VANGUARD THEATER
Montclair, NJ
US

DESCRIPTION

CASTING NOTICE
HAIRSTORY (Workshop Production)
Produced by: Vanguard Theater Company
Location: Montclair, NJ

Vanguard Theater Company is seeking actors for a workshop production of a new play/musical in development, Hairstory, a magical, culturally rich piece exploring the history, identity, and emotional significance of hair across the world.

This workshop will culminate in a school performance on Friday, February 20. This workshop is part of the ongoing development of the piece, which is expected to have a life beyond this workshop, including future performances and bookings.

SCHEDULE & DETAILS

Rehearsal Location:
Vanguard Theater, Montclair, NJ (2-minute walk from Bay Street train station)

Rehearsal Dates & Times:
Rehearsals will take place February 8–19, between 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Actors will only be called for some of these dates, not all.

Performance:
Friday, February 20 (morning performance, call time TBD)

Pay: $300 stipend

Submission: Please submit headshot and vocal/performance reel
https://forms.gle/6HPB4GyhXWn5J5J36

ROLES AVAILABLE

IN-PERSON ROLES (Workshop + Performance)

MEI (Asian American)
Female, 18
Song: “This Moment Is Mine”

Mei is a young woman from the Long Hair Village of Huangluo in China, preparing for her ceremonial haircut—a once-in-a-lifetime rite of passage marking adulthood. Thoughtful, grounded, and quietly brave, Mei stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. She carries the weight of ancestry, ritual, and becoming. This is a lyrical, emotionally resonant role.

BAYAR (Asian American)
Male, late teens–20’s
Song: “What We Carry Forward”

Bayar is a young man from a Mongolian cultural tradition who is preparing to go into battle. His moment in the play is a ceremonial farewell and rite of passage before he leaves. Through song and ritual, he honors his ancestors, his family, and the legacy he carries with him. This is a grounded, powerful role that combines emotional presence with strength, courage, and readiness. The storytelling is partly physical and ceremonial in nature.

VIDEO-ONLY ROLES (Recording takes place during Week One Only - The following two roles (Mr. Begay and Young Man) will record video content and will not be required for Week Two or for the live performance.

MR. BEGAY (Navajo)
Male, 40s–70s

A Navajo elder and storyteller who teaches the cultural and spiritual significance of hair. He demonstrates and explains how to create a traditional tsiiyeel (Navajo hair bun). Warm, wise, grounded, and deeply rooted in tradition. This role carries quiet authority, humor, and emotional depth.

YOUNG MAN (Navajo)
Male, late teens–20s

A young Navajo man learning the meaning and technique of creating the tsiiyeel hair bun. Curious, respectful, and open-hearted. Through his interaction with Mr. Begay, we witness the passing of tradition from one generation to the next.

SALARY

$300.00 – $300.00 per gig