Opening - July 17th
Closing - August 2nd

SEEKING:

Shrek. 30s–40s. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. (Range: A2–G#4)

Fiona. 30s–40s. The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented. (Range: F3–G6)

Donkey. 20s–30s. Quite the chatterbox, not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but optimistic with heart. (Range: C3–B4)

Farquaad. 30s–40s. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel. (Range: B2–D5)

Pinocchio. 20s–30s. The leader of the fairytale creatures. An animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. (Range: E3–F#4)

Dragon/Fairy Godmother. 20s–40s. A powerful dragon tasked with guarding Fiona in her isolated castle. Also appears in the storybook world as a sparkling, over-the-top Fairy Godmother, adding magic and comedy. (Range: F3–Eb5)

Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy. 20s–40s. A gingerbread man whose quick wit and stubborn spirit help rally the fairytale creatures. Also appears as the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Range: B3–C#5)

Elf. 20s–40s. One of the fairytale creatures, energetic and mischievous.

Stix, Brix & Straw. 20s–40s. The Three Little Pigs, anxious and funny with a distinct German flair.

Ugly Duckling. 20s–40s. A shy and self-conscious fairytale creature who longs to belong.

Big Bad Wolf. 20s–40s. A tough fairytale creature who proudly lounges in Granny’s clothes, more world-weary than truly scary, with dry comedic timing and surprising loyalty. (Range: E3–F#4)

Peter Pan. 20s–40s. A spirited fairytale creature with eternal kid energy, cheeky, bold, and refuses to grow up.

Wicked Witch. 20s–40s. A bold, comedic fairytale creature with a sharp tongue and colorful, campy personality. (Range: Bb3–Bb4)

Mama Bear/Mama Ogre. 20s–40s. Warm, protective, and no-nonsense. Appears as Mama Ogre and later as Mama Bear. (Range: F#3–B4)

Papa Bear/Papa Ogre. 20s–40s. Gruff yet loving. Appears as Papa Ogre and later as Papa Bear. (Range: E3–E4)

HANDS ON A HARDBODY

Book by Doug Wright
Lyrics by Amanda Green
Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green

DATES:

First Rehearsal - July 21st
Opening - August 7th
Closing - August 16th

SEEKING:

JD Drew. 60s. A “good old boy” with pomaded gray hair and a high wattage grin. (Range: G2–D4)

Kelli Mangrum. 20s. A pretty brunette with steel ambition. (Range: A3–E5)

Benny Perkins. 40s. Lanky frame, weather-beaten face, ingratiating grin and lots of homespun philosophy. (Range: C#3–G#4)

Greg Wilhote. 20s. A freckled white kid in a baseball cap. (Range: D3–B4)

Chris Alvaro. 20s. Well-built under his hoodie, a pair of aviator glasses conceal his eyes. (Range: Ab2–Ab4)

Ronald McCowan. 30s. A good-natured African American man with a slight Louisiana accent. (Range: F3–B4)

Heather Stovall. 20s. A flirtatious blonde restaurant hostess. (Range: A3–D#5)

Virginia Drew. 50s. A one-time beauty settling into middle-age. (Range: G3–C5)

Mike Ferris. 30s. Boyishly handsome, wears a cheap tie with a Nascar clip. (Range: Eb3–Bb4)

Cindy Barnes. 30s. Former Miss Gregg County, still fond of pageant hair and pastels.

Jesus Pena. 20s. A driven kid from Mexico. (Range: E3–B4)

Norma Valverde. 30s. A stout Latina woman in tennis shoes and a floral applique t-shirt. (Range: D3–G5)

Janis Curtis. 60s. A tough old bird with sunburnished skin and missing teeth. (Range: D3–Bb4)

Frank Nugent. 50s. Disc jockey, a diehard good ole boy dressed in a Stetson. (Range: Eb3–Gb4)

Don Curtis. Mid 60s. Wears a cardboard sign on his head that reads “I LOVE YOU JANIS, GO BABY GO!” A baritone with a grounded, character-driven presence. (Range: A2–Bb3)

THE ANDY BRO SHOW: NEW WORKS COMMISSION

Working Title “The Mermaids”
Book, Lyrics, and Music written by Billy Recce

DATES:

First Rehearsal - August 4th
Opening - August 21st
Closing - August 30th

SEEKING:

Mikayla / Arista. The pod’s de facto leader. 20s–30s. Driven, exacting, and fiercely type A. Works as the pool attendant at Prairie Springs Estates. Her mersona, Arista, is everything Mikayla longs to be: regal, in control, and unbreakable.

Maya / Coralbird. Mikayla’s best friend and roommate. 20s–30s. A gentle Type-B spirit and conflict-avoidant first-grade TA. Craves peace and escape that mermaiding provides. Meeting Bryan at the aquarium upends her priorities.

Will / Dorsea / Blessence Bluebell. The pod’s lone merman. 20s–30s. A witty, insecure barista couch-surfing since estrangement from his religious family. A lifelong aspiring drag queen who yearns to debut his mersona, Blessence Bluebell, at MerCon.

Bryan. Aquarium dolphin trainer. 20s–30s. Works two hours away at the nearest aquarium. Bursts into Maya’s life with encyclopedic marine knowledge and a warm, grounding presence.

Arianne. Mermaid celebrity. 20s–30s. A former Prairie Springs pod member turned full-time mermaid at the state aquarium. Glamorous, ambitious, and thriving—hosting this year’s MerCon.

Murphy / Emeralida. The pod’s patron princess. 20s–30s. Heiress to a small empire of Dairy Queen franchises. Deeply lonely but optimistic; her mersona Emeralida is her joy and purpose.

Thani. Newcomer. 20s–30s. Fresh from Florida and hungry for community. Juggling graduate school, single motherhood to a 1st grader, and a secret OnlyFans career. Joins the pod hoping for a judgment-free escape.

Amarantha. The mersona of Mikayla’s dead sister—seen only by Mikayla. 20s–30s. The shimmering, impossible presence of Mikayla’s sister Lauren, who drowned in childhood. Appears only to Mikayla, guiding her with tenderness that veers dangerously close to seduction.

CONSTELLATIONS

Written by Nick Payne

DATES:

First Rehearsal - August 21st
Opening - September 5th
Closing - September 13th

SEEKING:

Marianne. 20s–30s. Marianne is a theoretical physicist, fascinated by multiverse theories. Passionate, driven, fiercely intelligent, and with comedic chops. Fact-driven and slow to open up emotionally; prefers intellect over romance.

Roland. 20s–30s. A charming, laid-back beekeeper; warm and open, with a good sense of humor. More emotionally available than Marianne, kind and understanding, bringing out Marianne’s romantic side.