Rising Sun Performance Company
OPEN CALL FOR THEATRE ARTISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES
2025-2026 Ensemble Company & Guest Artist Auditions & Interviews
Application Deadline February 1st
Auditions & Interviews by Video Self Tape & Appointment: February 2nd to 7th
Callbacks: Saturday, February 8th or Sunday, February 9th
We are seeking Theatrical Performers, Directors, Designers, Technicians, Stage Managers and Administrators/Producers of all ages (21+), Ethnicities/Race, Gender Identities and Body Types.
Union & Non-Union both welcome to submit
We are in search of dynamic, multidisciplinary theatre artists to join our ensemble. We welcome multidisciplinary/multi-talented artists, unique talents, and especially those interested in new play development. Ideal candidates will be flexible team players who embrace an ensemble ethos and have a strong commitment and connection to indie theatre.
Our work engages with various venues, including traditional theatres, festivals, and non-traditional site-specific spaces. We celebrate and encourage artistic voices from all backgrounds, especially those that reflect the rich tapestry of New York City. We seek to build an ensemble that encompasses multiple perspectives and cultural influences.
We welcome artists from all background and identities, and we are giving priority for auditions and interviews to artists from the following backgrounds and identities: African American, African, Caribbean, and African Diasporic, Middle Eastern and North African, Latinx, Asian, South Asian, and Asian Diasporic, Indigenous/Native American, Pacific Islander, Trans and Non-binary, and those representing a non-traditional or older age range (Note: Emerging and Mid-Career do not equate to young in age)
Members of our ensemble share the mutual responsibility for fundraising, artistic quality, and production success throughout the entire season. The commitment is to the company and not individual productions or performances. Ensemble members participate in the play vetting & season selection process. We are looking for individuals eager to take an active role in the work they create and perform.
Company Membership/Ensemble Status is unpaid and stipends/honorariums vary based on individual projects and shows. Company membership is voluntary. When working with AEA, we operate under the Showcase Code or 29-Hour Reading Codes.
Candidates must be over 21 years of age and not be enrolled in a full-time academic program.
If you are passionate about collaborative theatre and want to contribute to an inclusive artistic community in the thriving NY indie theater scene, we want to hear from you!
APPLY FOR AN AUDITION OR INTERVIEW
2025-2027 Theatrical Season: (Subject to change)
Scroll to bottom for character breakdowns
2025 Planned Productions
F’cked Up Fairytales By Michael Hagins
Heels Over Head By Susan Goodell
ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt
Mainstage Plays in our “Pipeline” for Development for 2025-2027
In Development for both Staged Reading Series & Mainstage Productions
This includes stand alone productions, touring and festivals
Individual Role/character Breakdowns are at bottom of this page
The Pipeline Plays:
ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt
Heart By Judd Lear Silverrman
Heels Over Head By Susan Goodell
Radio Eulogy By Kati Frazier
For the Love of (The Roller Derby Play) By Gina Femia (Rights Pending)
Lakshmi Counts her Arms and Legs By Holly Hepp-Galván
Shhh..It’s a Speakeasy
Our Signature 1920s Immersive/Interactive Theatrical event
AUDITION & INTERVIEW APPLICATION
ABOUT US
Rising Sun Performance Company (RSP) is an award-winning theatre company dedicated to creating innovative theatrical experiences in NYC.
RSP is one of the longest running ensembles in the Indie Theatre community, with an established reputation for its talented ensemble of writers, directors and actors in a strong selection of original works balanced by revivals of offbeat published works. For 18 years, RSP has produced innovative and engaging theatrical performances and events around NYC. As an incubator for new work, RSP exposes audiences to fresh plays and showcases hundreds of artists each season.
Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors, designers and playwrights, RSP's mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theatre by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships, and contributing new works and revitalized pre-existing work to the national canon. Rising Sun Performance Company realizes this goal by providing a safe artistic home which stimulates risk-taking without limits of genre or agenda.
We are committed to a creative, respectful work environment that celebrates our unique differences and diversity. RSP does not discriminate in practices or opportunities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability. We strive for an inclusive, respectful, diverse and body positive creative theatrical community.
Ensemble members are expected to carry a shared responsibility of the fundraising, artistic and production quality and be committed to the success of the entire season. Ensemble members are required to participate in production, show run, marketing & fundraising for the entire season. The commitment level is to the company and not individual productions or performances. Ensemble members participate in play vetting & season selection process. We are seeking people who want an active role in the work they create and perform.
The Ensemble Company are not paid positions, however stipends/honorariums vary and depend on project to project basis. Company membership is on a voluntary basis. When working with AEA we work under the Showcase code.
You must be over 18 years of age (21 and older preferred) and not enrolled in a full-time academic program to be a member of the company.
