THE THANKSGIVING PLAY - Sewanee | The University of the South Non Equity Auditions

Perspectives in Performance

at Sewanee | The University of the South

presents The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fasthorse (Sicangu Lakota)

directed by Sierra Rosetta (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe)

Performances November 5-7, 2026

Seeking non-AEA actors for all characters in The Thanksgiving Play. Must be present for all rehearsals and performances. Actor fee: $1800 stipend.

Use this form to submit a self-tape by midnight, August 2nd.

Synopsis: The Thanksgiving Play is a sharp satirical comedy by MacArthur Genius Fellow, Larissa FastHorse. When school teacher Logan is tasked with creating a culturally sensitive Thanksgiving pageant, she assembles a team of well-meaning collaborators: her yoga-enthusiast boyfriend Jaxton, fellow teacher and aspiring playwright Caden, and Alicia, an actress newly arrived from Los Angeles. As the group struggles to create the perfect production without offending anyone, their efforts spiral into increasingly hilarious (and painfully recognizable) disaster. Through biting humor, FastHorse exposes the contradictions of performative allyship, liberal guilt, and the ways American institutions continue to misunderstand and erase Native voices.

No prior knowledge of Indigenous history or theatre is required. Instead, curiosity and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with the material is essential.

Note from the director: As an Ojibwe director, I approach The Thanksgiving Play as both a comedy and an invitation to meaningful reflection. While the play satirizes performative wokeness and misconceptions about Native peoples, our rehearsal process will emphasize curiosity, collaboration, and historical context. I aim to create an environment where artists can engage openly with the play's themes while honoring the histories that inspired FastHorse's work. Laughter is central to this play, but so is the opportunity to examine how good intentions can perpetuate harm, and how we can move toward more thoughtful collaboration in our artistic and professional lives.

Character Lists (from the script):

Logan - Female, Caucasian looking, the high school drama teacher that's always pushing the envelope in potentially inappropriate ways. Earnest about theatre and proving herself.

Jaxton - Male, Caucasian looking, yoga practitioner/actor. Politically correct to a fault, a big one. He's that confident guy everyone loves, but his logical PC thinking takes weird turns.

Alicia - Female, brunette, Caucasian looking but has looks that would have been cast as ethnic in 1950s movies. Without guile. Sexy and hot, but not bright.

Caden - Male, Caucasian looking, the academic. Awkward elementary school history teacher with dramatic aspirations but no experience.

On casting (from the script): All ages are open and people of color that can pass as white should be considered for all characters.

Dates (all times in CST):

Performances November 5-7, 2026 at 7:30pm

Tech 1: October 31, 2026 10am-6:30pm (1.5 hour meal break)

Tech 2: November 1, 2026 10am-6:30pm (1.5 hour meal break)

Dress Rehearsal 1: November 3, 2026 4-10pm (half hour meal break)

Dress Rehearsal 2: November 4, 2026 4-10pm (half hour meal break)

First Rehearsal October 19th 4:00-10:00pm (half hour meal break)

Rehearsal October 20th 7:00-10:00pm

Rehearsal October 21st 4:00-10:00pm (half hour meal break)

Rehearsal October 22nd 4:00-10:00pm (half hour meal break)

Rehearsal October 23rd 4:00-10:00pm (half hour meal break)

Rehearsal October 25th 12:00-6:00pm (half hour meal break)

Rehearsal October 27th 6:00-10:00pm

Rehearsal October 28th 7:00-10:00pm

Rehearsal October 30th 4:00-10:00pm (half hour meal break)

Location: All rehearsals will be held on the campus of Sewanee | The University of the South. Performances will be held in the Studio Theatre at the Tennessee Williams Center.

Audition Requirements: Please submit a self-tape of a one-minute comedic monologue. Submission deadline is midnight on August 2nd.

Callbacks: Callbacks will be held via Zoom the week of August 10th

Content Disclosure: Racism, misogyny, blood

Character Actions Disclosures: There is a small amount of physical intimacy (a kiss and other romantic gestures) between Logan and Jaxton.