Black Ensemble Theater 2025-26 Season Equity Principal Actors - Black Ensemble Theater Auditions

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER 2025-26 SEASON - CHICAGO EPA

AUDITION DATE

Thursday, January 23, 2025
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (C)
Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CONTRACT

CAT
$697.05 weekly minimum (Tier 4)

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in Black Ensemble Theater's 2025-26 Season (See breakdown). Some roles will be understudied.

PREPARATION

Please prepare 1 contemporary monologue (comedic or dramatic) and/or a brief selection of a soul song (Gospel, Motown, R&B, Blues, Pop, etc). An accompanist will be provided. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.

LOCATION

Black Ensemble Theatre
4450 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640

PERSONNEL

Jackie Taylor - Founder/CEO
Expected to attend:
Daryl Brooks - Producing Managing Director
Caren Blackmore - Casting Liaison

OTHER DATES

See breakdown for production-specific dates.

OTHER

www.blackensemble.org
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be provided. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

BREAKDOWN

Black Ensemble Theater 2025-26 Season

ELVIS PRESLEY WAS A BLACK MAN

Preview: March 1, 2, 7, 8
Open: March 9
Close: April 20

SYNOPSIS

“Elvis Presley was a Black Man” is a story about family, love and the innocence of childhood. What did Elvis Presley mean to a little Black girl and boy from the projects growing up in the 60s? He was their world! This is a story of Janet and Joe, two little kids from the projects – who loved Elvis Presley.

SEEKING

• JANET - 40s, Sings
• YOUNG JANET - teens - 20s, Sings
• JOE - teens - 20s, Sings and moves well
• 4 ENSEMBLE MEN - 20s - 50s, Sings and plays various roles
• 4 ENSEMBLE WOMEN - 20s - 50s, Sings and plays various roles

THE JOURNEY

Preview: May 31, June 1, 6, 7
Open: June 8
Close: W/O Ext July 20

SYNOPSIS

From Bessie Smith to Elton John, The LGBTQIA+ community has been an integral part of the music industry. Join us as we go on a journey learning just how these artists had to struggle for acceptance of their sexuality in an industry that claims to be all inclusive.

SEEKING

• 5 ENSEMBLE WOMEN - 20s - 60s, Sings and plays various roles
• 5 ENSEMBLE MEN - 20s - 60s, Sings and plays various roles

DIONNE, GLADYS AND PATTIE: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

Preview: Sept. 6, 7, 12, 13
Open: Sept. 14
Close: Oct. 19

SYNOPSIS

Sisterhood. What does that really mean? There is no better example than the relationship of these 3 musical icons, making music and supporting each other in times when the world tried to pull them apart. This powerful story proves that nothing or no one can destroy true friendship.

SEEKING

• DEE - 20s - 40s, Sings
• GIGI - 20s - 40s, Sings
• BEA - 20s - 50s, Sings
• 3 ENSEMBLE WOMEN - 20s - 40s, sings and plays various roles
• 3 ENSEMBLE MEN - 20s - 40s, sings and plays various roles

TBA

Preview: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 5, 6
Open: Dec. 7
Close: Jan 18, 2026
Auditions for this production will be held at a later date.