FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE 2023/2024 Season 16 General Auditions

Farmers Alley Theatre, an Equity SPT (Small Professional Theatre, Tier 3) is seeking multi-talented performers for all roles (except where indicated) for its 2023/2024 Season.

Please prepare either two short contrasting songs (approx 1 minute in length), two contrasting monologues (1 minute in length) or one short song and one short monologue. Bring music that is legible and clearly marked (in we want to hear more). An accompanist will be provided at the in-person auditions. 

Equity members get first preference for auditions but non-Equity members will be seen.

Chicago Auditions(in-person):

Friday 6/2 from 9am-5pm with a lunch break from 12:30-1:30pm

Chicago Equity Office (557 West Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661)
For this audition, please visit the AEA website and follow normal EPA protocol to request an audition slot. EPA Rules are in effect. A monitor will be provided.

If you cannot attend either in-person audition, videos will be accepted. Please send all videos to submissions@farmersalleytheatre.com - we will accept video submissions throughout the year so there is no deadline - submit videos at any time.

SALARY: $394/week AEA Equity SPT Tier 3 Actor Minimum | Non-AEA: negotiable. Equity and non-Equity contracts available.

Rehearsals are usually Tues-Fri 4-9pm, Sat & Sun 12-5pm with Mondays off.

Performances are usually Thursday thru Sunday with occasional performances and sponsor shows on Tuesday evenings, Wednesday evenings, Saturday afternoons or Sunday evenings.

Housing and travel provided for out-of-town talent.

*NOTE: Farmers Alley Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

SEEKING:

WORKING THE MUSICAL, Adapted by Nina Faso & Stephen Schwartz from the book by Studs Terkel; Songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Schwartz, James Taylor & Others; Rehearsals begin 8/28/23; runs 9/21/23 - 10/8/23

Seeking diverse performers who are strong actor/singers and who move well. Must be talented and engaging storytellers who are down to earth and can tell stories of working-class people.

Female-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 35-55 (alto to B4) to play Grace (a millworker) and other characters. Any ethnicity.

Female-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 50-65 (Mezzo/Belter F#3 – A4) to play Rose (a schoolteacher) and other characters. Any ethnicity.

Female-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 30-55 (alto/mezzo: A3 – C5) to play Delores (a food server) and other characters. Any ethnicity.

Female-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 35-55 (mix/belter: Bb3 – Eb5) to play Maggie (a domestic worker) and other characters. Any ethnicity.

Male-Identifying Performer: Age Range:18-29 (high tenor to high B4) to play Freddy Gomez (a fast-food worker), Emilio Hernandez (a migrant worker) and other characters. Ethnicity: Latine/Hispanic.

Male-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 55-69 (bass/baritone to F4) to play Joe (a retiree), Mike (an ironworker), and other characters. Any ethnicity.

Male-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 30-55 (high baritone/tenor to high A4) to play Frank (a trucker) and other characters. Any ethnicity.

Male-Identifying Performer: Age Range: 30-50 (high baritone/tenor to high G4) to play Anthony (a mason) and other characters. Any ethnicity.

EVERY BRILLIANT THING, by Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahoe; Rehearsals begin 11/13/23; runs 11/30/23 - 12/17/23    

Seeking actors of open gender and ethnicity; age range: 30-55; very funny, emotional, and sensitive. Actor must be grounded, authentic, and a truthful storyteller. Must be present in real time and space in the room in which the play takes place. They are compassionate and smart. They bring a spontaneous sense of play and discovery to the storytelling, playing with the people and objects found in the room at any given performance. Comfortable with audience interaction, experienced at improvisation, skillful at reading the room, and highly emotionally intelligent. There is a potential plan to cast two actors and to alternate each actor during the performance schedule.      

