ANNOUNCING AUDITIONS FOR OUR NEXT PRODUCTION!

directed by Sean Hargadon

Pay rate: $200 stipend - main cast; $100 stipend - understudies, plus one guaranteed performance

Performing at the new Elgin Art Showcase at 220 DuPage St. in downtown Elgin, October 30 - November 15 (no performance on Halloween). 

When: Monday and Tuesday, June 22-23, 7pm. Attendance required on only one date. Callbacks as needed. Open call, no appointment necessary. Actors seen in order of arrival. No arrivals taken after 9pm.

Where: First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin (Division St. entrance). Free parking garage across the street on Highland.

What to prepare: Readings from the script. Sides will be available at the audition and here soon. Stay tuned!

Bring: headshot and resume.

Synopsis: Joe DiPietro's Conscience explores relevant themes of political courage, the fight for truth against demagoguery, women's influence in politics, the perils of ambition, and the importance of standing up to oppressive tactics even at personal risk. This timely play focuses on real events in 1950: Senator Margaret Chase Smith's famous "Declaration of Conscience" speech, contrasting her integrity with Senator Joseph McCarthy's use of fear and manipulation during the McCarthy era. 

Time commitment: First read-through will be in mid-September. Rehearsals thereafter will begin September 22, typically held three weeknights and one weekend day/night per week at First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin, until tech week beginning on Sunday, October 25 at Elgin Art Showcase. All actors must be available for tech week, October 25-29.

Performances are October 30 - November 15 (no performance on Halloween), Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. Understudy performance on Thursday, November 12.

Understudies are required to attend at least one rehearsal per week, all of tech week, and at least one performance per week. 

Casting Notes and Character Breakdown

Seeking main cast and understudies.

This play contains some intimate scenes including kissing and some groping. An intimacy coach will be provided.

Margaret Chase Smith:(this role has already been cast - seeking understudy only) female, 50’s-60’s. The junior senator from Maine. No nonsense with a firm elegance and a caustic wit. A committed moderate, forever independent.

Senator Joe McCarthy: male, early to late 40’s. The junior senator from Wisconsin. Loud, crass, reckless, unmannered, unmarried, and very, very effective.

William Lewis Jr.: male, mid 30’s to early 40’s. Senator Chase’s executive assistant and her right hand. Thin and handsome, bright and educated, impeccably dressed. He knows the ins and outs of Washington.

Jean Kerr: female, early to late 20’s. A young acolyte of McCarthy’s. Bright and educated and fiercely loyal. She has grown accustomed to being underestimated.

While the characters in this show are written with specific pronouns or identities in mind, we are open and welcome actors of all genders to submit for the role(s) that you feel most called to.