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Aurora Civic Center Authority | Aurora, IL
Monday, February 24, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (C)
BREAK: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
LOA
$1,024 weekly minimum (LOA ref. COST) - Broadway Series
$784.20 weekly minimum (LOA ref. COST) - Bold Series
Equity actors for roles in Paramount Theatre's 2025-26 Season (see breakdown). Actors and singers of all genders, ethnicities, ages and types are encouraged to audition. All Equity Stage Managerial positions are currently filled. The Aurora Civic Center Authority (parent company to Paramount Theatre) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.
Please bring TWO copies of Headshot/Resume. Please prepare ONE one-to-two-minute cut or TWO one-minute cuts in the style of the shows. You may be asked to sing more from your book.
Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center
557 W Randolph St
1st Fl
Chicago, IL 60661
See breakdown for production-specific personnel.
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Trent Stork (they/them) – Director of Come From Away, Artistic Producer & Casting Director for Paramount Theatre
Elena Gerk (she/her) – Artistic & Casting Associate for Paramount Theatre
Stephen Schellhardt (he/him) - Director of White Christmas
Lauren Berman (she/her) - Director of Ride The Cyclone
Tiffany Krause (she/her) - Choreographer of White Christmas
Devon Hayakawa (Any Pronouns) – Associate Director of Come From Away
See breakdown for production-specific dates.
www.paramountaurora.com
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
NOTE about Child Actors (Actors under the Age of 16). The character descriptions below refer to the age of the characters. The only role available to actors under the age of 16 is Susan Waverly in White Christmas. Rather than coming to these open calls, all parties interested in the role of Susan Waverly may contact Paramount Casting at
casting@paramountarts.com for consideration.
A NOTE from Casting: Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.
We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities.
Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
Paramount Theatre- Broadway Series
Trent Stork (they/them) – Director of Come From Away, Artistic Producer & Casting Director for Paramount Theatre
Devon Hayakawa (Any Pronouns) - Associate Director & Dramaturg of Come From Away
Kasey Alfonso (she/they) - Choreographer of Come From Away
Kory Danielson (he/him) – Music Director of Come From Away
Elena Gerk (she/her) – Artistic & Casting Associate for Paramount Theatre
First Rehearsal: July 21, 2025
Tech Begins: August 12, 2025
First Public Performance: August 20, 2025
Opening Night: August 29, 2025
Closing Night: October 12, 2025
BEVERLY & Others
Female, 51
BEVERLY - The first female captain for American Airlines. Beverly has always loved planes and flying, then her world suddenly changes on 9/11.
OTHERS - Annette (schoolteacher in Gander), Reporter.
DIANE & Others
Female, 50-60s
DIANE - A divorcee from Texas, who is terrified that her son may have been flying at the time of the attacks. When she finds out that he's safe, she's given a new lease on life and discovers a wilder, more carefree side of herself. Falls in love with Nick.
OTHERS - Crystal (Waitress in Gander), Brenda (Newfoundlander, Matty, the bar owner’s wife).
NICK & Others
Male, 50-60s
NICK - An English oil engineer who is focused on his work. His life is turned upside down when he falls for Diane.
OTHERS - Doug (Newfoundlander, air traffic controller, married to Bonnie), Officer Stephenson.
KEVIN T. & Others
Male, 30s-50s
KEVIN T - The head of an environmental energy company in Los Angeles, Kevin was on vacation with his boyfriend/secretary (also named Kevin), when they become stranded in Gander. Inspired by the town’s generosity, Kevin created the Pay It Forward Foundation.
OTHERS - Garth (The head of the local union in Gander, representing the Bus Drivers), President Bush.
KEVIN J. & Others
Male, Middle Eastern, 30s-50s
KEVIN J - Kevin T’s Boyfriend/Secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy, he wants to leave Gander as soon as possible.
OTHERS - Dwight (Newfoundlander, friend of Doug and Claude), Ali (a Muslim from Egypt, is profiled and body searched by the police at the airport).
BOB & Others
Male, Black, 20s-40s
BOB - A hardened New Yorker, Bob is suspicious of where they have landed. Fearing that it’s World War III, he is anxious someone will end up jumping him and steal his wallet - instead he ends up losing his New York jadedness.
OTHERS - Muhumuza (an African husband who tries to soothe his scared wife), Captain Bristol (pilot who is “very handsome and good with his passengers.” Makes Annette swoon).
HANNAH & Others
Female, Black, 40s – 60s
HANNAH - The mother of a firefighter in Manhattan, Hannah waits for the news about her son and is comforted by Beulah.
