LOCAL CASTING FOR PLAYHOUSE ON PARK 25-26 SEASON
Playhouse on Park is casting for the season. Local auditions will be on October 26, if you would like to be considered for an audition please, email Sean Harris at Sharris@playhousetheatregroup.org , and let him know which role and production you would like to be considered for. If given audition, you will be notified of the time and what to prepare.
AEA: GAA: 757/week plus 245/week per diem
NON AEA: 550/wk
There are two AEA contracts available for the Main Stage Series. All TYA productions are NON AEA
MAIN STAGE SERIES
ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914
Written by Peter Rothstein
Vocal Arrangements by Erick Lichte & Timothy C. Takach.
Directed by Sasha Brätt
Music Direction by Benjamin Rauch
Rehearsals begin November 10, 2025 | Production Closes December 21, 2025
About the Production: All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the extraordinary true story of the World War I Christmas truce between Allied and German forces. Told entirely through text from letters, journals, official war documents, and first-hand accounts—interwoven with traditional carols and period songs—this a cappella piece is a moving tribute to hope and humanity amidst the horrors of war.
Seeking: 3 NON AEA male-identifying actors with the ability to play multiple characters with precision and nuance. Authentic accents are a core part of the storytelling (British RP, Cockney, Scottish, Irish, German, and French). Dialect coaching will be provided.
GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Anthony King and Scott Brown
Directed by Sasha Brätt
Musical Direction by Miles Messier
Rehearsals begin December 29, 2025 | Production closes February 8, 2026
About the Production:Gutenberg! The Musical! is a hilarious two-man spoof about a pair of musical theatre writers—Bud and Doug—desperately hoping to make it big with their original musical about Johannes Gutenberg. Playing dozens of characters with only hats and their imaginations, Bud and Doug deliver a heartfelt, side-splitting performance full of ambition, friendship, and absurdity. A comedic tour de force and love letter to musical theatre.
Seeking:
Note: This is a physically demanding, high-energy two-hander. Both actors must have excellent comedic timing, vocal agility, and a willingness to be ridiculous while maintaining sincerity.
BUD – Male-identifying, 30s–40s.
The sweeter, more earnest of the duo. Passionate, naïve, and deeply hopeful. Strong comedic actor with great timing, heart, and versatility. Must be comfortable playing multiple characters and shifting rapidly between them. Strong tenor vocals required. Piano skills a plus but not required. AEA or NON AEA
DOUG – Male-identifying, 30s–40s.
The slightly more cynical of the pair, but still deeply enthusiastic. Quirky, eager, and completely committed. Strong comedic instincts and physicality required. Must also be a strong tenor and able to shift quickly among various characters and voices. Piano skills a plus but not required. AEA or NON AEA
THE MOUNTAINTOP
by Katori Hall
Directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan
Rehearsals begin February 10, 2026 | Production closes March 22, 2026
About the Production: The Mountaintop is a gripping, poetic, and spiritual reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night on earth, set in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Exhausted with the weight of a day spent advancing the cause of justice, King encounters Camae, a witty and mysterious maid with a secret that challenges his understanding of legacy, mortality, and faith.
Seeking:
Note: This intimate two-hander requires emotionally grounded, vulnerable performances.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. – Black male, 30s–40s.
Brilliant, passionate, exhausted, funny, and deeply human. Must balance gravitas with vulnerability. The performance must capture both the public figure and the private man facing his own mortality. AEA or NON AEA
CAMAE – Black female, 20s–30s.
A hotel maid with swagger, spark, and a sharp tongue. Earthy, bold, and unpredictable. She is not what she seems—and requires a commanding stage presence with strong comedic timing and emotional range. Southern dialect preferred. AEA or NON AEA
An Intimacy Director will be involved to support actor boundaries and comfort, particularly in scenes requiring physical proximity.
THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT
by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell & Gordon Farrell
Based on the book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal
Directed by Matt Pfeiffer
Rehearsals begin March 24, 2026 | Production closes May 3, 2026
About the Production: The Lifespan of a Fact is a fast-paced, razor-sharp comedy based on the real-life debate between essayist John D’Agata and fact-checker Jim Fingal. When a high-stakes magazine article comes under scrutiny, a young intern is tasked with fact-checking a masterfully written but potentially inaccurate piece. What follows is a high-stakes showdown about truth, journalism, and the fine line between fact and art.