For more info/ request an appointment: risingsuncasting@gmail.com
All Applicants must fill out this ONLINE FORM in order to be scheduled for an appointment
We recommend that you read our F.A.Q, Mission & Manifesto Statements
Applications/Submissions Close February 1st
Auditions/Interviews Appointments/Invites rolling basis through February 7th
Auditions/Interview Appointments February 2rd through 7th
Callbacks Either Saturday February 8th or/and Sunday February 9th
Callbacks are a 3-5 hour time committment
(Please make yourself available for the entire duration)
Please do not audition if you cannot attend callbacks
OPEN CALL FOR THEATRE ARTISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES
2025-2026 Ensemble Company & Guest Artist Auditions & Interviews
Application Deadline February 1st
Auditions & Interviews by Video Self Tape & Appointment: February 2nd to 7th
Callbacks: Saturday, February 8th or Sunday, February 9th
We are seeking Theatrical Performers, Directors, Designers, Technicians, Stage Managers and Administrators/Producers of all ages (21+), Ethnicities/Race, Gender Identities and Body Types.
Union & Non-Union both welcome to submit
We are in search of dynamic, multidisciplinary theatre artists to join our ensemble. We welcome multidisciplinary/multi-talented artists, unique talents, and especially those interested in new play development. Ideal candidates will be flexible team players who embrace an ensemble ethos and have a strong commitment and connection to indie theatre.
Our work engages with various venues, including traditional theatres, festivals, and non-traditional site-specific spaces. We celebrate and encourage artistic voices from all backgrounds, especially those that reflect the rich tapestry of New York City. We seek to build an ensemble that encompasses multiple perspectives and cultural influences.
We welcome artists from all background and identities, and we are giving priority for auditions and interviews to artists from the following backgrounds and identities: African American, African, Caribbean, and African Diasporic, Middle Eastern and North African, Latinx, Asian, South Asian, and Asian Diasporic, Indigenous/Native American, Pacific Islander, Trans and Non-binary, and those representing a non-traditional or older age range (Note: Emerging and Mid-Career do not equate to young in age)
Members of our ensemble share the mutual responsibility for fundraising, artistic quality, and production success throughout the entire season. The commitment is to the company and not individual productions or performances. Ensemble members participate in the play vetting & season selection process. We are looking for individuals eager to take an active role in the work they create and perform.
Company Membership/Ensemble Status is unpaid and stipends/honorariums vary based on individual projects and shows. Company membership is voluntary. When working with AEA, we operate under the Showcase Code or 29-Hour Reading Codes.
Candidates must be over 21 years of age and not be enrolled in a full-time academic program.
If you are passionate about collaborative theatre and want to contribute to an inclusive artistic community in the thriving NY indie theater scene, we want to hear from you!
APPLY FOR AN AUDITION OR INTERVIEW
2025-2027 Theatrical Season: (Subject to change)
Scroll to bottom for character breakdowns
2025 Planned Productions
F’cked Up Fairytales By Michael Hagins
Heels Over Head By Susan Goodell
ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt
Mainstage Plays in our “Pipeline” for Development for 2025-2027
In Development for both Staged Reading Series & Mainstage Productions
This includes stand alone productions, touring and festivals
Individual Role/character Breakdowns are at bottom of this page
The Pipeline Plays:
ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt
Heart By Judd Lear Silverrman
Heels Over Head By Susan Goodell
Radio Eulogy By Kati Frazier
For the Love of (The Roller Derby Play) By Gina Femia (Rights Pending)
Lakshmi Counts her Arms and Legs By Holly Hepp-Galván
Shhh..It’s a Speakeasy
Our Signature 1920s Immersive/Interactive Theatrical event
AUDITION & INTERVIEW APPLICATION
ABOUT US
Rising Sun Performance Company (RSP) is an award-winning theatre company dedicated to creating innovative theatrical experiences in NYC.
RSP is one of the longest running ensembles in the Indie Theatre community, with an established reputation for its talented ensemble of writers, directors and actors in a strong selection of original works balanced by revivals of offbeat published works. For 18 years, RSP has produced innovative and engaging theatrical performances and events around NYC. As an incubator for new work, RSP exposes audiences to fresh plays and showcases hundreds of artists each season.
Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors, designers and playwrights, RSP's mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theatre by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships, and contributing new works and revitalized pre-existing work to the national canon. Rising Sun Performance Company realizes this goal by providing a safe artistic home which stimulates risk-taking without limits of genre or agenda.
We are committed to a creative, respectful work environment that celebrates our unique differences and diversity. RSP does not discriminate in practices or opportunities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability. We strive for an inclusive, respectful, diverse and body positive creative theatrical community.
Ensemble members are expected to carry a shared responsibility of the fundraising, artistic and production quality and be committed to the success of the entire season. Ensemble members are required to participate in production, show run, marketing & fundraising for the entire season. The commitment level is to the company and not individual productions or performances. Ensemble members participate in play vetting & season selection process. We are seeking people who want an active role in the work they create and perform.
The Ensemble Company are not paid positions, however stipends/honorariums vary and depend on project to project basis. Company membership is on a voluntary basis. When working with AEA we work under the Showcase code.
