HALFWAY BITCHES GO STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN – MFA DIRECTING SCENE - Brooklyn College, MFA Directing Program Non Equity Auditions

CASTING CALL | HALFWAY BITCHES GO STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN

By Stephen Adly Guirgis

Directed by Samali Tenzira Nangalama

Brooklyn College | MFA Directing Program

Directing I | Professor Meghan Finn

Seeking seven actors for a classroom scene presentation of Stephen Adly Guirgis's Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven, presented as part of Directing I, taught by acclaimed theater director and educator Meghan Finn, at Brooklyn College.

Set within a women's residential community in New York City, this darkly comic and deeply human play explores survival, identity, belonging, and the complicated relationships that develop among people living in close quarters.

The selected excerpt from Act One, Scene One, Talent Night, moves between raucous comedy, interpersonal confrontation, and unexpected vulnerability.

I am particularly interested in performers with strong instincts for psychological realism, sharp comedic timing, active listening, and collaborative ensemble work.

CASTING BREAKDOWN

SARGE | Woman, 35–60

Masculine-presenting, commanding, charismatic, and fiercely opinionated. A formidable presence whose bravado, volatility, and cruelty coexist with profound vulnerability. Seeking an actor with strong physical presence, exceptional comic instincts, and emotional depth.

VENUS RAMIREZ | Transgender Woman, 25–50

Sharp-witted, theatrical, intelligent, and unapologetically herself. Venus fiercely defends her dignity and her right to belong within the community. Seeking a transgender woman performer with strong comedic and dramatic instincts.

BELLA | Woman, 30–55

Grounded, perceptive, and emotionally complex. Caught between affection, loyalty, and conscience. Requires an actor with strong listening skills and the ability to communicate nuanced emotional shifts.

MR. MOBO | Man, 40–70

The residence administrator and increasingly overwhelmed master of ceremonies. Earnest, authoritative, and frequently unintentionally hilarious. Strong comic timing and grounded character work essential.

LITTLE MELBA DIAZ | Woman, 18–30

Sensitive, introspective, and initially reluctant to command attention. Her poetry provides an intimate moment of vulnerability amid the community's chaos. Strong storytelling instincts and comfort with spoken word desired.

QUEEN SUGAR | Woman, 30–60

Bold, outspoken, quick-witted, and socially commanding. A vibrant personality with a sharp sense of humor and strong loyalties.

MUNCHIES | Adult Woman

Irreverent, outspoken, observant, and wonderfully unpredictable. Strong comedic instincts and ensemble awareness desired.

All playing ages are flexible.

PROJECT DETAILS

Rehearsal Dates: Monday, October 19 – Thursday, October 22, 2026. Specific rehearsal calls will be coordinated according to actor availability.

CLASS PRESENTATION: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026, BETWEEN 11:00 AM AND 1:00 PM, depending upon actor availability

Actors must be fully available during the 11:00 AM–1:00 PM class period on Friday, October 23. This availability is required for casting consideration.

Location: Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY

Course: Directing I, taught by Professor Meghan Finn

Project Type: Educational MFA classroom scene presentation.

Compensation:Unpaid. Snacks and hydration will be provided during rehearsals.

This is an educational collaboration developed as part of the MFA Directing program at Brooklyn College. The scene will be presented in a classroom environment for instructional exploration and feedback, rather than as a public or commercial production.

The project offers performers an opportunity to investigate Stephen Adly Guirgis's work through an intensive, collaborative rehearsal process focused on psychological realism, detailed character development, ensemble dynamics, and truthful human behavior.

VIDEO AUDITION SUBMISSIONS

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026, at 9AM

Email submissions to: snangalama@gmail.com

Required Email Subject Line:

HALFWAY BITCHES – ROLE – YOUR FULL NAME
Please include:

1. Full name and role(s) of interest.
2. Headshot and résumé or brief performance biography.
3. A 60–90-second self-tape of a contemporary dramatic or comedic monologue, or an existing performance reel.
4. Your rehearsal availability between October 19 and October 22.
5. Confirmation that you are fully available Friday, October 23, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the in-class presentation.
6. Preferred contact number.

Self-tapes recorded on a phone are welcome. Professional lighting, editing, and production equipment are not required.

Actors may submit for multiple roles.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeking curious, generous, committed performers interested in complex characters, emotionally rigorous acting, and ensemble storytelling.

Actors of diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to submit. All performers must be at least 18 years old.

**Content Advisory:** The selected material contains explicit language, transphobic slurs, and intense verbal confrontation. The rehearsal process will prioritize clear boundaries, mutual respect, and thoughtful collaboration.

Due to the short rehearsal period, priority will be given to performers with strong availability throughout the week and the ability to commit to the full Friday class period.

I look forward to working with a dynamic ensemble on this extraordinary piece of contemporary American theater.