Seeking:
Note: The play demands precise timing, intellectual agility and strong handling of language.
JIM FINGAL – Male, 20s–early 30s.
Bright, earnest, neurotic, and persistent. A Harvard-educated intern who takes fact-checking
very seriously. He's passionate about accuracy, prone to overthinking, and deeply idealistic. Excellent comedic timing and verbal dexterity required. NON AEA
JOHN D’AGATA – Male, 40s–50s.
A celebrated essayist with a forceful intellect and a flair for the dramatic. Confident, provocative, and unapologetically artistic. He believes in emotional truth over literal facts. Needs a commanding presence and the ability to argue passionately and persuasively. AEA or NON AEA
EMILY PENROSE – Female, 40s–60s.
Editor-in-chief of a prestigious literary magazine. Smart, sophisticated, overworked, and trying to keep both her staff and her publication afloat. Balances authority with weariness. Must convey intelligence, sharp wit, and a strong moral compass. AEA or NON AEA
THE WILD PARTY
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on the 1928 narrative poem by Joseph Moncure March
Directed by Sean Harris
Choreographed by Darlene Zoller
Music Direction by Colin Britt
Rehearsals begin June 16, 2026 |Production closes August 9, 2026 with a possible extension to August 16, 2026
About the Production: Set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s,
The Wild Party is a thrilling, provocative, and emotionally explosive musical. The story follows Queenie, a vaudeville performer, and Burrs, her dangerously magnetic partner, as they throw a decadent party that spirals into a night of jazz-fueled excess, jealousy, betrayal, and violence. This piece is a dazzling plunge into the dark side of desire, hedonism, and the human need for connection.
Seeking:
Note: This production will be staged as a high-energy, sensual feast—demanding powerhouse performers who can act, sing, and dance with equal skill and intensity. The score demands powerful vocals, and the storytelling requires vulnerability, boldness, and commitment to physicality.
QUEENIE – Female, 20s–30s, Mezzo-Soprano with strong belt (to D5).
A magnetic, emotionally volatile vaudeville performer. Yearns for escape from a toxic relationship. Sensual, wounded, commanding, with star power and raw vulnerability. Must carry the show with stamina and emotional range.
BURRS – Male, 30s–40s, Baritone (to G4).
A vaudeville clown with violent tendencies. Charismatic, unpredictable, and dangerous. Trapped by his own insecurity and rage. Requires intensity, physical presence, and strong acting chops.
MR. BLACK – Male, 20s–30s, Tenor (to A4).
Mysterious, refined, and emotionally intelligent. Represents the possibility of hope and escape for Queenie. Smooth, lyrical voice with tenderness and gravitas.
KATE – Female, 20s–30s, Mezzo/Alto (belt to E5).
Bold, brash, flirtatious. Queenie’s rival and sometimes friend. A party girl masking deeper insecurity. Needs comedic bite, sensuality, and the ability to hold her own against Queenie.
OSCAR D’ARMANO – Male, 20s–30s, Tenor (to A4).
One half of the flamboyant D’Armando songwriting duo. Witty, unapologetically queer, sharp. Needs excellent comic timing, showmanship, and strong vocals.
PHIL D’ARMANO – Male, 20s–30s, Tenor/High Baritone (to G4).
The other half of the duo. Sardonic, magnetic, with a darker streak. Strong chemistry with Oscar; equally funny and emotionally grounded.
MADELINE TRUE – Female, Late 20s–40s, Alto (low F3 to D5).
A cynical lesbian party guest. World-weary, biting, but masking heartbreak. Requires strong comedic chops and powerhouse vocals.
EDDIE – Male, 20s–40s, Baritone (to F4).
A boxer. Physically imposing, rough but loyal, protective of Mae. Strong singer with physical presence.
MAE – Female, 20s–30s, Soprano (to E5).
A flapper. Naïve, dim, but lovable. Enjoys the party life. Needs strong comic instincts and a bright soprano sound.
JACKIE – Male, 20s–40s, Vocal range flexible (sings in character).