You must be over 18 years of age (21 and older preferred) and not enrolled in a full-time academic program to be a member of the company.
For more info/ request an appointment: risingsuncasting@gmail.com
All Applicants must fill out this ONLINE FORM in order to be scheduled for an appointment
We recommend that you read our F.A.Q, Mission & Manifesto Statements
Applications/Submissions Close February 1st
Auditions/Interviews Appointments/Invites rolling basis through February 7th
Auditions/Interview Appointments February 2rd through 7th
Callbacks Either Saturday February 8th or/and Sunday February 9th
Callbacks are a 3-5 hour time committment
(Please make yourself available for the entire duration)
Please do not audition if you cannot attend callbacks
PIPELINE PLAYS
character/Role breakdowns
SHOW SYNOPSIS AND CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS
____________________________________________________
F’cked Up Fairytales by Michael Hagins
Co-Directed by Akia Squitieri & Rachael Langton
Your Favorite Bedtime stories with a Twist
NYC’s Newest Immersive Theatrical Adventure
Get ready for a wild ride with Fcked Up Fairytales, where classic fairy tales collide with modern chaos and you’re in control! Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are back, reinventing five of their most beloved stories with jaw-dropping, contemporary flair. Dive into Hansel and Gretel as a thrilling manga saga, The White Snake reimagined as a raunchy slapstick comedy, and Rumpelstiltskin transformed into a gripping film noir. Experience Rapunzel’s high-octane spy action adventure and brace yourself for Little Red Riding Hood's spine-chilling horror adaptation. Here’s the twist: each night, the show rotates and the audience helps determine which three stories will be told. With interactive and immersive elements, plus drinks to keep the fun flowing, you’ll have the chance to choose the adventure and be part of the action. Will these fairy tales stand up to their modern makeovers? Join us and shape the story yourself!
Seeking versatile actors who are experienced in character creation, improvisation, audience interaction, immersive theater and non traditional venues. High energy, comedy and switching seamlessly between characters. We will be casting against gender and story stereotypes for these roles.
This production is in development for multiple venues and festivals over the next two seasons.
Character Breakdown:
Track 1: Narrator: Wilhelm Grimm
Track 2: Narrator: Jacob Grimm
Track 3: The Hero: Hansel/Servant/Greedy King/Prince/Woodsman
Track 4: The Princess: Gretel/Princess/Daughter/Rapunzel/Little Red
Track 5: The Fool: Father/Dumb King/Miller/Guard 1/Grandma
Track 6: The Villain: Stepmom/Animals/Detective/Sorceress/Mom
Track 7: The Enchanted Creatures: Witch/Animals/Rumpelstiltskin/Guard 2/Wolf
____________________________________________________________________________
Heels Over Head by Susan Goodell
HEELS OVER HEAD, written by Susan Goodell, is a two-act upside-down farce that follows the whirlwind romance of two quirky honeymooners who fall in love while bungee jumping. Determined to maintain their romantic glow against all sensible evidence, they navigate a series of absurd and chaotic situations. As they journey through a carnival of strained living arrangements, the influence of her sister's eccentric vibrations, and his buddy's overconfident swagger, their relationship is put to the test. Matchmaking attempts escalate to comedic violence, leading to kidnappings, identity changes, and surprise interlopers, all wrapped in a tapestry of trance dances.
Character Breakdown:
JAKE Late 20s to late 30s, precise, analytical, semi geeky. LUNA likely is his first girlfriend --he “takes a risk” to meet her. Joyful in just looking at her. Goes to anxiety easily.
LUNA Late 20s to mid 30s, extremely nice, conciliatory, dreamy. Glowing in JAKE’s presence. In love with love. Little dampens her optimism.
STAN Late 20s to late 30s, JAKE’s swaggering, know-it-all, commitment phobic, best friend. Grounded as real, rather than a type. A golden heart under the bluster.
MARI Late 20s to early 40s. LUNA’s slightly older, fragile sister. Improvised “mysticism” is sincere but outside the standard psychic stuff. Matter-of fact delivery contradicts mania in her speech. Capricious, even mid-sentence. Arty, but not overdone dress.
MARVIN Late 20s to early 40s LUNA’s ex-boyfriend. Conservative, Wall-Streeter, handsome with great hair. Smooth veneer starts to fall apart.
BLOSSOM JAKE’s internet friend. Corporate by day, needy, fragile in her internet life. Late 20s to early 40s.
__________________________________________________________________________
ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt
Director Akia Squitieri
ÉLÉPHANT follows the Story of Clérèse. The only world she has ever known is the 19th century Parisian brothel
where her mother, Magdith works as a prostitute. Magdith desperately struggles to protect Clérèse from growing
up too fast and out of the clutches of her volatile father. Everything is shaken when a young man arrives at the
brothel with his master and Clérèse’s belly begins to grow. What is the fantastical thing that grows within her?