NATIVE GARDENS, by Karen Zacarias; Rehearsals begin 1/8/24; runs 1/25/24 - 2/4/24

Pablo del Valle; Male, 30-37; Smart, likable, ambitious, savvy young attorney. New homeowner, soon to be father and Tania's husband. Spanish speaking required; Pablo is an ambitious and successful attorney trying to make partner by “fitting in” and hosting a BBQ for the entire firm in his unkempt backyard; Originally from Chile and educated in the U.S., he is smart, argumentative, generally tolerant and willing to overlook a lot until he is pushed over the edge by the Butleys. Ethnicity: Latine/Hispanic.

Tania del Valle: Female, 31-37; Smart, likeable, positive, passionate, highly-energized, pregnant PhD candidate and gardener. New home-owner and wife of Pablo. Tania is a pregnant doctoral candidate who is determined to fix up her fixer-upper with a native garden; Bright, energetic, naturally optimistic, passionate, and highly energized, she wants to co-exist with the neighbors but is fiercely protective of her ideas and values. Ethnicity: Latine/Hispanic.

Frank Butley: Male, 60-75; Smart, likable, excitable, caring, detail-oriented federal employee and gardener and homeowner. Husband to Virginia. A gentle and sensitive soul, likable, caring, and excitable, who has devoted himself to his pristine English garden in his retirement; he wants to get along with the neighbors but cannot embrace a native garden next door. Ethnicity: White / European Descent.

Virginia Butley: Female, 60-75; Smart, likable, assertive, direct, no-nonsense engineer and homeowner. Wife to Frank. A female executive working for a large defense contractor in the DC area; smart, likable, friendly, civil, assertive, and direct, her opinions are well engrained and she will fight ruthlessly to protect her turf. Ethnicity: White / European Descent.

SKELETON CREW, by Dominique Morriseau; Rehearsals begin 2/19/24; runs 3/7/24 - 3/17/24

Faye: (this role is cast) Female, 50-59; Working class, tough and a lifetime of dirt beneath her nails. Somewhere, deep compassion. Ethnicity: African American / Black.

Dez: Male, 18-29; Working class, young hustler, playful, street-savvy, and flirtatious. Somewhere, deeply sensitive. Ethnicity: African American / Black.

Shanita: Female, 18-29; Working class young woman, pretty but not ruled by it, hard-working, by-the books. Believes in the work she does. Also, pregnant. Somewhere, a beautiful dreamer. Ethnicity: African American / Black.

Reggie: Male, 30-39; White collar, studious, dedicated, compassionate; the Foreman. Somewhere, a fire brims. Ethnicity: African American / Black.

SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Originally conceived and directed by James Lapine; Rehearsals begin: 4/1/24; runs 4/25/24 - 5/12/24

Seeking: 8 dynamic actors/singers who move well. Seeking 4 male identifying and 4 female identifying performers who are honest and engaging storytellers to bring the songs of Sondheim to life. Singers must have amazing vocal control, impeccable diction and excellent ear for hearing and holding intricate harmonies.

Male Identifying performer #1: (originally played by Matthew Scott): Age range: 18-29; Hopeful, ambitious; tenor with high A; his songs include: “Multitudes of Amys,” “Something’s Coming,” “Happiness,” and “Franklin Shepard Inc.” Any Ethnicity.

Male Identifying performer #2: (originally played by Euan Morton): age range: 28-49; Conflicted, complex, driven; tenor/baritone with high G#; his songs include: “The Gun Song,” “Beautiful” and “The Best Thing That Ever Happened.” Any Ethnicity.

Male Identifying performer #3: (originally played by Norm Lewis): age range: 35-59; Intelligent, confident, charming; tenor/baritone with low G and high G; songs include: “So Many People”, “Is This What You Call Love?”, and “Being Alive.” Any Ethnicity.

Male Identifying performer #4: (originally played by Tom Wopat): Mature, has a dark side, but also has humor; tenor/baritone with low G and high F, age range: 45-69; baritone with low G and high F; songs include: “Happily Ever After”, “Is This What You Call Love?” and “Finishing the Hat.” Any Ethnicity.

