AEA Equity Principal Auditions
SIGNATURE THEATRE FULL SEASON EPA AUDITON for 2024-2025 SEASON
DATE: Thursday, April 11th and Friday, April 12th, 2024
TIME: 10am – 6pm with a one-hour lunch break at 1pm
Contracts for Signature Theatre: LORT B and D
Call Type: 2024-2025 Full Season Equity Principal Auditions for Signature Theatre.
Location: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
2nd Floor Lobby – holding space
Stage Managers – Seeking Stage Managers for Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA local to the DC Metro Area. Please send your resumes to Kerry Epstein, Resident Stage Manager, at jobs@sigtheatre.org
Personnel in attendance:
Jorge Acevedo, Casting Director, Signature Theatre
Angelica Miguel, Executive & Casting Assistant, Signature Theatre
Signature Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer who celebrates diversity and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Appointments: No advanced appointments. AEA Members seen on first come, first serve basis. Sign-up sheet will be started at 9:30am.
Preparation: Please prepare a short monologue and/or short song. Auditions may not exceed 2 minutes total. Accompanist will be provided. Please bring a copy of your headshot and resume stapled together. Always bring your equity card to EPAs.
Seeking: Equity Performers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, and performers living with disabilities are encouraged to audition. Signature Theatre is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
We strive to create a comfortable and safe space for artists to do their best work so please include information regarding any accessibility needs either during your audition or during your employment at Signature Theatre.
Seeking actors for various roles in seven shows for the upcoming 2024-2025 season: SOFT POWER, PRIMARY TRUST, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, JOB, IN THE HEIGHTS, HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH, and a TBD new musical.
The character breakdowns on this page include gender specifications that reflect the identity of the characters as written by the playwrights. However, we strongly encourage performers with any gender expression and/or gender identity to audition for any role.
SOFT POWER
The MAX Theatre: LORT B Scale
Book & Lyrics by: David Henry Hwang
Music & Additional Lyrics by: Jeanine Tesori
Director: Ethan Heard
Choreographer: Billy Bustamante
Music Director: Chris Fenwick
1st Rehearsal: July 9, 2024
1st Performance: August 6, 2024
Closing: September 15, 2024
Possible Extension: September 20, 2024
All parts to be understudied.
New York, 2016. Chinese American playwright DHH walks home the night after the 2016 election, shocked by the outcome. He remembers that a producer from Shanghai, Xue Xing, had predicted this election result, arguing that democracy is flawed and chaotic. Xue Xing has hired DHH to write a Chinese musical intended for Broadway, as part of his nation’s quest to gain “soft power” through art and culture, but DHH has been struggling to write it. Suddenly, DHH is stabbed in the neck by an unknown assailant. He passes out and dreams a musical about Xue Xing coming to the US and falling in love with Hillary Clinton. In this musical, DHH sees America – its culture and politics – through the eyes of China: a deeply militarized, religious fundamentalist, violent society where Hillary’s campaign event is a production number at a McDonald’s. When Hillary loses the election and a MAGA thug stabs DHH to death, Xue Xing steps in as the “yellow hero” who will save America from itself. Eventually, DHH awakens from his dream in a hospital bed. He’s telling us this story today, in 2024, after a pandemic in which violent attacks against AAPIs became common. Despite the continuing threats to AAPIs and our nation, DHH chooses to continue believing in democracy. This show is metatheatrical; there is a show within the show. DHH dreams a musical inhabited by characters who are all Chinese actors portraying American characters, including Hillary Clinton.
We are seeking a cast of all East Asian actor-singer-dancers who will appear in DHH’s dream musical, in an America portrayed wholly by AAPI actors.
[DHH]: (he/him) The famous writer David Henry Hwang. Born in America, he feels more American than Chinese. Male, 40-60s. Baritone.
[XŪE XÍNG]: (he/him) A Chinese National who speaks with a Shanghai accent. President for North America of Dragon Entertainment group. Seeking to make Shanghai the theatre capital of Asia. Values duty to his family and country very highly. Male, 40s. Tenor. Intimacy required for this role.
[HILLARY CLINTON]: (she/her) Smart, idealistic, high-energy triple-threat who is doing whatever it takes to win the Presidency. Well-intentioned and an expert in (almost) everything. Powerhouse vocalist. Special skills and talents (tap, hip hop, juggling, spinning plates, splits etc.) are a plus. Intimacy required for this role. Female, 30-50s.
