OTHER PATHS TO GOD - Chicago/Coalescence Theatre Project & Perceptions Theatre Non Equity Auditions

Coalescence Theatre Project and Perceptions Theatre are excited to announce that we are co-producing Other Paths to God by Kelundra Smith. We are seeking talented artists who are excited to collaborate on this powerful production. If cast, the anticipated schedule is as follows:

Production Details

• Rehearsals: September 21 – October 30, 2026

• Tech week: November 2- November 5

• Performances: November 6 – November 15, 2026

• Compensation: $800 Stipend

• Non-Equity

Brief Synopsis:

Set in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Other Paths to God follows a group of Black nurses from different faith traditions as they struggle to navigate grief, burnout, and the emotional toll of working in a hospital under constant pressure. When the shocking death of their beloved colleague, Sharhonda Jefferson-Cole, is followed by allegations that she stole millions of dollars from the hospital, the nurses are forced to confront painful truths about loyalty, justice, and the systems that have failed them. As the investigation deepens, friendships are tested, secrets come to light, and each woman must wrestle with her own beliefs about faith, forgiveness, and what it truly means to heal.

Character Breakdown:

RENEE COX, African American woman in her early 50s. She’s the anchor of this group and a workaholic at the expense of all other parts of her life. She practices Islam and wears a Hijab.

COLEEN LOPEZ, Proud Afro-Latina in her 40s. She’s like a toasted marshmallow: crunchy on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside. She is a semi-wayward Catholic who always wears a cross necklace.

KAI (like sky) PHILLIPS, early to mid-20s, mixed race woman of East Asian and African American descent. She’s an overzealous perfectionist who’s trying to sort herself out. She was raised Buddhist and Christian.

NURSE REL VAUGHN, (he/they), African American in their 30s and raised Baptist. An ode to the character Belize in Angels in America, Rel is wise beyond his years, but rarely takes their own advice.

AMY CARTER, African American woman in her late 30s. Amy is a social climber who always has something to prove. She is spiritual and believes in the power of her own manifestation. (Her real name is pronounced Ah-mee-kah.)

If you can commit to the rehearsal schedule and performance dates and are interested in auditioning, please submit your headshot and resume and the role you are interested in (in the subject line) to Myesha-Tiara at
myeshatmcg@gmail.com, then they will email you the sides to choose from for your audition. Self tape auditions must be submitted no later than Friday, August 21st. This is a firm deadline, as callbacks will be held on August 27th at Chicago State University

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.