Orlando Shakes Theater Auditions

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

By Heidi Schreck

Director: Monica Long Tamborello

Salaries: AEA SPT 8 $690 (23/24 rates. 24/25 rates pending)

1st reh: 09/10/2024. Previews 10/02/2024 – 10/03/2023. Runs 10/04/2024 – 10/13/2024. Universal Orlando Foundation Theatre at Orlando Family Stage

HEIDI (She/Her/Hers. 40s-early 50s. Caucasian – based on Heidi Schreck) A former debate champion who traveled the country in her teens giving speeches about the Constitution at American legion halls for prize money. Engaging, dynamic, smart, passionate, and witty. She alternates between her 15-year-old self and her adult self throughout the play.

LEGIONNAIRE / MIKE (He/Him/His. 30s-50s. Any ethnicity – Black, Indigenous, Latino or other persons of color and the Global Majority are particularly encouraged to audition.) First appears as an assertive American Legionnaire monitoring the speech and debate, and a stickler for the rules/law. He later turns into Heidi’s ally and assistant, reflective and genuine. Mike is gay and a self-declared nerd.

TEEN DEBATER – A & B (She/Her/Hers/They/Them. Age 13-17; this character is around 15 but will consider older teens who look younger; any ethnicity – Black, Indigenous, Latino or other persons of color and the Global Majority are particularly encouraged to audition.) Good debater, passionate, and articulate. Looking for a student with possible experience on the forensic circuit and a willingness to share a bit of their own life and history onstage; acting experience is not required. This role appears in the 2nd part of the play and does a live debate with Heidi on the topic “Should We Abolish the United States Constitution?” She can take either side of the debate and present her case confidently. This role will be double cast.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Adapted by Jim Helsinger, Based on the novel by Charles Dickens

Director: Jim Helsinger / Music Director: John Cavazos

Salaries: AEA LOA $799 (22/23 rates. 23/24 rates pending)

1st reh: 11/05/2024. Preview: 11/27/2024. Runs: 11/29/2024 – 12/22/2024. Margeson Theater.

EBENEZER SCROOGE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 60s-80s.) A rich but cheap, conniving merchant, a cruel man that cares nothing for other people, who changes to a loving person overnight. British RP accent required.

MARLEY / FEZZIWIG / OLD JOE / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 60s-80s.) Jacob Marley – The spirit of Scrooge’s business partner, now wearing the crushing chains of his sins. British RP accent. Fezziwig – Happy middle class merchant, laughing and jolly. British middle class or Irish accent. Old Joe – pawn shop owner, disgusting low-life, Cockney accent. Also plays various characters.

BOB CRATCHIT / MERCHANT 1 / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Bob Cratchit – Clerk to Scrooge. Middle class British accent. A very kind, humble, poor man. Merchant 1 – A rich disdainful merchant. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

GHOST OF XMAS PRESENT /ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Christmas Present – An oversized giant of a spirit, strong, full of laughter and love. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

FRED / DICK WILKINS / ENSEMBLE (He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Fred – Scrooge’s nephew, a kind young businessman, determined to keep up his spirits. Also plays various characters. British accents required.

YOUNG SCROOGE / FUTURE / ENSEMBLE (He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 20s.) Young Scrooge – A young, neglected man whose keen eye for business undermines his heart and humanity. British RP accent. Future – the most formidable and terrifying of the spirits. Silent, ominous. Also plays various characters.

MRS. CRATCHIT / MRS. FEZZIWIG / CHARITY COLLECTOR / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(She/her/hers. Any ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Mrs. Cratchit – wife of Bob Cratchit, a kind woman, crushed by poverty. British middle class accent. Charity Collector – a rich jolly woman, collecting donations for the poor. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

BELLE / LAUNDRESS / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 20s.) Belle – Scrooge’s fiancée, a strong young woman who breaks their engagement. British RP accent. Laundress – lowlife of London, steals Scrooge’s belongings after his death and pawns them. Cockney Accent. Also plays various characters.