OTHERS - Margie (Newfoundlander, friend of Annette and Beulah), Mickey (Bus driver in Gander).
CLAUDE & Others
Male, 50s- 60s
CLAUDE - The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander, Newfoundland, Claude loves his work, the townspeople, and his daily traditions, but he’s never had to deal with a crisis of this magnitude before.
OTHERS - Derm (Mayor of Appleton who befriends Bob), Brenda’s Brother (Newfoundlander who finds Bi-Sexuals fascinating), Eddie (another Newfoundlander who remembers Jewish prayers from when he was a young boy).
BEULAH & Others
Female, 40s- 60s
BEULAH - The Head of the Gander Legion, mother hen of Gander, walks Hannah to her church and prays with her.
OTHERS - Delores (Plane Person who is not handling the stress of being on a plane for 28 hours very well. Later loosens up and sings a karaoke version of “My Heart Will Go On” in Gander).
BONNIE & Others
Female, 30s- 40s
BONNIE - A no-nonsense mother of 3, Bonnie is the head of the Gander area SPCA. When she discovers animals are trapped on the planes, she stops at nothing to ensure their safety.
OTHERS - Martha (pregnant, helpful Newfoundlander. Hosts some Plane People in her house).
OZ & Others
Male, Late 30s- 50s
OZ - The quirky constable in the two-person Gander Police Force. When the town’s population suddenly doubles, Oz helps in unexpected ways.
OTHERS - Joey (Plane Person who doesn’t mind the free liquor they are getting on board…), Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels (Gander’s gym teacher who speaks a little bit of Spanish and is very proud of that fact), Terry (bus driver in Gander), Matty (Owner of a bar in Gander. At first, a threatening exterior but soon shows his soft side and acceptance of all people), Rabbi (leads prayer to calm Eddie’s nerves), Head Cardiologist.
JANICE & Others
Female, 20s-30s
JANICE - An eager new local TV reporter who is thrown into the deep end on her first day. Initially naïve about the world, Janice must face the pain and confusion around her.
OTHERS - Britney (helpful Walmart employee in Gander. Offers to have people come shower at her house), Flight Attendant (gets nervous when Ali boards the plane headed back to the United States).
NOTE ON VOICE TYPES: For all roles, can be varying voice types but all must be strong part singers.
This show deals with the events of 9/11. There are moments when passengers of the flight we follow mention Bomb Threats, Distrust in Muslim and Middle Eastern passengers which results in Customs becoming involved, and deep concerns of other passengers and firefighters in Manhattan. There are no physical altercations, but Racial Discrimination occurs in heightened moments. There are also light moments of intimacy/a kiss shown between Diane and Nick.
Paramount Theatre- Broadway Series
Stephen Schellhardt (he/him) – Director of WHITE CHRISTMAS
Tiffany Krause (she/her) - Choreographer of WHITE CHRISTMAS
Kory Danielson (he/him) – Music Director of WHITE CHRISTMAS
Trent Stork (they/them) – Artistic Producer & Casting Director for Paramount Theatre
Elena Gerk (she/her) – Artistic & Casting Associate for Paramount Theatre
First Rehearsal: October 13, 2025
Tech Begins: November 4, 2025
First Public Performance: November 12, 2025
Opening Night: November 21, 2025
Closing Night: January 11, 2026
BOB WALLACE
Male, Late 20s to early 40s
A major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader but has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for his true love.
VOICE TYPE: Baritenor, Crooner
PHIL DAVIS
Male, Late 20s to early 40s
The fun-loving, go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown, operator, and incorrigible ladies’ man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception through his boyish charm. Strong jazz and tap-dancer — a song-and-dance comic performer.
VOICE TYPE: Baritenor, Crooner
BETTY HAYNES
Female, Mid to late 20s to late 30s
The sensible, responsible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent, upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob, she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo, Chanteuse
JUDY HAYNES
Female, Early 20s to mid-30s
The younger, more ambitious Haynes sister. While wholesome, she is a charmer whom no man can resist. Strong jazz and tap dancer — a major song-and-dance performer.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo
GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY
Male, Late 50s to Mid-60s
A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to returning to civilian life in post-World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love.
VOICE TYPE: Non-Singing
MARTHA WATSON
Female, Late 40s to Mid-60s
Once a Broadway star, now the general’s housekeeper at the Inn, Martha has a very dry, wry, wisecracking sense of humor. Bighearted but completely unsentimental, she runs the General’s life despite his protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she believes to be the other guy’s best interests.
