Columbia University School of the Arts
New York, NY
US

DESCRIPTION

SEEKING
Non-AEA male-identifying, black classical actors for a Columbia University collaboration production of Robert Jean-Gilles’ new play The Will of Ergamenes. Familiarity with spoken and written verse is a plus.

The Project: The production is part of an academic process for second-year MFA students, as part of their degree program at Columbia University's School of the Arts (with playwriting faculty including Lynn Nottage, James Ijames and David Henry-Hwang). The goal of the project is to develop a new play together, with a primary focus on the process of collaboration. With this in mind, all collaborators are asked to be flexible in taking part of the process of creating a new work. Due to university limitations on academic productions, this is an unpaid positionn.

Rehearsals: Start January 16th, with hourly schedule TBD, based on actor availability. Tech rehearsals will start the week of February 9th.

Performances:

Friday, February 20th, 2026, 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 21st, 2026, 2:00 PM

Saturday, February 21st, 2026, 7:30:PM

Venue: The Studio @ Schapiro, Columbia University

About the Play:

Who hears God better: the old guard or the fresh blood? In this new work, the priesthood of Amun and the Kushite monarchy clash over tradition, with bloody consequences. Written in the style of an English Renaissance tragedy, we are seeking 11 black male actors with classical training.

Set during the Meroitic period in Kushite history– from around 300 BC to 350 AD in what is modern day Southern Sudan and Egypt– this is one of many stories that the playwright aims to write that imbue African history with the grandness of English Renaissance drama. The playwright’s love of this language and type of drama stems from his training as a classical actor. The playwright hopes to bring together a talented team who is excited, passionate and focused to bring this text to life.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Please submit a headshot, resume, and self-tape or reel to [email protected] with the title “FIRSTNAME LASTNAME Will of Ergamenes Audition Submission” by SUNDAY, December 21st. Callbacks will be held in January 2026, on a date TBD in accordance with actor availability (after January 6th).

Please submit a headshot, resume and classical monologue. A second, contrasting classical monologue is welcome, but not necessary for consideration, as are any additional materials showcasing your ability to work with classical text.

Questions:

Contact [email protected]

DURATION

Jan 15, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026

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