ÉLÉPHANT is inspired by an amalgamation of fever dreams, works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the fascinating
documentaries “Born in a Brothel” and Netflix’s “Whore’s Glory”, and the playwright’s travels to France.
Additional casting/show information:
Female identifying actors should be comfortable working in revealing clothing/corsets. All actors should be comfortable with physical movement based work. Cast should be comfortable with creating work that is adaptable for multiple spaces/venues. Strong dramatic actors comfortable with movement and physical work, intimacy and fight choreography. This script deals with sex work, assault/violence, miscarriage and child pregnancy. Some of the script is in french, fluency and accent work is helpful, but not required.
Casting for:
MAGDITH – 30 years old. CLÉRÈSE’s mother. A sex worker, prone to depressive episodes, the “jewel” of the brothel that she and Clerese inhabit.
Casting for Swings/understudies and possibly subs for touring productions.
With the exception of Aaral, all roles can be any ethnicity/race
CLÉRÈSE – 13 years old.
MAGDITH – 30 years old. CLÉRÈSE’s mother. A sex worker, prone to depressive episodes, the “jewel” of the brothel that she and Clerese inhabit.
JEUNEHOMME – 16 years old. GRANDHOMME’s caretaker. Love interest to Clerese.
GRANDHOMME** – Male, 54 years old; imposing & violent; a blind, rich patron of Magdith and the brothel. This role is double cast as Allard
ALLARD- Male 30s-50s, Clerese’s father; an absent presence for Clerese; kept at bay by Magdith. (Double cast as Grandhomme)
AARAL – 9 years old. A sex worker from modern day Calcutta. /CHRISTIANE - A prostitute in the Brothel (Double Cast) to play 9 years old (casting an adult for this role); a child sex worker from modern day Calcutta. A figment created by Clerese whom she discovers by La Fontaine au Visage de Miel. Aaral is a source of solace for Clerese, offering her guidance and comfort. Actresses should have a youthful and playful quality. Specifically seeking South East Asian/Indian actresses to play this role.
MADAME – 30s-50s -The boss lady. Strong, forceful, and smart. No nonsense and unsentimental
RENÉE - 30s-40s - Vicious and wounded, has battle scars figuratively and literally
BROTHEL CHORUS/BROTHEL PATRONS ( Ensemble): All Genders, 18-65-
physical actors to create the world of Elephant, comfortable with non physical storytelling, movement work and audience interaction.
__________________________________________________________________________
For the Love of (or, The Roller Derby Play) By Gina Femia (Rights Pending)
A play that centers around the lives of female roller derby players on the Brooklyn Scallywags team, particularly focusing on a new member named Joy Ride who becomes entangled with the team's star player, Lizzie Lightning, which creates complications in her relationship with her long-term partner, Michelle; the play explores themes of personal sacrifice, love, and the intense camaraderie within a roller derby team, all set against the backdrop of the physical and emotional challenges of the sport itself.
Character Breakdown:
Joy Ride: #88mph. Our protagonist. She’s stoic, and strong, radiates power even though she’s quiet. Can be a little bit of a dreamer. Late 20s, Black.
Michelle: Joy’s girlfriend. Even tougher than Joy. Sometimes immature, extremely driven. Late 20s, White.
Lizzie Lightning: #100. The star of the team. Loud, cocky, funny, driven. Can be crude. Early 30s, LatinX.
Andrea the Vagiant: A former derby player, she’s the coach of the Brooklyn Scallywags now. As large as her name, no-nonsense and loves the game. Mid-late 30s. Race neutral.
Anna-Stecia: #98.6. One of the older players, she’s experienced and reliable, has a well spoken loud mouth. A nurse in her non-derby life. Late 30s, early 40s Black.
Hot Flash: #55. The oldest of the players. A mom, brass, funny, a real Brooklynite. Early 50s, White.
Squeaky Mouse: #5.0 One of the younger players. Is usually adorable without trying but still has a tough side to her. Early 20s, Race Neutral.
Diaz de los Muertos: #1 101. Tough talking, no-nonsense, has a lot of heart and passion in everything she does. Best friends with Anna, mid-late 20s, Latina.
Prosecute-Her: #665. The other younger of the players, she’s a genius and a law student. Early 20s, Asian.
____________________________________________________________________________
Heart by Judd Lear Silverman
HEART is a black comedy, seemingly about an artificial heart recipient, but ultimately it is about all affairs of the heart. Robert Bixler, a plumbing contractor who dreams of being a tap dancer, has actually been tap dancing around his life until he brings on a massive heart attack. Now continually drugged for pain, his body lies in repose (as people talk over and around him) while his mind (played by a separate actor) fantasizes about his present and future while ruefully re-examining his past. Family and friends visit while the medical community treats him as their guinea pig. In the first act, the decision is whether or not to be the recipient of the artificial heart. In the second, the results of the “experiment” kick in, along with the side-effects and aftermath. Along the way, numerous questions are raised: if one could extend one's natural time, should one? What are our obligations to our families and friends? And what, ultimately is our true heart?