A slick gigolo. Sexual, opportunistic, magnetic. Strong mover with charisma and edge.
DOLORES – Female, 30s–50s, Alto (to C5).
A guest with a mysterious, dramatic presence. Earthy, commanding. Needs strong stage presence and grounded vocal ability.
ENSEMBLE - Any Gender, 20s-30s
Four strong singer-actors who move extremely well. Each ensemble member plays distinctive guests with sharp personalities. Must create vivid characters and support the wild, sensual atmosphere. Ensemble members will be featured as Sam, Nadine, Max, and others with solo vocal lines.
SENSITIVITY & CONTENT NOTE
This production contains stylized violence, simulated intimacy and sexual content. An Intimacy Director will be present throughout the rehearsal process and all moments of intimacy or physical contact will be choreographed in collaboration with the cast. No performer will be asked to participate in any staging they are not comfortable with. All boundaries will be respected at all times.
THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE SERIES
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE’RE IN A PLAY!”
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Based on the beloved book series by Mo Willems.
Directed and Choreographed by Darlene Zoller
Rehearsals begin Nov. 15, 2025 | Production closes December 20, 2025
About the Production: Elephant & Piggie’s “We’re in a Play!” brings Mo Willems’ award-winning characters to joyful, musical life in this energetic, interactive production for young audiences. Best friends Gerald (the Elephant) and Piggie (the Pig) navigate the ups and downs of friendship with the help of the wacky Squirrelles, laughter, dancing, and singing.
This musical is fast-paced, comedic, and movement-driven.
Seeking:
Note: Performers must be highly expressive, vocally agile, and committed to truthful, playful storytelling. Ideal for those with strong comedic timing, character work, and an ability to connect directly with young audiences.
GERALD (Elephant) – Any gender, 20s–40s.
A well-meaning, neurotic elephant who overthinks everything. High-strung but lovable. Strong comedic chops and expressive physicality required. Baritone or Bari-Tenor.
THE SQUIRRELLES (x3) – Any gender, 20s–40s.
A funky backup trio, part Greek chorus, part Motown girl group. Sing tight harmonies, dance, and narrate the action with sass and energy. All vocal ranges welcome—must harmonize well and move confidently.
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (TYA VERSION)
Book & Lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
Based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel
Directed by Kevin Cronin
Music Directed by Robert James Tomasulo
Rehearsals begin May 4, 2026 | Production closes June 6, 2026
About the Production: A Year with Frog and Toad (TYA Version) is a heartwarming, jazzy, and whimsical musical based on Arnold Lobel’s cherished characters. This family-friendly piece follows two best friends—Frog, the cheerful and relaxed one, and Toad, the anxious and sincere one—through the changing seasons. With gentle humor and music that’s both catchy and character-driven, the show celebrates friendship, patience, and the small joys of life.
Note: High-energy storytelling, strong vocals, movement, and a spirit of ensemble collaboration are key.
Seeking:
FROG – Any gender, 20s–40s.
Charming, optimistic, and laid-back. The voice of reason and a devoted friend. Must have strong vocals (Baritone/Tenor or Mezzo/Alto), warmth, and ease with movement.
TOAD – Any gender, 20s–40s.
Earnest, anxious, and deeply lovable. A bit grumpy, but always well-meaning. Strong comedic timing and physical expressiveness required. Baritone or Mezzo preferred.
We strongly encourage submissions from neurodivergent performers for this role.
BIRD / TURTLE / MOLE / ENSEMBLE (x3) – Any gender, 20s–40s.
A flexible trio of performers who sing tight harmonies, play multiple animals, and help narrate the story. Great comedic timing, ensemble spirit, and movement ability required. All vocal ranges are encouraged to submit. Tap dancing and/or puppetry skills are a plus. We strongly encourage submissions from neurodivergent performers for these roles.
PLAYWRIGHTS ON PARK SERIES
About the Series: Playwrights on Park is Playhouse on Park’s initiative to develop and showcase original plays. Each reading features professional actors, followed by a talkback with the playwright, cast, and director. This program aims to foster emerging and established playwrights and position the Greater Hartford Area as a hub for innovative theatrical work.
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Seeking: Equity and Non-Equity actors for staged readings of new plays as part of the
Playwrights on Park New Works Series.
