PROFESSIONAL ADULT ACTOR AUDITIONS
First Stage Milwaukee 2025-26 season – Milwaukee, WI
A NOTE from First Stage and our Belonging, Equity, Access and Diversity (BEAD) Committee:
At First Stage we recognize that our audiences connect more deeply with our work when they see themselves on stage. To that end, we will list race/ethnicity/ability when specific to the character and/or story but are otherwise seeking all races, ethnicities and abilities. Additionally, while most characters we currently encounter in scripts are written with binary pronouns (he/him or she/her), our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible. We invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles which they most interest them.
- Adopted from language originally created by Kevin Kantor and Emily Trarquin of Actors Theatre of Louisville
If you are interested in auditioning for a role in our 25-26 season, please email
auditions@firststage.org to schedule your time slot.
Audition appointments will be scheduled on a first come-first served basis until full. We will be accepting any AEA and non-AEA audition reels (including a dance reel if interested in one of the musicals) through May 1, 2025 and will hold call backs by invitation in person in Milwaukee in May/June 2025. We have set aside the following dates for in-person auditions.
First Stage Adult Equity Generals
Monday, March 24, 2025
9-5pm
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
325 W. Walnut St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
First Stage Adult Non-Equity Generals
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
9-5pm
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
325 W. Walnut St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Please prepare a monologue and a song in the style of our season (See Character Breakdown below). You can also choose to prepare two contrasting monologues instead. Your pieces, including your slate, should be 3-5 minutes in length. We will have an accompanist in the room.
Our 2025-26 season will include the following titles, production dates and adult casting needs:
Todd Wehr Theater
GOOSEBUMPS THE MUSICAL: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay, Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch
Based on Phantom of the Auditorium from the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine
Directed by Jeff Frank
Originally commissioned by First Stage and Oregon Children’s Theatre.
SYNOPSIS: Best friends and long-time horror fans Brooke and Zeke are cast as the leads in the school’s new production of an old play about a phantom. Strange things start disrupting rehearsals and they have to wonder: is this someone’s idea of a joke? Or is the Phantom real?
Rehearsal Dates: Sept. 17 – Oct. 10, 2025
Tues-Fri 4-8:30pm
Sat 12:30-4pm, 5-8:30pm
Sun 10-1:30pm, 2:30-6pm
Performance Dates: Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, 2025
*There will be two casts of young performers performing on alternating dates Wednesday through Sunday.
Casting Needs: 2 Adults
MS. WALKER: (20s+, female-identifying) Passionate, but stressed-out theater teacher. Vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano, B3–D5
EMILE: (20s+, any gender) The school’s custodian with inside knowledge of the Phantom. Vocal range: Baritone/Bass, F#2–E4
Todd Wehr Theater
THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
World Premiere
By Mo Willems with music by Debbie Wicks LaPuma
Directed by Michelle LoRicco
Inspired by his book DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH, Mo Willems has crafted a new holiday musical sure to delight fans of all ages. Featuring Elephant and Piggie, Pigeon and a bunch of our friends from the Unlimited Squirrels series this musical adventure takes us to the north pole on a rollicking journey to discover the magic of Christmas and the power of true friendship.
Rehearsal Dates: Oct. 29 – Nov. 20, 2025
Tues-Fri 4-8:30pm
Sat 12:30-4pm or 5-8:30pm
Sun 10-1:30pm or 2:30-6pm
Performance Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 28, 2025
*There will be two casts of young performers performing on alternating dates Wednesday through Sunday.
Casting Needs: 3 Adults
THE PIGEON: (20+, Any Gender) Mischievous, persistent, and larger than life. Vocal Range: Tenor/Mezzo-Soprano, Bb3–G5
ELEPHANT GERALD: THIS ROLE IS CAST, NEEDS UNDERSTUDY (20+, male-identifying) A careful, somewhat anxious elephant who overthinks everything but has a big heart. Best friends with Piggie. Requires strong comedic timing and ability to play neurosis with warmth. Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor, C3–F4
PIGGIE: THIS ROLE IS CAST, NEEDS UNDERSTUDY (20+, female-identifying) An outgoing, enthusiastic, and spontaneous pig who loves fun and adventure. The emotional heart of the story, balancing Gerald’s worries with joy. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano, G3–F5
Todd Wehr Theater
PETER PAN AND WENDY
Adapted by Doug Rand from the Novel by JM Barrie
TYA version adapted by Jeff Frank and First Stage
Directed by Jeff Frank
Rediscover the loopy fun and the darker corners of J.M. Barrie's original novel with this faithful, fast-moving, and easy-to-stage adaptation. When the carefree and careless Peter Pan flies into the nursery of the Darling home, Wendy follows her instincts for maternity and adventure, bringing her little brothers along to the magical Neverland to take care of the motherless Lost Boys. Soon the Darling children are swept into Peter's deadly battle with Captain Hook and his mostly-fearsome pirate crew. With so much excitement, why ever go home again...?
Rehearsal Dates: Jan. 28 – Feb. 19, 2026
Tues-Fri 4-8:30pm
Sat 12:30-4pm or 5-8:30pm
Sun 10-1:30pm or 2:30-6pm
Performance Dates: Feb. 20 – Mar. 22, 2026
*There will be two casts of young performers performing on alternating dates Wednesday through Sunday.