CAST OF CHARACTERS
ROBERT BIXLER - a plumbing contractor in his 50s
BERT - basically, Robert's head or maybe his spirit
JOANNE BIXLER - his wife
DR. RICHARDSON - his heart specialist
NURSE - Robert's nurse
DR. EDWARD MORSE - inventor and genius of sorts
ED NOLAN - hardware store owner, married three times, 50s
SUZY BENEDETTI - a professional divorcee, 40s
BRYAN BIXLER - Robert's older son, not heard from in years
JAY BIXLER - Robert's younger son, in the family business
FRANCINE BIXLER - Jay's wife, in the family way
MARTY BIXLER - Robert's Dad, 35ish
HOSPITAL ORDERLIES - 2-4
RICHARDSON and ED NOLAN can be played by one actor.
SUZY BENEDETTI & FRANCINE BIXLER can be played by one actor.
BRYAN, JAY & MARTY BIXLER can be played by one actor.
__________________________________________________________________________
Lakshmi Counts Her Arms and Legs By Holly Hepp-Galván
SYNOPSIS
When a child with four arms and four legs is born in rural India, the villagers see it as a blessing. People come from miles around to pray to the reincarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. However, Aakil Singh, an Indian American neurosurgeon, knows that the child needs a life-saving operation. Accompanied by his white, American wife, they go to visit the child and meet her parents. However, just as Aakil starts the hard work of convincing them to remove the child’s limbs, his wife has an unexpected spiritual epiphany. Based on the true story of Lakshmi Tatma who was born with eight limbs in Bihar.
CHARACTERS
AAKIL - Mid 40s
GAYLE - Late 30s
SARESH - Mid 20s
DEEPSHIKHA - Mid 20s
__________________________________________________________________________
Radio Eulogy by Kati Frazier
FM Radio DJ and shitty dad, Greg, is dead before the play begins. Radio Eulogy is a dark comedy that charts the grief (and relief) of his disjointed family. Greg’s father, the shitty dad who raised another shitty dad, rewrites history and struggles to keep his family under his thumb. Greg’s kid is making performance art, recycling their trauma over and over. His ex-wife is still buried in the past, and fighting her way through memories of abuse. No family member knows the whole story, but through their secrets and contradictions, the man behind the voice on the radio comes into focus and the mystery behind his death unfolds. But what do you do with the memory of an abuser? How do you tell the story of your trauma when you don’t get to triumph in the end? When closure becomes unattainable, how do you close the book on your pain? Radio Eulogy grapples with what our fathers owe us, what we owe them, and the insurmountable distance in between.
Character breakdown: 5 Actors
BEAU, STAGE MANAGER, GREG (Dad)
Male Actor, 50s-70s
BEAU He/Him, late 70s, GREG’s father, arrogant, hard, feeble. His
grandkids call him “Pap”
STAGE MANAGER 50s, Grumpy, SM energy, no fucks to give. Real name is Simon
GREG He/him, 50s, charming, controlling, dead. A radio DJ and shitty
Dad
CHERYL, ANNA
Female, 50s-60s
CHERYL She/her, 60s, BEAU’s new wife, kind, flighty, patient
ANNA She/Her 50s, would call herself “low-maintenance,”
practical, mother to SAM and ALEX, ex-wife of GREG
TRAVIS, SAM,
Male, 30s-40s
TRAVIS 40s, he/him, GREG’s brother, kind of a shit
SAM 30s, he/him or he/they, Son of GREG and ANNA, collected, paternal. Definitely went to therapy.
ENTHUSIASTIC CALLER, EMMA, ALEX
Female, 20s
EMMA 20s, she/her , GREG’s niece, BONNIE’s daughter
ALEX 20s, they/them, child of ANNA and GREG, performance artist, Stubborn
BONNIE, FAN/FRIEND, DOC/NURSE
Female, 30s/40s
BONNIE 40s, she/her, GREG’s sister, ANDI’s mom, disaffected
MALLORY Industry friend of ALEX, age doesn’t matter much
NURSE(S)
JANICE
__________________________________________________________________
Shhh...It’s a Speakeasy:
Seeking performers comfortable with musical theatre, dance, audience interaction, improv, devised work, immersive and site specific work. This is a partially devised, partially improvised immersive event.
The Hotbox Girls-
4-6 Musical Theatre Singer/Dancers
Should be strong singers & dancers, as well as character actors
will perform 2-4 Group numbers, as well as solo song numbers to a track. Will also help sell raffle tickets, and each will have a storyline and interact with the guests and other characters. We may also ask that the girls help to serve drinks to our VIP guests.
The "Dealers"
3-5 Male or Female characters comfortable with audience interaction. Must be quick to learn casino games and be able to run the poker & roulette tables for our guests. Will have a story line and interact with characters and guests thru the night.