[ENSEMBLE]: Seeking strong singers, dancers, actors to play the following ensemble roles: JĪNG, FLIGHT ATTENDANT, AIRPORT GREETER, RANDY RAY, BOBBY BOB, TONY MANERO, WAITER, BETSY ROSS, HOLDEN CAULFIED, CHIEF JUSTICE, THUG, YÁO TUŌ, LǏ BÌYÙ, JŪ M ÍNG, LÓNG KŪN, HĀLǏ AÒHĀLĀ, VEEP, SENATOR, SECRETARY OF WAR
PRIMARY TRUST
The ARK Theatre: LORT D Scale
Written by Eboni Booth
Director: TBA
1st Rehearsal: August 13, 2024
1st Performances: September 10, 2024
Closing: October 20, 2024
Possible Extension: N/A
All parts to be understudied.
Life was going just fine for Kenneth. Working for his local bookstore, spending nights at his favorite tiki bar, living a calm suburban life. Until one day, his quiet life spirals as he loses his job and his best friend. However, he soon finds out that life is full of surprising second chances.
[KENNETH]: (he/him) Grew up in foster homes, works at the local bookstore and spends most evenings at Wally’s, a tiki bar. Mostly keeps to himself, cautious in new situations and a bit of an overthinker. Male, Black, late 30s.
[BERT]: (he/him) Kenneth’s “imaginary” best friend. Has a good heart, a wife, two daughters, and is allergic to peanuts. Male, Black, late 30s-40s.
[CORRINA/WALLY’S WAITER/BANK CUSTOMERS]: (she/her) One of the newest waiters at Wally’s, becomes fast friends with Kenneth. Kind & bubbly./Plays all the waiters at Wally’s, a tiki bar/Plays all the customers at the Primary Trust bank. Female, Black, 30s-40s.
[CLAY/SAM/LE POUSSELET BARTENDER]: (he/him) Employee of Primary Trust Bank. Loves to reminisce on his college glory days./Kenneth’s coworker and owner of the bookstore. Older and has a hard time getting around./Bartender at the fanciest bar in Cranberry. Male, any race, 50s-60s.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
The MAX Theatre: LORT B Scale
Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Director: Matthew Gardiner
Music Director: Jon Kalbfleisch
Choreographer: TBA
1st Rehearsal: October 1, 2024
1st Performance: October 29, 2024
Closing: January 12, 2025
Possible Extension: N/A
All parts to be understudied.
“Something familiar, something peculiar, something for everybody” in this hit musical comedy! Set during the Roman Empire, the story follows Pseudolus, a Roman slave, who attempts to win the heart of Philia for his master, Hero, in exchange for his freedom.
[PROLOGUS/PSEUDOLUS]: (he/him) The narrator of the story and introduces the characters. Sets the stage of the story for the audience./A Roman slave who serves under and watches over Hero. Sly, energetic, crafty. Must have great comedic timing and physicality. 30s-50s. Baritone.
[SENEX]: (he/him) Hero’s father and husband to Domina. Grumpy but easily willing to appease his wife. 60s-70s. Bass.
[DOMINA]: (she/her) Hero’s mother and wife to Senex. Demanding, confident, and a bit high-strung. The “true” master of the house of Senex. Very protective of her son. 40s-50s. Mezzo.
[HERO]: (he/him) Senex’s son and in love with Philia. Handsome, aloof, and a hopeless romantic. 20s-30s. Tenor. Intimacy required for this role.
[HYSTERIUM]: (he/him) Roman “Slave-in-chief” in charge of the house of Senex. Eager to please Domina and acts as her right hand. A stickler for the rules and can go into hysterics when they aren’t followed. 40s-50s. Baritone.
[ERRONIUS]: (he/him) Owner of the house of Erronius. A befuddled old man away on his travels in search of his children who were stolen in infancy by pirates. 50s-60s. Baritone.
[MILES GLORIOSUS]: (he/him) A Roman captain. Bought Philia as a courtesan from Lycus. Strong, arrogant, and chauvinistic. 20s-30s. Baritone.
[LYCUS]: (he/him) Owner of a house of courtesans. Loves a good profit. 40s-50s. Baritone.
[PHILIA]: (she/her) A courtesan from Crete. Has Hero’s heart and affection. Dim-witted and doe eyed. Early 20s. Soprano. Intimacy required for this role.
[ENSEMBLE]: Seeking strong singers, dancers, actors to play various roles such as: COURTESANS, PROTEANS, SOLDIERS, etc.
JOB
The ARK Theatre: LORT D Scale
Director: Matthew Gardiner
1st Rehearsal: January 2, 2024
1st Performance: January 28, 2024
Closing: March 16, 2024
Possible extension: N/A
All parts to be understudied.