VOICE TYPE: Brassy Alto/Mezzo
SUSAN WAVERLY
Female, 9 years old
The General’s granddaughter. A lovable and outgoing real kid. She is very smart, wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates her winning personality as the ultimate child performer.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo/Belter
RALPH SHELDRAKE
Male, Mid to Late 30s
Featured Ensemble. Army buddy of Bob and Phil’s, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional.
VOICE TYPE: Strong Part Singer, Well Versed in Style
RITA AND RHODA
Female, Mid 20s to Early 30s
Featured Ensemble. Bob and Phil’s two-star chorus girls; they are brash and fun.
VOICE TYPE: Strong Part Singers, Well Versed in Style
EZEKIEL FOSTER
Male, Mid 40s to Late 50s
Featured Ensemble. The ultimate taciturn New Englander, who helps at the inn and takes life at a very slow pace.
VOICE TYPE: Strong Part Singer, Well Versed in Style
MIKE
Male, Mid 20s to Late 30s
Featured Ensemble. Bob and Phil’s stage manager. Tends to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical but will get things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep order.
VOICE TYPE: Strong Part Singer, Well Versed in Style
ENSEMBLE
Adult ensemble of dancers and singers, any age.
The ensemble will, over the course of the show, play: Jimmy’s Back Room Clubgoers, Train passengers, Guests of the Inn, Patrons of the Regency Room, as well as dancers and singers in various numbers. Must be equally strong in ballroom, jazz, and tap.
VOICE TYPE: Strong Part Singers, Well Versed in Style
Because this show opens in the Western Front of World War II, 1944 and continues in 1954, there are many moments in which World War II is referenced. While the show opens in WWII, there are not any moments of the war in action. There is mention of Waverly recovering from being shot in the leg (not shown on stage). There are two moments in which Betty and Bob kiss. Phil and Judy share a few intimate moments from Phil kissing her hand and the two sharing a kiss. The characters Rita and Rhoda are often extremely forward and flirtatious; they also wear scanty Christmas-themed outfits at one point.
Paramount Theatre- Broadway Series
Jessica Fisch (she/her) – Director of Dear Evan Hansen
TBD – Choreographer of Dear Evan Hansen
Kory Danielson (he/him) – Music Director of Dear Evan Hansen
Trent Stork (they/them) – Artistic Producer & Casting Director for Paramount Theatre
Elena Gerk (she/her) – Artistic & Casting Associate for Paramount Theatre
First Rehearsal: January 5, 2026
Tech Begins: January 27, 2026
First Public Performance: February 4, 2026
Opening Night: February 13, 2026
Closing Night: March 22, 2026
EVAN HANSEN
Male, 17
The eponymous character of Evan Hansen is a high-school student with social anxiety and low self-esteem. Longing to fit in, he observes the world around him while he tries to find an in. He relies on the exercises his therapist has assigned him to help him make sense of his day-to-day life. One such exercise is writing letters to himself, which sparks the series of events that leads Evan to become a hero, then a villain, and finally a mixture of both.
VOICE TYPE: High Pop Tenor with Falsetto and Baritone Moments
HEIDI HANSEN
Female, 30s-40s
Evan’s busy single mum, Heidi, works as a nurse while attending night school. Though she’s a doting mother, her unavoidable absence adds to Evan’s distress.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo Belter
CONNOR MURPHY
Male, 17
A social outcast who struggles to deal with his impulses, Connor Murphy shows a different side of rejection and longing. Seen as a delinquent due to his drug use and aggression, Connor’s mental well-being isn’t addressed, leading to him taking his own life. Through this action, Evan sees an opportunity to insert himself into a situation which spirals out of control. Though Connor dies in Act One, his ghost is seen throughout the show.
VOICE TYPE: Pop Tenor
ZOE MURPHY
Female, 16
Connor’s younger sister and the love interest of Evan. Practically hating Connor while he was alive, she wishes she could have known him better, and turns to Evan, who has lied about being Connor’s friend.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo Belter
CYNTHIA MURPHY
Female, 40s
Connor and Zoe’s mom who is trying her best but often doesn’t know what to do. A stay-at-home mom who is scrambling to keep her fragile family together finds solace in Evan, accepting him and all his comforting lies.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo Mixer
LARRY MURPHY
Male, 40s
Larry is Zoe and Connor’s busy and distant father. Where his children saw a lack, he fills a gap in Evan’s life. Due to his cold demeanor, along with the general family dysfunction, he and the other members of the Murphys are blamed for Connor’s death by the public.