Female Identifying performer #1: (originally played by Erin Mackey): age range: 18-29; Ingenue, sweet, ambitious, confident; soprano with Ab; her songs include: "Do I Hear A Waltz," "The Wedding Is Off," and "Now You Know." Any Ethnicity.

Female Identifying performer #2: (originally played by Leslie Kritzer): age range: 28-49; Quirky, complex, headstrong, must move well; soprano/alto with low F; her songs include: "Wedding Is Off," and "Ah But Underneath." Any Ethnicity.

Female Identifying performer #3: (originally played by Vanessa Williams): age range: 35-59; Mature, sexy/smart, motherly; alto with low F3 to C5; her songs include: “Good Thing Going”, and “Losing My Mind”. Any Ethnicity.

Female Identifying performer #4: (originally played by Barbara Cook): age range: 45-69: Maternal, strong, wise, vulnerable, knowing, alto: Low A to D#5; songs include: “Loving You”, “In Buddy’s Eyes”, “Take Me to the World,” “Not A Day Goes By,” and “Send In the Clowns.” Any Ethnicity.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Music & Lyrics by William Finn; Book by Rachel Sheinkin; Rehearsals begin 5/21/24; runs 6/12/24 - 6/23/24

Chip Tolentino: Age range: 18-28 to play middle school aged character. Male-identifying, excellent actor, contemporary tenor, strong mover. The reigning spelling champion of Putnam County, he expects things to come easily to him. Lately he’s been going through some changes and feels that things are slipping out of his control. Tenor C2-B4; sings high a lot. Also plays “Jesus”. Any ethnicity.

Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Schwartzy): Age range: 18-28 to play middle school aged character. Female identifying, excellent actor, contemporary mezzo-soprano, strong mover. Younger than most bee participants, she is driven by a desire to win to make her two fathers (from whom she takes her combined last name) proud. She lisps and is a little uncomfortable in her body, but still manages to strike a strong presence with her political awareness and keen sense of justice. Mezzo-soprano, A3-F5. Any ethnicity.

Leaf Coneybear: Age range: 18-28 to play middle school aged character. Male-identifying, excellent actor, contemporary baritone, strong mover. Homeschooled with his many siblings, Leaf may have Attention Deficit Disorder, but delights in his own wandering focus. He doesn’t expect to win, but everything about the spelling bee is an adventure for him, from meeting the other kids to showing off his homemade clothing. His mother has made him wear a protective helmet. Tenor, A2-A4 (Also plays “Carl's Dad”, Vocal Range: G2-D4). Any ethnicity.

William Barfee: Age range: 18-28 to play middle school aged character. Male-identifying, excellent actor, contemporary tenor, very strong mover. Tap dance skills a plus. Loud and combative as a defensive posture, William becomes a bully to avoid being picked on. He’s noticed on the spelling circuit for his remarkable technique: spelling words out on the floor with his foot. After being removed from the competition last year because of an ill-timed allergic reaction, he’s at the bee for vindication. Tenor G2-B4. Any ethnicity.

Marcy Park: Age range: 18-28 to play middle school aged character. Female-identifying, excellent actor, contemporary mezzo-soprano, strong mover. Dance, tumbling, piano, violin, and any other special skills a plus. The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy comes from a family where excellence is expected, and she always delivers. As a parochial school student, she assumes that God, too, expects perfection. She keeps her personal problems to herself. Mezzo soprano C3-E5. Ethnicity: Performer of AANHPI Descent preferred.

Olive Ostrovsky: Age range: 18-28 to play middle school aged character. Female-identifying, excellent actor, contemporary mezzo-soprano, strong mover. An only child with often absent parents, Olive spends most of her time alone. The words of her dictionary bring her comfort, and she is fascinated by the vastness of the world the book contains. She often peers into the audience to see if her father, who is delayed at work, has made it yet. Olive starts the bee enormously shy, and slowly comes out of her shell. Mezzo soprano B3-F5. Any ethnicity.