The Characters:
Magillicutty An honest cop being tested by his new partner
Mikey Shoes A Hit Man, Works for the Competition and Runs Numbers
Ozzie A Rich Patron, with eyes on one of the hotbox ladies
O'Shaunessy A Dirty Cop on the Take, Collects a weekly fee, in cahoots with the illegal boxing ring, falls in love with one of the hotbox girls
Vinnie A snitch, no one trusts, but no one messes with
Donnie The Bouncer , Mysterious background, dangerous
Tommy A Boxer that everyone is counting on to win the next match, mixed up in a dirty gambling scheme, just wants to make an honest living
____________________________________________________
F’cked Up Fairytales by Michael Hagins
Co-Directed by Akia Squitieri & Rachael Langton
Your Favorite Bedtime stories with a Twist
NYC’s Newest Immersive Theatrical Adventure
Get ready for a wild ride with Fcked Up Fairytales, where classic fairy tales collide with modern chaos and you’re in control! Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are back, reinventing five of their most beloved stories with jaw-dropping, contemporary flair. Dive into Hansel and Gretel as a thrilling manga saga, The White Snake reimagined as a raunchy slapstick comedy, and Rumpelstiltskin transformed into a gripping film noir. Experience Rapunzel’s high-octane spy action adventure and brace yourself for Little Red Riding Hood's spine-chilling horror adaptation. Here’s the twist: each night, the show rotates and the audience helps determine which three stories will be told. With interactive and immersive elements, plus drinks to keep the fun flowing, you’ll have the chance to choose the adventure and be part of the action. Will these fairy tales stand up to their modern makeovers? Join us and shape the story yourself!
Seeking versatile actors who are experienced in character creation, improvisation, audience interaction, immersive theater and non traditional venues. High energy, comedy and switching seamlessly between characters. We will be casting against gender and story stereotypes for these roles.
This production is in development for multiple venues and festivals over the next two seasons.
Character Breakdown:
Track 1: Narrator: Wilhelm Grimm
Track 2: Narrator: Jacob Grimm
Track 3: The Hero: Hansel/Servant/Greedy King/Prince/Woodsman
Track 4: The Princess: Gretel/Princess/Daughter/Rapunzel/Little Red
Track 5: The Fool: Father/Dumb King/Miller/Guard 1/Grandma
Track 6: The Villain: Stepmom/Animals/Detective/Sorceress/Mom
Track 7: The Enchanted Creatures: Witch/Animals/Rumpelstiltskin/Guard 2/Wolf
____________________________________________________________________________
Heels Over Head by Susan Goodell
HEELS OVER HEAD, written by Susan Goodell, is a two-act upside-down farce that follows the whirlwind romance of two quirky honeymooners who fall in love while bungee jumping. Determined to maintain their romantic glow against all sensible evidence, they navigate a series of absurd and chaotic situations. As they journey through a carnival of strained living arrangements, the influence of her sister's eccentric vibrations, and his buddy's overconfident swagger, their relationship is put to the test. Matchmaking attempts escalate to comedic violence, leading to kidnappings, identity changes, and surprise interlopers, all wrapped in a tapestry of trance dances.
Character Breakdown:
JAKE Late 20s to late 30s, precise, analytical, semi geeky. LUNA likely is his first girlfriend --he “takes a risk” to meet her. Joyful in just looking at her. Goes to anxiety easily.
LUNA Late 20s to mid 30s, extremely nice, conciliatory, dreamy. Glowing in JAKE’s presence. In love with love. Little dampens her optimism.
STAN Late 20s to late 30s, JAKE’s swaggering, know-it-all, commitment phobic, best friend. Grounded as real, rather than a type. A golden heart under the bluster.
MARI Late 20s to early 40s. LUNA’s slightly older, fragile sister. Improvised “mysticism” is sincere but outside the standard psychic stuff. Matter-of fact delivery contradicts mania in her speech. Capricious, even mid-sentence. Arty, but not overdone dress.
MARVIN Late 20s to early 40s LUNA’s ex-boyfriend. Conservative, Wall-Streeter, handsome with great hair. Smooth veneer starts to fall apart.
BLOSSOM JAKE’s internet friend. Corporate by day, needy, fragile in her internet life. Late 20s to early 40s.
__________________________________________________________________________
ÉLÉPHANT by Eva MeiLing Pollitt
Director Akia Squitieri
ÉLÉPHANT follows the Story of Clérèse. The only world she has ever known is the 19th century Parisian brothel
where her mother, Magdith works as a prostitute. Magdith desperately struggles to protect Clérèse from growing
up too fast and out of the clutches of her volatile father. Everything is shaken when a young man arrives at the
brothel with his master and Clérèse’s belly begins to grow. What is the fantastical thing that grows within her?
ÉLÉPHANT is inspired by an amalgamation of fever dreams, works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the fascinating
documentaries “Born in a Brothel” and Netflix’s “Whore’s Glory”, and the playwright’s travels to France.
