Dr. Smile: A New Musical - Virtual Submissions (AEA and Non-Union)
CATEGORY: Performer
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Virginia Beach, VA
US
Job Details
DESCRIPTION
Dr. Smile
by Clyde Santana, Valli Meeks & Kira Sarai Helper
Seeking cast members for first workshop premiere production.
by Clyde Santana, Valli Meeks & Kira Sarai Helper
Seeking cast members for first workshop premiere production.
Rehearsals begin April 13, 2026
Performances May 15-30, 2026. 4 performances per week. Thurs- Sat. at 7:30pm, Sat. 3pm
Rehearsals and performances will take place at Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach, VA.
Limited Local Housing available.
Performances May 15-30, 2026. 4 performances per week. Thurs- Sat. at 7:30pm, Sat. 3pm
Rehearsals and performances will take place at Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach, VA.
Limited Local Housing available.
About the Show:
In 1989, as fear closed doors to people living with HIV, a young Black dentist signs on to run a new dental clinic and becomes an advocate for the excluded. This powerful new musical tells the true story of Dr. Valli Meeks, who fought alongside her HIV+ patients for care, dignity, and respect, establishing the first dental clinic in Maryland for people living with HIV/ Aids. Told through the voices of Dr. Valli, her patients and the love that supported her, this musical is more than a story of medicine and activism. It’s a portrait of partnership, a celebration of perseverance, a love letter to the people who inspired Dr. Valli’s life’s work – her patients.
Contract Type: AEA SPT Category 2
Video Submissions: Video auditions will be accepted until February 3 and must include 2 vocal selections of contrasting styles (Pop/Rock, Folk, or Contemporary Musical Theater) of up to 1 minute each, and a 1-minute contemporary monologue. Virtual video callbacks by appointment.
To be considered, please fill out the following form, complete the required material, attach your reels, your resume and headshot.
https://forms.gle/2TVWKnERpcZp...
Seeking:
ACTOR 1: Dr. Valli Meeks 30s-60s. Actor must be able to age up and down. Black woman.
Dentist. Outspoken, committed advocate. Challenges authority when she believes she is right. Naive at times, but absolutely brilliant. So down to earth, you'd almost never guess she had four degrees. Incredibly compassionate, and not afraid to speak her mind. Mezzo with folk sound.
ACTOR 2: Nannie Meeks Late 50s-early 60s. Black woman. Valli's Mother. Polished.
"Mudder" is stern but compassionate. Always ready to inspire. Soulful alto.
"Mudder" is stern but compassionate. Always ready to inspire. Soulful alto.
ACTOR 3: Judy 30s-40s. Woman. Any ethnicity. A bubbly dental hygienist, receptionist and Valli's right-hand at the Plus Clinic. Originally from West Virginia. Slight Southern twang. Soprano comfortable with folk and rock styles.
ACTOR 4: Carlton Ray Smith Also, "The Dutchess." Mid-50s. Black man. Gay. LGBTQ Advocate. Strong supporter of Dr. Meeks' program. Huge personality rooted in his advocacy for others and desire to lift people up. The Dutchess (she/her) is Carlton's femme alter-ego. The Dutchess is larger than life and completely unstoppable. Baritenor comfortable with folk and pop styles.
ACTOR 5: Jim Koepke Mid-late 40s. White man. Gay. Committed to getting fair and equal treatment for people living with AIDS. Poised and very physically fit. Becomes one of Valli's best friends. Baritone.
ACTOR 6: Jon Eikenberger Mid-30s. Man. White or Latino. Gay. Reserved, but with a strong presence and unspeakable draw. He is a an artist- a political cartoonist who makes comics that satirize his HIV diagnosis. He hides the loss of his hair due to HIV under a baseball hat. Tenor with excellent rock sound.
Ensemble Performers - Adult, Varied ages, gender-identity, race and ethnicity. Versatile actors who can play many characters and differentiate each of them from scene to scene. Play Thoughts, Students, Patients and other characters throughout the show. Strong contemporary folk pop and pop rock singers. Strong movers
*Except for ACTOR 1, full company plays various ensemble characters throughout the show including, clinic patients, doctors, professors, community members, conference goers, etc.
Any questions please email [email protected]
Any questions please email [email protected]
DURATION
Apr 13, 2026 - May 30, 2026
SALARY
$311.99 – $500.00 per week
UNION
AEA