1-18-08
Summer Auditions in Frigid February
In the world of professional theatre, we all know that January means summer stock is just around the corner. Already, summer theatres throughout the Upper Midwest are finalizing their 2008 seasons and scheduling auditions, with most of them including a Chicago casting call in their plans.
Many theatres will hold auditions through, and at, the Actors Equity Association offices in The Loop. The latest information about Equity calls (sometimes combined with non-Eq) can be found by calling the Equity hotline or going online to www.actorsequity.org and clicking the Casting Call link. But Equity’s online and hotline service provide information no more than a month ahead of the scheduled auditions. Here in PerformInk we’re providing you with an extra-early heads-up about auditions for the summer season. Please note that this list is NOT comprehensive and that other summer theatre calls may appear at any time in PerformInk or through Equity information channels.
American Players Theatre, Spring Green, WI, 29th season—That’s all folks, come back next year. American Players generally holds its Chicago call in November for the following summer.
American Folklore Theatre, Fish Creek, WI, 18th season—This Letter of Agreement LORT D under-the-stars troupe will have a Chicago call, but didn’t provide specifics before press deadline. American Folklore hires a resident company to perform a season of three original musicals in rotating rep in an outdoor amphitheatre at Peninsula State Park, just up the road a piece from the Peninsula Players.
Door County Shakespeare Festival, Bailey’s Harbor, WI, 10th season—Door Shakespeare will have Chicago auditions Feb. 29 and Milwaukee auditions on March 1. They are looking for Equity, Non-Eq and interns to work a rotating rep June 16-Aug. 24. Housing is provided. Submission deadline is Feb. 15. See Hotlines for more information.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bloomington, IL, 31st season—They always cast in Chicago and rely heavily on Chicago directors and Equity acting talent. But, as the ISF is associated with a university, its offices were closed all through the Christmas/New Year holidays, not to reopen until Jan. 14th, which was past the deadline for this issue.
Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, IL, 51st season—The Little Theatre will hold auditions Feb. 25 at the Equity office for its June 11-Aug. 17 season of Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, West Side Story, Gypsy and All Shook Up. Prepare 16 bars and a 30 second monologue with 16 bars of a contrasting song ready if asked; SPT VIII contract; appointments through Equity. Non-Eq auditions Jan. 21, 7-10 p.m. at Victory Gardens Greenhouse for pre-season March production of Midlife, the Crisis Musical (Michael Weber, director), and Feb. 26 in Sullivan for summer season. $300-$350/week (lower-paying internships also available). Call the Little Theatre for non-Eq appointments; 217/728-2065.
Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck, MI, 6th season—Auditions at Equity office March 5-7 for show-by-show casting of three musicals and one play. They may need an ASM as well. Modified SPT VII or VIII contract; appointments through Equity. Non-Eq will be seen as time permits. Call Mason Street Warehouse for details. 269/857-4898; non-Eq pay negotiable. Season not yet finalized.
Peninsula Players, Fish Creek, WI, 73rd season—Now helmed solo by artistic director Greg Vinkler, the venerable summer stock venue will offer four plays (20th Century British and American) and one big classic Broadway musical, June 17-Oct. 19 on a CORST “Z” resident company contract. Chicago call tentatively set for Feb. 18-19 at the Equity office (appointments through Equity). Check hotline and PerformInk to confirm dates. Possible positions for SM/ASM. No non-Eq call. Peninsula Players provides housing and meals for the resident troupe for a modest $65/week.
Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres, Nappanee, IN, 22nd season—This non-Equity company will audition Feb. 4, 1-5 p.m. (callbacks that night) at Theatre Building Chicago for its April-December season of six musicals. They seek 10 singer/actors for the resident company (housing included; discount meal plan on Amish Acres’ hearty fare) with some show-by-show roles also to be cast. Prepare two contrasting songs, a monologue and bring dance clothes. Tech positions also are available. For appointments or pay information contact artistic director Jeremy Littlejohn; 800/800-4942 (ext. 203), or jeremylittlejohn@amishacres.com. Season consists of The Fantasticks, The Music Man, West Side Story, Carousel, Kiss Me Kate and A Wonderful Life.
Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, IL, 47th season—This important non-Equity operation will hold auditions for its salaried resident company Feb. 9 only, at the University of Illinois Chicago as part of the Illinois Theatre Association audition for musical theatre. There will be singing, monologue and dancing components so plan on spending most of the day. Appointments are booked ONLY through the Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) www.illinoistheatre.org. Those selected for the Timber Lake Playhouse resident company receive living quarters (shared cabins with AC), three meals a day, plus salaries starting at $150/week (college age). Some technical and design positions might also be available. In addition to scheduling through the ITA, make sure you check the audition link at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for detailed audition and company info. The June 4-Aug. 24 season includes West Side Story, You Can’t Take It With You, All Shook Up, The Foreigner, The Producers and Church Basement Ladies.