Additional casting/show information:
Female identifying actors should be comfortable working in revealing clothing/corsets. All actors should be comfortable with physical movement based work. Cast should be comfortable with creating work that is adaptable for multiple spaces/venues. Strong dramatic actors comfortable with movement and physical work, intimacy and fight choreography. This script deals with sex work, assault/violence, miscarriage and child pregnancy. Some of the script is in french, fluency and accent work is helpful, but not required.
Casting for:
MAGDITH – 30 years old. CLÉRÈSE’s mother. A sex worker, prone to depressive episodes, the “jewel” of the brothel that she and Clerese inhabit.
Casting for Swings/understudies and possibly subs for touring productions.
With the exception of Aaral, all roles can be any ethnicity/race
CLÉRÈSE – 13 years old.
MAGDITH – 30 years old. CLÉRÈSE’s mother. A sex worker, prone to depressive episodes, the “jewel” of the brothel that she and Clerese inhabit.
JEUNEHOMME – 16 years old. GRANDHOMME’s caretaker. Love interest to Clerese.
GRANDHOMME** – Male, 54 years old; imposing & violent; a blind, rich patron of Magdith and the brothel. This role is double cast as Allard
ALLARD- Male 30s-50s, Clerese’s father; an absent presence for Clerese; kept at bay by Magdith. (Double cast as Grandhomme)
AARAL – 9 years old. A sex worker from modern day Calcutta. /CHRISTIANE - A prostitute in the Brothel (Double Cast) to play 9 years old (casting an adult for this role); a child sex worker from modern day Calcutta. A figment created by Clerese whom she discovers by La Fontaine au Visage de Miel. Aaral is a source of solace for Clerese, offering her guidance and comfort. Actresses should have a youthful and playful quality. Specifically seeking South East Asian/Indian actresses to play this role.
MADAME – 30s-50s -The boss lady. Strong, forceful, and smart. No nonsense and unsentimental
RENÉE - 30s-40s - Vicious and wounded, has battle scars figuratively and literally
BROTHEL CHORUS/BROTHEL PATRONS ( Ensemble): All Genders, 18-65-
physical actors to create the world of Elephant, comfortable with non physical storytelling, movement work and audience interaction.
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For the Love of (or, The Roller Derby Play) By Gina Femia (Rights Pending)
A play that centers around the lives of female roller derby players on the Brooklyn Scallywags team, particularly focusing on a new member named Joy Ride who becomes entangled with the team's star player, Lizzie Lightning, which creates complications in her relationship with her long-term partner, Michelle; the play explores themes of personal sacrifice, love, and the intense camaraderie within a roller derby team, all set against the backdrop of the physical and emotional challenges of the sport itself.
Character Breakdown:
Joy Ride: #88mph. Our protagonist. She’s stoic, and strong, radiates power even though she’s quiet. Can be a little bit of a dreamer. Late 20s, Black.
Michelle: Joy’s girlfriend. Even tougher than Joy. Sometimes immature, extremely driven. Late 20s, White.
Lizzie Lightning: #100. The star of the team. Loud, cocky, funny, driven. Can be crude. Early 30s, LatinX.
Andrea the Vagiant: A former derby player, she’s the coach of the Brooklyn Scallywags now. As large as her name, no-nonsense and loves the game. Mid-late 30s. Race neutral.
Anna-Stecia: #98.6. One of the older players, she’s experienced and reliable, has a well spoken loud mouth. A nurse in her non-derby life. Late 30s, early 40s Black.
Hot Flash: #55. The oldest of the players. A mom, brass, funny, a real Brooklynite. Early 50s, White.
Squeaky Mouse: #5.0 One of the younger players. Is usually adorable without trying but still has a tough side to her. Early 20s, Race Neutral.
Diaz de los Muertos: #1 101. Tough talking, no-nonsense, has a lot of heart and passion in everything she does. Best friends with Anna, mid-late 20s, Latina.
Prosecute-Her: #665. The other younger of the players, she’s a genius and a law student. Early 20s, Asian.
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Heart by Judd Lear Silverman
HEART is a black comedy, seemingly about an artificial heart recipient, but ultimately it is about all affairs of the heart. Robert Bixler, a plumbing contractor who dreams of being a tap dancer, has actually been tap dancing around his life until he brings on a massive heart attack. Now continually drugged for pain, his body lies in repose (as people talk over and around him) while his mind (played by a separate actor) fantasizes about his present and future while ruefully re-examining his past. Family and friends visit while the medical community treats him as their guinea pig. In the first act, the decision is whether or not to be the recipient of the artificial heart. In the second, the results of the “experiment” kick in, along with the side-effects and aftermath. Along the way, numerous questions are raised: if one could extend one's natural time, should one? What are our obligations to our families and friends? And what, ultimately is our true heart?
