BREEZE - Marilyn Monroe Theater Non Equity Auditions

AUGUST HALE — LEAD

Gender: Male

Playing Age: 21–35

Ethnicity: All ethnicities encouraged to submit

Vocal Requirements: Must be comfortable singing

Role Type: Lead, emotionally and comedically driven

August Hale is a singer who died in 1962 and has haunted the same house ever since.

Warm, intelligent, gentle, and quietly funny, August has a natural charm that makes him immediately lovable. He's observant, a little awkward at times, and often uses humor to navigate situations that leave him vulnerable.

There is a loneliness beneath his warmth. Having spent decades unable to move forward, August has become very good at making the best of a life that isn't really moving at all.

When Owen enters his world, August finds himself experiencing connection, affection, and the possibility of being truly understood in ways he never expected.

PERFORMANCE NOTE:

Please do not play August as a caricature of the 1950s or early 1960s.

His period background may inform his manners, circumstances, and understanding of the world, but he should feel like a real person rather than a heightened old-timey character.

We're looking for an actor who can make August genuinely funny, warm, a little awkward, and deeply human without forcing any of those qualities.

The strongest performance will balance:

Natural comedic timing and a willingness to explore physical comedy

Emotional honesty and vulnerability

Subtlety, restraint, and strong listening

A naturally charming and lovable presence

Comfort with musical storytelling and intimate singing

August should never feel naïve, overly sentimental, or theatrical simply because he comes from another era.

SINGING:

August sings an original song, Let Me Have the Breeze, as part of the production.

We are not looking for a traditional musical-theatre belt or an overly polished vocal performance. The priority is an actor who can communicate meaning through a song with emotional honesty and musical sensitivity.

Strong acting instincts and truthful storytelling are more important than vocal showmanship.

CONTENT INFORMATION:

The play explores queer romantic feelings, grief, emotional intimacy, and loss. There is no required kissing, sexual contact, nudity, or simulated sexual activity for August.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Audition Format: Self-tape submissions

Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026

Callbacks: By invitation, with scheduling coordinated individually

Audition Materials:

August Hale audition sides

A short scene featuring August and Owen

Singing material from Let Me Have the Breeze, including musical references

Please submit:

Headshot and acting résumé

A self-tape performing the provided August sides, preferably with a reader

A singing reel or brief vocal sample, strongly encouraged

Your general availability and any known scheduling conflicts

REHEARSAL FLEXIBILITY:

We understand actors have other professional and personal commitments. Rehearsal dates and times will be arranged in collaboration with the selected actor. Our goal is to build a schedule that works for the cast while allowing sufficient preparation for the production.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Email: shakeilkanish@gmail.com

Subject: BREEZE — August Hale Audition — [Your Name]

Please include your headshot, résumé, and audition materials or accessible video links.

Deadline: October 31, 2026

We welcome submissions from performers of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Actors with strong comedic and dramatic instincts, musical ability, and an interest in intimate, character-driven theatre are especially encouraged to audition.

BREEZE — A new play by Shak Kanish.