Bated Breath Theatre Company
New York, NY
US

DESCRIPTION

Understudies (Non-Union, Paid)
Bated Breath Theatre Company – DIRTY BOOKS (Immersive)

Bated Breath Theatre Company is seeking non-union understudies for all roles in DIRTY BOOKS. This intimate immersive production follows a love story shaped by censorship and the pressure to hide what matters most, while inviting the audience into a shared act of writing and storytelling. The experience blends immersive theater with performance, audience interaction, and moments where actors and audience co-create the world of the play. The show has been called “brilliant” and “not to be missed.”

This contract runs through the end of January, with a likelihood of extension. January performance frequency varies; performers will be called as needed, with rehearsals and pickups scheduled throughout. Start date: ASAP.

CAST BREAKDOWN
We are seeking understudies for all roles, including:

Woman #1 & Woman #2:
20-something, college-educated feminists and unhappy housewives.

Man #1 & Man #2:
20-something erotic fiction writers wrestling with deeply internalized misogyny.

Warden:
A relentlessly aggressive, intimidating woman of any age or background who is a stern taskmaster. Requires strong presence, vocal command, and the ability to shift between authority and theatricality.

The production relies on ensemble energy, responsiveness, and a genuine connection with the audience as partners in the storytelling. Understudies should be comfortable working in close proximity to the audience, navigating moments shaped by intimacy direction, and stepping into material that requires openness, presence, and collaboration.

Ideal candidates:
• Strong actors with emotional nuance and presence
• Comfortable with intimacy direction and relationship-driven scenes
• Confident interacting on the spot with audiences in immersive settings
• Devising or physical theatre experience is a plus
• Quick learners able to take on multiple tracks
• Grounded, collaborative, and reliable performers who thrive in ensemble-driven work

Auditions will be held by invitation during the daytime on Wednesday, December 10th at the Bated Breath Theater near Union Square.

Compensation:
Actors receive $90 for each day they perform.

To Apply:
Email [email protected] with:
• Resume
• Headshot
• Cover letter
• Reel or performance clips (if available)

To learn more about the production: www.dirtybooksplay.com

Bated Breath Theatre Company encourages performers of all backgrounds, identities, and body types to apply.

DURATION

Dec 7, 2025 - Feb 1, 2026

APPLY BY EMAIL

batedbreathcasting…
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