CAST OF CHARACTERS
ROBERT BIXLER - a plumbing contractor in his 50s
BERT - basically, Robert's head or maybe his spirit
JOANNE BIXLER - his wife
DR. RICHARDSON - his heart specialist
NURSE - Robert's nurse
DR. EDWARD MORSE - inventor and genius of sorts
ED NOLAN - hardware store owner, married three times, 50s
SUZY BENEDETTI - a professional divorcee, 40s
BRYAN BIXLER - Robert's older son, not heard from in years
JAY BIXLER - Robert's younger son, in the family business
FRANCINE BIXLER - Jay's wife, in the family way
MARTY BIXLER - Robert's Dad, 35ish
HOSPITAL ORDERLIES - 2-4
RICHARDSON and ED NOLAN can be played by one actor.
SUZY BENEDETTI & FRANCINE BIXLER can be played by one actor.
BRYAN, JAY & MARTY BIXLER can be played by one actor.
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Lakshmi Counts Her Arms and Legs By Holly Hepp-Galván
SYNOPSIS
When a child with four arms and four legs is born in rural India, the villagers see it as a blessing. People come from miles around to pray to the reincarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. However, Aakil Singh, an Indian American neurosurgeon, knows that the child needs a life-saving operation. Accompanied by his white, American wife, they go to visit the child and meet her parents. However, just as Aakil starts the hard work of convincing them to remove the child’s limbs, his wife has an unexpected spiritual epiphany. Based on the true story of Lakshmi Tatma who was born with eight limbs in Bihar.
CHARACTERS
AAKIL - Mid 40s
GAYLE - Late 30s
SARESH - Mid 20s
DEEPSHIKHA - Mid 20s
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Radio Eulogy by Kati Frazier
FM Radio DJ and shitty dad, Greg, is dead before the play begins. Radio Eulogy is a dark comedy that charts the grief (and relief) of his disjointed family. Greg’s father, the shitty dad who raised another shitty dad, rewrites history and struggles to keep his family under his thumb. Greg’s kid is making performance art, recycling their trauma over and over. His ex-wife is still buried in the past, and fighting her way through memories of abuse. No family member knows the whole story, but through their secrets and contradictions, the man behind the voice on the radio comes into focus and the mystery behind his death unfolds. But what do you do with the memory of an abuser? How do you tell the story of your trauma when you don’t get to triumph in the end? When closure becomes unattainable, how do you close the book on your pain? Radio Eulogy grapples with what our fathers owe us, what we owe them, and the insurmountable distance in between.
Character breakdown: 5 Actors
BEAU, STAGE MANAGER, GREG (Dad)
Male Actor, 50s-70s
BEAU He/Him, late 70s, GREG’s father, arrogant, hard, feeble. His
grandkids call him “Pap”
STAGE MANAGER 50s, Grumpy, SM energy, no fucks to give. Real name is Simon
GREG He/him, 50s, charming, controlling, dead. A radio DJ and shitty
Dad
CHERYL, ANNA
Female, 50s-60s
CHERYL She/her, 60s, BEAU’s new wife, kind, flighty, patient
ANNA She/Her 50s, would call herself “low-maintenance,”
practical, mother to SAM and ALEX, ex-wife of GREG
TRAVIS, SAM,
Male, 30s-40s
TRAVIS 40s, he/him, GREG’s brother, kind of a shit
SAM 30s, he/him or he/they, Son of GREG and ANNA, collected, paternal. Definitely went to therapy.
ENTHUSIASTIC CALLER, EMMA, ALEX
Female, 20s
EMMA 20s, she/her , GREG’s niece, BONNIE’s daughter
ALEX 20s, they/them, child of ANNA and GREG, performance artist, Stubborn
BONNIE, FAN/FRIEND, DOC/NURSE
Female, 30s/40s
BONNIE 40s, she/her, GREG’s sister, ANDI’s mom, disaffected
MALLORY Industry friend of ALEX, age doesn’t matter much
NURSE(S)
JANICE
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Shhh...It’s a Speakeasy:
Seeking performers comfortable with musical theatre, dance, audience interaction, improv, devised work, immersive and site specific work. This is a partially devised, partially improvised immersive event.
The Hotbox Girls-
4-6 Musical Theatre Singer/Dancers
Should be strong singers & dancers, as well as character actors
will perform 2-4 Group numbers, as well as solo song numbers to a track. Will also help sell raffle tickets, and each will have a storyline and interact with the guests and other characters. We may also ask that the girls help to serve drinks to our VIP guests.
The "Dealers"
3-5 Male or Female characters comfortable with audience interaction. Must be quick to learn casino games and be able to run the poker & roulette tables for our guests. Will have a story line and interact with characters and guests thru the night.
The Characters:
Magillicutty An honest cop being tested by his new partner
Mikey Shoes A Hit Man, Works for the Competition and Runs Numbers
Ozzie A Rich Patron, with eyes on one of the hotbox ladies
O'Shaunessy A Dirty Cop on the Take, Collects a weekly fee, in cahoots with the illegal boxing ring, falls in love with one of the hotbox girls
Vinnie A snitch, no one trusts, but no one messes with
Donnie The Bouncer , Mysterious background, dangerous
Tommy A Boxer that everyone is counting on to win the next match, mixed up in a dirty gambling scheme, just wants to make an honest living