Jane, a burnt-out big tech employee, has become the subject of a viral video and is mandated by her company to go to therapy. Set in Loyd’s therapy clinic, Jane and Loyd discuss their generations’ roles and effect on the internet and the responsibility of the world’s virtual footprint.
[JANE]: (she/her) Female, mid 20s, white. Young professional living in the bay area. Stylish but not ostentatiously so. Self-aware to a fault. Wouldn’t be out of place at SoulCycle.
[LOYD]: (he/him) Male, 60s or older, white. Lived in the East Bay his whole life. Has a hippie adjacent sort of look – unkempt beard, sandals, shorts even when it’s a little too cold. Has a high opinion of himself. Wouldn’t be out of place at a Grateful Dead show.
IN THE HEIGHTS
The MAX Theatre: LORT B Scale
Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Director: James Vásquez
Choreographer: TBA
Music Director: TBA
1st Rehearsal: January 13, 2025
1st Performance: February 11, 2025
Closing: May 4, 2025
Possible Extension: N/A
All parts to be understudied.
Set in the hottest July of Washington Heights, Usnavi and the neighborhood struggle with the heat and gentrification all while lifting each other up to work toward dreams of a better life for their community.
[USNAVI DE LA VEGA]: (he/him) Owner of De La Vega Bodega. Charismatic but lacks confidence at times. Has a huge crush on Vanessa. Longs to be reunited with his family back home in the Dominican Republic. Male, Latine, Mid 20s. Strong rapper/singer. Intimacy required for this role.
[NINA ROSARIO]: (she/her) Freshman at Stanford. First in her family to make it to college and has a lot on her shoulders. Female, Latine, 19. Mezzo-soprano with strong belt. Intimacy required for this role.
[KEVIN ROSARIO]: (he/him) Nina’s father, owner of Rosario Car Service. Nina is his pride and joy. Holds a lot of pride as the head of a household. Male, Latine, 40s. Baritone.
[CAMILA ROSARIO]: (she/her) Nina’s mother & co-owner of Rosario Car Service. Female, Latine, 40s. Alto.
[BENNY]: (he/him) Rosario Car Service employee. Male, Black, Mid-20s.Tenor & strong rapper. Intimacy required for this role.
[VANESSA]: (she/her) Hairdresser at Daniela’s salon. Has big dreams of leaving Washington Heights. Female, Latine, 20s. Mezzo-soprano with strong belt. Intimacy required for this role.
[SONNY]: (he/him) Usnavi’s cousin. Wants the best for his community. Male, Latine, Late teens/early 20s. Baritenor & rapper.
[ABUELA CLAUDIA]: (she/her) Raised Usnavi and is the community’s matriarch. Female, Latine, Mid-late 60s. Mezzo-soprano.
[DANIELA]: (she/her) Owner of the salon. The queen of “chisme.” Female, Latine, 30s. Mezzo-soprano.
[CARLA]: (she/her) Hairdresser at Daniela’s salon. Daniela’s right hand. Female, Latine, 20s. Mezzo-soprano.
[GRAFFITI PETE]: (he/him) Graffiti artist. Must be a strong dancer/b-boy/etc. Male, Latine, 20s.
[PIRAGUA GUY]: (he/him) He’s a haven on a hot summer day – makes piraguas with all kinds of flavors. A neighborhood staple. Male, Latine, 30s. Tenor.
[ENSEMBLE]: Seeking strong singers, dancers, & actors for various ensemble roles such as neighbors, club dancers, hairdressers, community members, etc.
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH
The ARK Theatre: LORT D Scale
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Trask
Book by John Cameron Mitchell
Director: Ethan Heard
Music Director: TBA
Choreographer: TBA
1st Rehearsal: March 18, 2025
1st Performance: April 15, 2025
Closing: June 22, 2025
Possible Extension: N/A
All parts to be understudied.
A post-punk rock musical that smashes the fourth wall and follows Hedwig, a gender-queer punk-rock singer and her band “The Angry Inch.”
[HEDWIG]: (any gender queer expression) A genderqueer East German rock singer that underwent a botched sex change operation. A force of nature. Strong rock singer/belter. Intimacy required for this role.
[YITZHAK]: (any gender expression) A “sullen male roadie.” Hedwig’s husband and backup singer in band. Guitar skills are a plus but not required. Strong rock belter. Intimacy required for this role.
TBA NEW MUSICAL
The MAX Theatre: LORT B Scale
Director: TBA
Music Director: TBA
1st Rehearsal: May 6, 2025
1st Performance: June 3, 2025
Closing: July 13, 2025
Possible Extension: N/A
All parts to be understudied.