PAST / MARTHA / ENSEMBLE (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. Teenage-early 20s.) Christmas Past – A kind, playful spirit, childlike. British RP accent. Martha – Bob Cratchit’s oldest daughter, fun loving but poor. British middle class accent. Also plays various characters.

CHARWOMAN / CHARITY COLLECTOR / ENSEMBLE (She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 30s-40s.) Charwoman – lowlife or London, steals Scrooge’s belongings after his death and pawns them. Cockney Accent. Charity Collector – a rich woman, collecting donations for the poor. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

FRED’S WIFE / CAROLINE / ENSEMBLE (She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 20s.) Fred’s Wife – loving, devoted, full of fun. British RP or Irish accent. Caroline – debtor’s wife. Cockney, Irish or Scottish accent. Also plays various characters.

BELLE’S HUSBAND / MERCHANT 2 / ENSEMBLE (He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Belle’s Husband – Congenial, middle class man with children. Sympathetic and kind, a loving husband and father. British RP or middle class estuary accent. Merchant 2 – A rich disdainful merchant. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

CHILD ACTOR ROLES:

FAN / LUCY / ENSEMBLE (She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 7-9 years old.) Fan – Scrooge’s sister, she is dying but still luminous with love. British RP accent. Lucy Cratchit – Full of hope and fun loving. British middle class accent. Also plays various characters. British accents required.

BELINDA / ADDY / BEGGAR / ENSEMBLE (She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 12-15 years old.) Belinda Cratchit – Full of hope, but also a bit sassy, a teenager. British middle class accent. Addy – he/him/his. A young student at Scrooge’s boarding school. British RP accent. Also plays various characters. British accents required.

TINY TIM / JOHN / ENSEMBLE (He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 7-9 years old.) Tiny Tim – young, sickly son of Bob Cratchit. Very sweet and kind to others, cherubic. British middle class accent. John – he/him/his. A young student at Scrooge’s boarding school. British RP accent. Also plays various characters.

PETER / BOY SCROOGE / TURKEY BOY / ENSEMBLE (He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 11-13 years old.) Peter Cratchit – one of the Cratchit children. British middle class accent. Boy Scrooge – A young schoolboy. British RP accent. Turkey Boy – an excitable young street urchin. Cockney accent. Also plays various characters.

HENRY VI, PART 2: THE SHE-WOLF OF FRANCE

By William Shakespeare

Director: N/A

Salaries: AEA LOA $839 (23/24 rates. 24/25 rates pending)

1st reh: 12/31/2024. Previews 01/08/2025 – 01/09/2025. Runs 01/10/2025 – 01/19/2025. Margeson Theater

Synopsis: Henry VI, Part 2: The She-Wolf of France continues the Fire and Reign series at Orlando Shakes – 7 plays in order from Richard II through Richard III. This production is an “original practices” or “bare bard” production with no director or designers. It features a short rehearsal process and performance run. All rehearsals, blocking, and design are determined by the actors. Actors with experience with this type of Shakespearean production are particularly encouraged to apply.

KING HENRY VI / ENSEMBLE – (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s.) Pious, naive and good hearted but unable to compete in a vicious political world.

EARL OF WARWICK / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 40s.) The kingmaker. Commanding and strong, supports the Yorks.

EARL OF SUFFOLK / ENSEMBLE – (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 30s.) Lancastrian, manipulative and powerful. Secret lover of Margaret.

QUEEN MARGARET / ENSEMBLE – (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 30s-40s.) Wife of Henry VI; cutting wit and searing intelligence; ambitious, perceptive, embittered, and as political as any man; visceral in her grief and effective with her curses.

HUMPHREY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 50s-60s.) Lord Protector of England for Henry VI. A good hearted man who fails in trying to control the political upheaval of the Wars of the Roses.