Mitch Mahoney (Also Plays Dan's Dad, and Olive's Dad): Age range: 25-55. Male-identifying, excellent actor, contemporary baritone with tenor extension, strong mover. With a bouncer’s demeanor, Mitch appears an odd choice to be the bee’s “comfort counselor,” but it’s part of his community service assignment. The outsider, he wonders about the wisdom of putting the kids through this at all. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but increasingly finds himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better about losing. Vocal Range: E3-A4. Any ethnicity.

Rona Lisa Perretti (this role is cast) - The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Also plays Olive’s mom. Vocal Range: B3–F5.

Vice Principal Douglas Panch (this role is cast) The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place" now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections; seeking good improv ability. Does not sing.
 

SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL, Book by Julian Fellowes, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Rehearsals begin 6/24/24; runs 7/17/24 - 7/28/24

Dewey Finn: Male identifying, 25-35; A wannabe rock star with big dreams. Great comic chops with improv ability. True Rock Tenor. Must have some guitar skills or be ready to learn. Vocal Range: Rock Tenor B2-B4 (belted) and extension to A5 rock scream (like Steven Tyler).

Rosalie Mullins: Female identifying, 25-35; Proper and uptight headmistress of Horace Green School. She has a secret love of rock music. Soprano with a strong belt. Vocal Range: A3-D6. Any ethnicity.

Ned Schneebly: Male identifying, 25-35; Old friend of Dewey’s and former band mate. Still passionate about music but does anything Patty tells him. Vocal Range: Rock Baritone (C3-F#4). Any ethnicity.

Patty Di Marco: Female identifying, 25-35; Ned’s domineering girlfriend and she calls the shots. She doesn’t want Dewey in her life or Ned’s. Strong belt. Vocal Range: B3-E5. Any ethnicity.

Theo: All Genders, 25-35; Lead singer of Dewey’s Band “No Vacancy” - Too cool for school rocker. Strong rock voice. Plays other roles in ensemble. Vocal Range: Rock Tenor: G3-D5. Any ethnicity.

Summer Hathaway: Female identifying, must appear 9-13 years old; A Manhattan princess. Confident, outspoken, ambitious and clever. The future band manager. Must also be a very good singer, actor and dancer. Vocal Range: A3-D5. Any Ethnicity.

Zack Mooneyham: Male identifying, must appear 9-13 years old; Desperately wants to impress his father. Needs to seriously “shred” the guitar, live on stage. Must also be a very good singer, actor and dancer. Vocal Range: A3-D5. Any Ethnicity.

Lawrence: Supporting, Male identifying, must appear 9-13 years old; Lacking in confidence, he is hesitant to try something “cool”. Must play live rock keyboards on stage. Must also be a very good singer, actor and dancer. Vocal Range: A3-D#5. Any Ethnicity.

Katie: Supporting, Female identifying, must appear 9-13 years old; Quiet and serious, she switches from cello to play rock bass for the band. Must play live cello and electric bass on stage. Must also be a very good singer, actor and dancer. Vocal Range: A3-D#5. Any Ethnicity.

Freddie Hamilton: Male identifying, must appear 9-13 years old; Loves rowdiness and noise, making him the ideal drummer. Must play killer live rock drums on stage. Lots of personality. Must also be a very good singer, actor and dancer. Vocal Range: A3-D5. Any Ethnicity.

Youth Ensemble: male and female identifying performers, to appear 9-13 years old for the roles of Tomika, Marcy, Shonelle, Billy Sandford, Sophie, Mason Ward, James, Madison plus other roles, for chorus and for understudies. Ensemble must be very good singers, actors and dancers. Vocal Range: A3-D5. Any Ethnicity.

Adult ensemble: seeking adults of all ages to play various teachers, parents, members of the band “No Vacancy” and other roles. Must be excellent actors, great singers of all vocal ranges, and good dancers. Any ethnicities.

If you have additional questions, please contact our Managing Artistic Director, Jeremy Koch at info@farmersalleytheatre.com