LIGHTKEEPER - The RAT Non Equity Auditions
The RAT
Casting all roles for Lightkeeper, a new play with music by Julia Labusch at The Rat NYC (68-117 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY)
ABOUT
Deán Dreck has lived in isolation in a lighthouse for years, maintaining a tenuous peace – until one day, a letter shows up that forces him to at once settle the past and invite the future. Lightkeeper is a story about the pain of being alone, but even more, it's a story about the strength and difficulty of choosing community, even when it’s the harder choice.
This is a play about loneliness. It’s also a play about connection, love, found family, care, imaginary friends, promises, control, and having no idea what the hell you’re going to do with your life. But more than anything, this is a play about stars.
TEAM + TIMELINE
Directed by Michèle Carter Cram
Written by Julia Labusch
Composition & Music Direction by Joey Joseph-Jubayr
Stage Manager: TBD
Puppetry Design by Jon Steiger
Costume Design by Cary Sasso
Lighting Design by Dean Coburn
Scenic/Prop Design by Seo Yun
Rehearsals will take place in evenings and on weekends beginning in late September. Select music rehearsals may be scheduled to begin earlier in the month. Some flexibility around actor availability is available, though performers must be able to attend the majority of rehearsals and must be in attendance for the full tech period.
Tech Dates: Friday, October 23 from 1-5 PM and Sunday, October 25 from 10 AM - 1 PM
Performance Dates: October 28th and 29th, 2026
All performers will receive a $250 stipend.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Please note that this is a non-Union project. We apologize that we are unable to consider Union submissions at this time.
Actors and actor-musicians of any race, gender, and physical ability are encouraged to audition. Please submit a self-tape reading the sides of the characters you’re interested in, which can be found here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7e5700vyppl5wl79ii12b/AGxLOql1XKiMsIHKVLUdaLE?rlkey=un4e1rnyh0xfg8mpfdxwmcw0n&st=8iicwc4f&dl=0
If you are interested in auditioning for multiple characters, please indicate this on the form, but only read up to 3 sides. Memorization is not required for the self-tape, but please have familiarity with the text. The deadline to submit is August 17th, 11:59pm EST. All performers will receive a $250 stipend.
Please fill out the following Google Form to submit:
https://forms.gle/vjxtpwtJNYXFEjHf8
Please note that Lightkeeper discusses themes of child abuse and religious trauma. Feel free to email us at
lightkeeperplay@gmail.com with any questions!
CHARACTERS
Deán Dreck (he/him): Mid 20’s-early 30’s. A kind and soft-spoken lighthouse keeper with an active imagination. Would rather isolate himself in fantasy than risk losing someone real. (This role requires some singing and is onstage for the majority of the show. Pronounced “Day-Ahn”).
Kamden de Vries (he/him): 18+ to play 15. Deán’s lively and adventurous best friend. A kid full of sunshine forced to grow up too fast. (Actor will also play LITTLE KAMDEN. This role might require some singing).
Sybil Morrison (she/her): 18+ to play 16. Deán’s wise and headstrong old friend from the orphanage. Doesn’t put others before herself, but always reaches out a helping hand. (Actor will also play LITTLE SYBIL. This role might require some singing).
The Fox (any pronouns): Any age. A little fox who Deán took care of as a child. Insightful and quick, knows Deán’s deepest feelings and thoughts. (Actor will also play PETER. This role might require some singing. Puppetry experience is preferred but not required).
Peter (he/him): Any age. The man who delivers Deán’s supplies. Doesn’t speak English. Just trying to do his job. Has a foreign accent. (Actor will also play THE FOX. Peter’s accent can be whatever you feel confident doing as long as it is played without stereotype or caricature).
Mother (she/her): Mid 30’s-early 40’s. All of the mothers in Deán’s story; Mrs. de Vries, Mrs. Morrison, prospective parents at the orphanage, and Deán’s mother. (This role requires some singing and proficiency playing violin).
Father (he/him): Mid 30’s-early 40’s. All of the fathers in Deán’s story; Mr. de Vries, Mr. Morrison, prospective parents at the orphanage, and Deán’s father. (This role requires some singing and proficiency playing guitar).
Marguerite (she/her): Mid 30’s-early 40’s. The cruel matron of St. Philomena’s Home for Orphaned Children, who believes the only way to gain control in life is to take it from others. A powerful force. Role requires proficiency with a handheld percussion instrument).