HENRY BEAUFORT, BISHOP OF WINCHESTER / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 50s-60s.) A sly, conniving politician trying to control the King, arranges the murder of Gloucester.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET, DUKE OF YORK / ENSEMBLE – (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(He/Him/His. Any ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Must have great skill with language. Strong, capable leader, commanding. Claims to be heir to the throne and leads the House of York toward the crown.

DUKE OF SOMERSET / ENSEMBLE – (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED.)

(Any gender. Any ethnicity. 40s-50s.) Lancastrian. Opposes Richard Plantagenet. Bitter, manipulative and hates the Yorks.

RICHARD PLANTAGENET, THE YOUNGER / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 20s – 30s. Visibly disabled.) Son of Richard, Duke of York.

Hates the Lancastrians. Will become Richard III. In this play, he kills Somerset in battle. Richard self-describes that nature did corrupt him “to shrink mine arm up like a wither’d shrub; To make an envious mountain on my back, Where sits deformity to mock my body; To shape my legs of an unequal size.” Note: Actors with physical disabilities are encouraged to audition.

EARL OF SALISBURY / ENSEMBLE – (Any Gender. Any ethnicity. 40s-60s.) A lord of the court, Salisbury joins his son, Warwick, in supporting York as the true king.

DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM / ENSEMBLE – (Any Gender. Any ethnicity. 20’s-30’s.) Buckingham – Lancastrian – energetic leader, turns crowd away from Jack Cade.

ELEANOR, DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER / ENSEMBLE – (She/Her/Hers. Any ethnicity. 40s.) Eleanor – ambitious, manipulative wife of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. A believer in the occult, she holds a seance to find out if she will be Queen.

FATHER HUME / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender, Any ethnicity. Any age.) Bribed by the Bishop to encourage the Duchess to try the occult.

YOUNG CLIFFORD / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. 20s-30s) Young Clifford – Loyal Lancastrian and a vicious fighter. Swears revenge when his father, Clifford, is killed in battle by Richard, Duke of York.

BOLINGBROKE / ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. Any age.) One of Jack Cade’s more prominent followers; he is promised a great reward for his role in the rebellion. Disdainful comic.

PROMPTER/SWING – (Any gender. Any ethnicity. Any age.) Reads all prompted lines from actors during performances and swings various roles.

CABARET

Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on the play by John Van Druten and Stories by Christopher Isherwood; Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Director: Steve MacKinnon, Music Director: TBD, Choreographer: TBD, Intimacy Coordinator: TBD

Salaries: AEA LOA $839 (23/24 rates. 24/25 rates pending)

1st reh: 01/14/2025. Previews 02/05/2025 – 02/06/2025. Runs 02/07/2025 – 03/02/2025.

Margeson Theater

Synopsis: Cabaret takes place in and around the Kit Kat Club, a debaucherous 1930’s German burlesque night club. Performers will utilize a burlesque style of performance with moments of intimacy on stage. Although performers are often clothed in revealing burlesque-style costumes, there will be no nudity on stage. An intimacy coordinator will be present throughout the production.

SALLY BOWLES –  (She/Her/Hers. Any race/ethnicity. 20s-30s.) The star performer at the Kit Kat Club in Berlin, Sally is a British cabaret artist who exudes eccentricity, charm, and a spirited boldness. She appears as a whimsical free spirit, yet beneath her shimmering exterior lies a complex and deeply layered individual. Comfortable with burlesque style of performance and moments of staged intimacy. Vocal prowess required: G3 – E5, with high belt.

THE EMCEE – (Any gender. Any race/ethnicity. 20-40s.) The Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub, a leering, ghoulish, flamboyant figure. Embodies a unique blend of humor, charm, and a seductive embrace of humanity’s darker sides. Demands an actor with striking physicality, and the ability to captivate an audience. Comfortable with burlesque style of performance and moments of staged intimacy. C3 – A4

CLIFFORD BRADSHAW (He/Him/His. Any race/ethnicity. 20s-30s.) An American, caught between his work as a novelist and English tutor while journeying through Berlin to explore his sexual identity. His character, reflective of Christopher Isherwood’s experiences, is marked by intelligence, charm, and a profound depth. Comfortable with staged physical intimacy with men and women. A2-E4

MAX (He/Him/His. Any race/ethnicity. 30s-40’s.) The proprietor of the Kit Kat Klub and Sally’s controlling former boyfriend. Ideally plays piano.

