Black Ensemble Theater
Chicago, IL

DESCRIPTION

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (C)

Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Sign-ups will end

early due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

AUDITION DATE

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (C)

Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

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 selectionof 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.

BREAKDOWN

Black Ensemble Theater 2025-26 Season

ELVIS PRESLEY WAS A BLACK MAN

Preview: March 1,2,7,8

Open: March 9th

Close: April 20th

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 60’s? 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 8th
Close: W/O Ext July 20th

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: THATS WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
Preview: Sept. 6,7,12,13
Open: Sept. 14
Close: Oct 19th

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 play various roles

3 ENSEMBLE MEN - 20s - 40s, sings and plays various roles

TBA

Preview: Nov. 29th, 30th, Dec. 5th,6th

Open: Dec. 7th

Close: Jan 18th 2026

Auditions for this production will be held at a later date

SALARY

CAT $697.05 weekly minimum (Tier 4)

UNION

AEA