VOICE TYPE: Pop Baritenor
ALANA BECK
Female, 17
The over-achieving Alana is always looking for extracurricular activities to add to her college applications. Getting caught up in Evan’s web of lies, she joins him in a quest to start a fundraising campaign called The Connor Project leading to a viral moment for Evan which ultimately exposes him.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo Belter/Mixer
JARED KLEINMAN
Male, 17
A begrudging family friend of Evan, Jared helps keep the fictitious friendship alive by fabricating emails sent between Evan and Connor before his tragic passing.
VOICE TYPE: Pop Tenor
Dear Evan Hansen explores the realities of love and loss following the tragic death of student Connor Murphy. After Connor’s passing, a note is found, and his family misinterprets it as a suicide note falsifying the friendship of Connor and Evan. This show discusses the topic of mental health, as well as grief and suicide. There are a few moments in which mature sexual language, and a few mild sexual gestures are displayed on stage. The characters Evan and Zoe share a kiss.
Paramount Theatre- Bold Series
Lauren Berman (she/her) – Director of RIDE THE CYCLONE
Matthew Weidenbener (he/him) – Choreographer of RIDE THE CYCLONE
Kory Danielson (he/him) – Music Director of RIDE THE CYCLONE
Trent Stork (they/them) – Artistic Producer & Casting Director for Paramount Theatre
Elena Gerk (she/her) – Artistic & Casting Associate for Paramount Theatre
First Rehearsal: February 16, 2026
Tech Begins: March 10, 2026
First Public Performance: March 18, 2026
Opening Night: March 27, 2026
Closing Night: May 31, 2026
OCEAN O’CONNELL ROSENBERG
Female, 17
The “most successful girl in town.” The self-proclaimed leader of the group, relentlessly competitive, egotistical, and sometimes cruel. Though she sees herself as a virtuous person, she is mostly hated by her fellow choir members. She has an intense need to be the best and hides her deep insecurity beneath an overly confident exterior.
VOICE TYPE: High Belt
CONSTANCE BLACKWOOD
Female, 17
The “nicest girl in town.” A giant-hearted, warm, compassionate, self-deprecating, goofy and kind girl with a soulful way of seeing the world's bittersweet wonder. Will do anything for Ocean’s friendship and allows herself to be used as a doormat. Always a pleaser but secretly despises being dubbed “nicest girl.” She longs to be noticed as her true self.
VOICE TYPE: Mezzo Belter
JANE DOE
Female, 17
A mystery. Eerie and ethereal. She was decapitated in the accident, and no one claimed her body. Even though she isn’t headless in the piece (but often carries around a headless doll), the trauma of the accident leaves her lost in a fog and largely without emotion. She acts in a literal way-sometimes almost robot-like. She longs to fit in but doesn’t know how.
VOICE TYPE: High Soprano
MISCHA BACHINSKI
Male, 18
The “angriest boy in town.” Ukrainian-born bad boy with a romantic heart. Adopted as a teenager; he has a thick Ukrainian dialect and is fueled by rage and hormones — both off the charts. He is obsessed with ‘Gangster Rap’ (an enormous fan of the auto-tune phenomena) but also has a hidden, soulful, romantic side. He presents himself as tough and stoic, but underneath he is a passionate dreamer.
VOICE TYPE: Baritenor
NOEL GRUBER
Male, 17
The “most romantic boy in town.” The only gay kid in his small town. He has never had a relationship; obsessed with French New Wave cinema; and has deep fantasies of being a French chanteuse and dying a tragic death. Intellectual, theatrical, and darkly witty, but doesn’t have enough hindsight or life experience. He longs to be a tragic figure.
VOICE TYPE: Baritenor
RICKY POTTS
Male, 17
The “most imaginative boy in town.” Through childhood trauma, he has become mute, shy, withdrawn, and lonely. The only thing that saves him is his vast imagination. In his imaginary world, he can transform into a futuristic Superhero with rockstar superpowers a la Prince or Bowie. He transitions from quiet and introverted to confident and expressive.
VOICE TYPE: Baritenor
THE AMAZING KARNAK
Any Gender, 30s to 50s
The narrator. A mechanical fortune-telling machine. A deep rumbling, ominous voice, with a steady, measured, calm inflection that exudes gravitas, but never pushed to comedic extremes.
VOICE TYPE: Non-Singing
This play discusses and depicts death, self-harm, suicide, depression, tragic accidents, and trauma. This play discusses and depicts sexually explicit content and physical displays of affection including: simulated sex acts, kissing, hugging, and handholding. This play discusses and depicts drug use/abuse, alcoholism, underage drinking, smoking. This play contains explicit language, profanity, and derogatory language. This play discusses and depicts racism, violence, crime, assault, murder, prostitution, theft, and class identifications. This play discusses and depicts religion, occult practices, resurrection, and life after death. One character pushes and punches another character.
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