Audition Date(s): June 16, 2024 (EcoCast Self Tapes)
Rehearsal Date(s): September 21, 2024
Preview Date(s): October 13, 2024
Opening Date(s):October 23, 2024
Closing Date(s): November 21, 2024
Extension Date(s): November 28, 2024

IF POSSIBLE, PLEASE SUBMIT ACTOR’S ONLINE DEMO CLIPS ALONG WITH EACH ACTOR SUBMISSION.

Only seeking Chicago-local actors. No housing or transportation provided for this contract.

Once the show is in performances, non-AEA understudies are required to check in at the theater in person for the ½ hour call. If you’re not needed, you can leave when the performance starts and if you’re needed, you would “go on.” AEA understudies are required to stay through intermission. Understudies have two rehearsals during the week (10 hours total per week)—these rehearsals are typically held afternoons on weekdays without matinees. On the contract it states, “To attend all Understudy rehearsals on designated days throughout the run of the play. Please contact Stage Manager for details.” Non-AEA Understudies must attend/observe three performances per week. AEA understudies must attend/observe two full performances each week.

[ SARAH UNDERSTUDY ]
60s, white, female-identifying. Lives alone in the outskirts of Troy, Idaho and enjoys not being around people. An abrasive enigma. She’s independent and likes it that way. She’s blunt about the things she wants to be blunt about but holds her cards tightly. Works as a nurse at a hospital, but they keep reducing her shifts. Invites her nephew to stay with her while he settles his father’s affairs. Hiding an illness from everyone in her life.

[ ETHAN UNDERSTUDY ]
Mid-30s, white, male-identifying. A writer who doesn’t do a lot of writing. He’s smart, but stuck. Looking for direction – he recently broke up with an abusive boyfriend and has traveled back to Idaho to settle the affairs of his late drug addict father. His aunt, Sarah, welcomes him to stay with her. Strongly encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to submit.

[ JAMES/KENNY UNDERSTUDY ]
Mid-30s, male-identifying, any ethnicity. Bookish. An intellectual who comes from a higher socio-economic background than the other characters. Working on his masters in astrophysics at the University of Idaho when he meets Ethan. Also plays the role of KENNY (voice only), a handyman in his 50s/60s and former biker who was friends with Ethan’s dad.Strongly encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to submit. NON-AEA UNDERSTUDY.

[ PAULETTE/VICKIE UNDERSTUDY ]
40s to 60s, all ethnicities, female-identifying. PAULETTE: A working-class hospice nurse. She’s just doing her job and doesn’t show much emotion. She’s still warm and funny. An everywoman. VICKIE: Voice-only character. In her 60s. One of Sarah’s friends and former co-workers who has retired and moved away. She talks to Sarah via facetime. Strong comic skills. NON-AEA UNDERSTUDY.

Storyline: Sarah and Ethan are the last two descendants of the Fernsby family. Ethan returns to the outskirts of Troy, Idaho, to settle the affairs of his late father. Sarah, his aunt who has always kept her distance, welcomes him into her home while harboring a secret.