FRÄULEIN SCHNEIDER (THIS ROLE IS CAST. UNDERSTUDIES WILL BE CONSIDERED)

(She/Her/Hers. Caucasian. 50s-60s) A German woman who runs the boarding house where Cliff and Sally reside. Embodied with wisdom, resilience, and a touch of humor, she navigates her life with a blend of cynicism and warmth, especially evident in her affectionate relationship with Cliff and her love for Herr Schultz with whom she shares a kiss. G3 – E5

HERR SCHULTZ – (He/Him/His. Caucasian. 50s-60s) A Jewish gentleman residing as a tenant under Fraulein Schneider and running a fruit shop. Characterized by his warmth, kindness, and an underlying resilience. Shares a romantic kiss with Fraulein Schneider. Note: Performers with Jewish heritage are encouraged to audition. A2-F4

ERNST LUDWIG – (He/Him/His. Caucasian. 20s-30s.) Charismatic and seemingly trustworthy, quickly becoming Cliff’s first genuine friend in Berlin. Known and adored by many, he presents as witty, charming, and warm… yet hides a dark allegiance as a member of the Nazi party. A2 – F4

FRÄULEIN KOST/FRITZI – (She/Her/Hers. Caucasian. 30s-40s.) A German prostitute and survivor to the core, she rents a room in Fräulein Schneider’s boarding house and dances at the Kit Kat Club. The winning side is her side and she is ready to swap alliances for wherever the grass is greener. A core member of the Kit Kat Ensemble, exceptional dance abilities are required. Comfortable with burlesque style of performance and moments of staged intimacy. A4 to A5

KIT KAT CLUB ENSEMBLE – (Any gender. Any race/ethnicity. 20s+.) Kit Kat Club Performer/Various Roles. The Ensemble of the Kit Kat Club represents a vibrant and inclusive tapestry of humanity, showcasing an array of diverse and talented individuals. We are committed to casting a wide net of inclusivity, welcoming a spectrum of ages, genders, races, body types. Also seeking performers who have experience in circus arts, pole dance, and/or playing musical instruments. Comfortable with burlesque style of performance and moments of staged intimacy.

WELCOME TO MATTESON

by Inda Craig-Galván

Director: Roberta Emerson

Salaries: AEA SPT 8 $690 (22/23 rates. 23/24 rates pending)

1st reh: 02/11/2025. Previews 03/05/2025 – 03/06/2025. Runs 03/07/2025 – 03/30/2025.

Goldman Theater

Synopsis: Patricia and Gerald are quite proud of the life they’ve built in suburban Matteson, Illinois. They host a welcome-to-the-neighborhood dinner party, as they always do, for their new neighbors Regina and Corey. The big difference with these guests: the couple was forcibly relocated to Matteson when Chicago demolished its roughest housing project, Cabrini Green. Classism, internalized racism, and issues of choice/access complicate and threaten to destroy not only dinner but their relationships as well.

PATRICIA GRIFFITH – (She/Her/Hers. 39. African-American.) Long-time resident of Matteson, Illinois. Maybe she deserves everything she has, but don’t be the one to question her about it.

GERALD GRIFFITH – (He/Him/His. 38. African-American.) Patricia’s husband. Loves his single malts and his wife.

REGINA BAKER – (She/Her/Hers. 46. African-American.) Newly relocated, from the newly-demolished Cabrini Green housing projects. All street-sense; more book-sense than most give her credit.

COREY BAKER – (He/Him/His. 47. African-American.) Happily married to Regina. Cabrini born and raised. Wouldn’t change any of it, but change is inevitable.