Black Ensemble Theater
Chicago, IL

DESCRIPTION

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

Monday, February 16, 2026

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

AND

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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

AND

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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

BREAKS: 1:00PM - 2:00PM

CONTRACT

CAT

$718 weekly minimum (tier 4)

SEEKING

NOTE: Due to a scheduled system upgrade, signups for this audition will end one day earlier than usual. You may not be able to cancel signups/appointments via Casting Call in the days leading up to your audition. Because the member portal will not be available during the upgrade, members who use digital membership cards should take a screenshot of their digital card for use while the upgrade is in progress.

Equity actors for roles in Black Ensemble Theater's 2026-27 Season (see breakdown).

All roles will be understudied.

PREPARATION

Brief selection of any Soul song (Gospel, Blues, R&B, Pop, Motown). Please also prepare a 1-minute contemporary monologue. Please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.

LOCATION

Black Ensemble Theatre

4450 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60640

PERSONNEL

See breakdown for production-specific personnel.

EXPECTED TO ATTEND:

Jackie Taylor - Founder & CEO

Daryl Brooks - Producing Managing Director

Caren Blackmore- Casting Liaison

Accompanist - TBA

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

Muddy Waters ( The Hoochie Coochie Man)

Historical celebration of one of the Blues’ Greatest

Written by Jackie Taylor

Directed By Daryl Brooks

First Rehearsal: May 11th

Tech Begins: June 2nd

Preview: June 6,7,12,13

Open: June 14th

Close: July 26th

SEEKING:

Muddy Waters - 30s - 40s sings

Howlin’ Wolf - 20- 40s sings

Koko Taylor - 20s - 40s sings

ENSEMBLE - male/female 20s - 50s sings and move well

You Can’t Fake The Funk (A Journey Through Funk Music)

A flash back journey with Dr. Funk to honor some of the most memorable music in FUNK.

Written and Directed by Daryl D Brooks

First Rehearsal: August 11th

Tech Begins: Sept. 8th

Preview: Sept. 5,6,11,12

Open: Sept. 13th

Close: Oct. 25th

SEEKING:

ENSEMBLE - male/female 20s - 50s must sing and move well to play various roles (Dr. Funk, EWF, Chaka Khan, Gap Band, Rick James, Isaac Hayes)

The Other Cinderella

Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the Post Office, the Brothers are from the Hood, and the Fairygodmamma hails from Jamaica! At the helm of the Kingdom of Other is the King and the Queen and everybody – even Dorothy – has soul.

Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor

First Rehearsal: November 3rd

Tech Begins: Dec. 8th

Preview: Dec. 12,13,18,19

Open: Dec 20th

Close: Jan.24th

SEEKING:

King mid 30s - 50s, sings

Queen mid 30s - 50s sings

Cinderella 20s sings and moves well

StepMama mid 30s to 50s, sings

Dorothy 20s, sings

Prince 20s sings and moves well

Fairy GodMomma 30s - 50s sings

ENSEMBLE male/female 20s - 50s sing and move well to play various roles

SALARY

CAT $718 weekly minimum (tier 4)

UNION

AEA