Casting Needs: 6 Adults
NOTE: This show will involve highly stylized, Koken movement, lifts, and potential stage combat, puppetry -
FATHER / CAPTAIN HOOK: (30s+, male-identifying) Dual role as both the stern and proper Mr. Darling and the theatrical, villainous pirate captain. (Stage combat)
MOTHER/KOKEN: (30s+, female-identifying) Doubles as both Mrs. Darling and a key Koken performer, manipulating the world of the play. Strong, fluid movement required for scene transitions and special effects.
STARKEY/KOKEN: (18+, any gender) A flamboyant, dramatic pirate with a flair for the theatrical. Stylized pirate movement and fluid Koken work; may include partner lifts or assisting flight illusions. Combat
SMEE/KOKEN: (18+, any gender) Hook’s bumbling but endearing first mate, providing comic relief. As a Koken, assists with movement illusions. Strong physical comedy skills: will manipulate props and assist in transitions and stylized sequences. Combat
PIRATE 1/KOKEN: (18+, any gender) A member of Hook’s crew and an integral part of the Koken ensemble. Will function in choreographed fights and assist with flying and illusions; strong movement-based acting required. Combat
PIRATE 2/ KOKEN: (18+, any gender) A member of Hook’s crew and an integral part of the Koken ensemble. Will function in choreographed fights and assist with flying and illusions; strong movement-based acting required. Combat
Todd Wehr Theater
Disney’s
FROZEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Kristin Anderson-Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
Directed by Michael Dean Morgan
Assistant Directed & Choreographed by Michelle LoRicco
Synopsis: Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.
Rehearsal Dates: Mar. 11 – April 10, 2026
Tues-Fri 4-8:30pm
Sat 12:30-4pm or 5-8:30pm
Sun 10-1:30pm or 2:30-6pm
Performance Dates: April 11 – May 17, 2026
*There will be two casts of young performers performing on alternating dates Wednesday through Sunday.
Casting Needs: 5 Adults
ELSA: (20s+, female-identifying) The reserved but powerful Queen of Arendelle. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano with strong belt, F3–E5
KING AGNARR / DUKE OF WESELTON: (30s+, male-identifying) The wise but cautious King of Arendelle (Elsa and Anna’s father), and the comically pompous, scheming nobleman Weselton. Vocal Range: Baritone, D3–E4
QUEEN / ENSEMBLE: (30s+, female-identifying) The warm and caring Queen of Arendelle (Elsa and Anna’s mother), later appearing in ensemble roles. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano, B3–C#5
PABBIE / OAKEN / ENSEMBLE: (20s+, any gender) Pabbie, the wise leader of the mystical trolls, and Oaken, the jolly owner of Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna. Some stylized movement as Pabbie; comedic physicality for Oaken. Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass or Alto, (A2–D4)
BULDA / ENSEMBLE: (20s+, any gender) Bulda, a loving and eccentric troll who “adopts” Kristoff, appearing later in ensemble roles. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto, B3–D5
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CASTING PERSONNEL
Artistic Director: Jeff Frank
Associate Artistic Director: Michelle LoRicco
Director of Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement: Samantha Montgomery
Director of Production: Sammy Brown
Academy Director: J.T. Backes
Education Director: Brinn Hill
Academy Manager: Chris Orth
UNDERSTUDY OPPORTUNITIES
All adult roles will be understudied for this season by non-union actors. A First Stage understudy usually covers one to two tracks. Understudies are expected to attend rehearsals 8 hours a week during the rehearsal process as well as attending the show once a week while in performance. Must be local to Milwaukee.
Understudy tracks pay $150/week with added pay per performance should you have to go on. Reach out to Associate Artistic Director Michelle LoRicco –
mloricco@firststage.org if you are interested in being considered for an Understudy role.
STAGE MANAGERS
AEA Stage Managers interested in working with First Stage can submit their resumes to Sammy Brown, our Director of Production, at
sbrown@firststage.org.
HOW TO GET MORE INVOLVED AT FIRST STAGE?
We are always looking for teaching artists for our Theater in Education programs during the school year, and our Theater Academy during the school year and in the summer. Please send your interest and resume to JT Backes at
jtbackes@firststage.org if you are interested in Academy opportunities or Brinn Hill at
bhill@firststage.org if you are interested in working in our in-school and after school education programs.
ABOUT FIRST STAGE
FIRST STAGE is proud to employ between 24-32 professional actors every season, and there are opportunities for Internships, Understudies, and Teaching Artist Fellows. FIRST STAGE employs Actor’s Equity Association Actors and Non-Equity actors under a Theatre For Young Audience (TYA) Contract. First Stage is one of the nation’s largest professional theatre for young audiences. We are an Equity theatre that also hires non-equity actors and understudies for all shows. Contracts run in length from six to nine weeks. We do age-appropriate casting for our young roles, and cast anywhere from five to twenty-five young performers per show. We also are interested in actors who have experience or potential as teaching artists either in our Theater in Education department or our nationally acclaimed Theater Academy. For more information about auditions, contact Artistic Director Jeff Frank at
jfrank@firststage.org,
auditions@firststage.org or (414) 267-2981 – or Associate Artistic Director Michelle LoRicco
mloricco@firststage.org. When possible, please submit your headshot and resume electronically ahead of time.
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