Milwaukee Repertory Theatre 2023-24 Season - Chicago EPA Milwaukee Repertory Theater | Milwaukee, WI
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (C)
Break: 12:30 - 1:30pm
LORT Non-Rep
$1207 weekly minimum (LORT A)
$1008 weekly minimum (LORT B)
$739 weekly minimum (LORT D)
Equity actors for roles in Milwaukee Repertory Theatre 2023-24 Season (see breakdown).
Actors of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Please bring a current headshot and resume. For non-musical auditions: 1 Classic and 1 Contemporary Monologue (not to exceed 3 minutes total). For musical auditions: A brief cut of a song; 1 Classic or Contemporary Monologue (60-90 seconds). Please bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be available to play day of auditions.
Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center
557 W Randolph St
1st Fl
Chicago, IL 60661
Executive Director: Chad Bauman
Artistic Director: Mark Clements
Associate Artistic Director: Laura Braza Artistic Producer/Casting Director: Jonathan Hetler
Assistant Artistic Producer: Annika Perez Krikorian
Expected to attend:
Artistic Producer/Casting Director: Jonathan Hetler
Assistant Artistic Producer: Annika Perez Krikorian
See production dates in breakdown.
OTHER
For more information about the theater and the season as it becomes available, visit
www.milwaukeerep.com
Stage Manager resumes can be dropped off during the scheduled EPAs and can also be sent to the attention of Kimberly Carolus, Production Stage Manager, at productionjobs@milwaukeerep.com for future consideration.
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.
Equity encourages everyone participating in the auditions to wear a two-ply cloth face mask, surgical mask, singer’s mask or respirator (N95, KN95 or KF94). Single-ply face masks, gaiters and bandanas are not recommended. Singer’s masks can be found at www.broadwayreliefproject.com/singersmask.
Equity encourages members to prepare for their audition prior to arriving at the audition venue, to the extent that they can (e.g., get dressed, hair/make-up, etc.) to avoid crowding in bathrooms and dressing rooms.
Holding/Audition room information:
The audition room can accommodate no more than 45 individuals at a time.
The holding room can accommodate no more than 35 individuals at a time.
Some roles will be understudied.
Book by Eric Simonson
Music & Lyrics by Gordon Gano
Directed by Mark Clements
(LORT B)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – August 4, 2023
1st Preview – September 13
Opening – September 22
Closing – October 22
World Premiere Event – An outrageous ‘true crime’ saga that took the nation by storm, Lawrencia
“Bambi” Bembenek's fall from Milwaukee Police Department cop to Playboy Bunny lands her in the
slammer, convicted of a murder that she didn’t commit. Or did she? Fueled with rock songs and lyrics
from Gordon Gano (Violent Femmes), this rollicking hometown story about truth and justice is a wild ride that you have to see to believe.
Seeking:
Lawrencia “Bambi” Bembenek (Laurie): Female – 30s-40s, our protagonist. Female. Irrepressible
and relentless. A fiery spirit – naturally, unintentionally magnetic. At the start of the play, she is
ambitious, driven, curious, and perhaps a bit sheltered. She is not a hero and she isn’t perfect, she is
an average person, like me or you, who has found herself in a nightmare. She feels and loves deeply.
And she is, perhaps most importantly, honest. We should trust in her every word. Physically (and
historically) she is tall (5ft 10in) and a conventional strikingly gorgeous woman.
Lawyer Track: Lawyer / Don Eisenberg / Ira Robbins
A. LAWYER: Average Wisconsin lawyer. To the point and by the book. The law is the law; believe in
the truth, the right, and the wrong.
B. EISENBERG: 50s, Wisconsin’s #1 celebrity lawyer. Grey hair, coiffed, tinted glasses. He’s hip and
he’s happening; brings the cool and the heat. He should ooze confidence, charisma, sleeze. He is
both shady and charming. His energy should be filthy and captivating.
A. IRA: 30s-50s, Private Investigator. The Nudnik. Nebbish and nerd on the outside, superhero on the
inside. Lives out of his car, smells a little, a bit annoying even, but has a heart of gold. Committed,
determined, unwavering, and eternally loyal to Laurie. Devoted to getting her exonerated up until the
day he dies.
Ensemble 1: Judy Zess / Sean Schultz
A. JUDY: 20s-30s, Laurie’s best friend, eventual traitor. Spirited and brazen. Drawn to Laurie – maybe
sexually so. She has a daringly sharp wit and mischief in her eye. She embraces the pleasures of life
and doesn’t take anything too seriously, perhaps to a fault. Strong physicality is essential, as she
embraces her sexuality completely. Committed and loyal until she’s got something to lose. Physically
(and historically) much shorter than Laurie.
B. SEAN: 10-12, Christine and Fred’s son. The only one who saw the murderer leaving the crime
scene. Young, terrified, and confused. Loves his mom deeply.
Ensemble 2: Christine Schultz / Kelly
A. CHRISTINE: 30s, Fred’s ex-wife, the victim. A confident, saucy woman who can take care of
herself. Committed to her kids. Doesn’t take any bullshit – totally in charge and in control of the messy
leftovers from her and Fred’s divorce. Playfully happy with Stu, Fred’s ex-partner. Died at age 30.
B. KELLY: Laurie’s cellmate friend, Nick’s sister. Supportive – a hand to hold and an ear to listen in
prison for Laurie. Funny, brief, and doesn’t really matter what she did to get in there.
Ensemble 3: Elfred “Fred” Schultz / Orval Zellmer
A. FRED: 30s-40s, MPD, Laurie’s husband. A confident, maybe overconfident, man known for his
sexual prowess. Nickname: Disco Fred. Despite this, or perhaps on account of this reputation, he has
a charm and magnetism that is undeniable. He is also not the nicest (or most competent) cop on the
block. There is a darkness to him that even he doesn’t seem to notice; unlike Laurie, it’s hard to tell
whether his words or tears speak lies or truth. He’s also just a dick. Strong physicality and a
willingness to embrace the unhinged is essential.
B. ZELLMER: Laurie’s Academy Sergeant. Totally old school boys’ club; “Drop and give me 50,
ladies.” No nonsense. Respects Laurie’s drive and give it to her straight, but doesn’t mean he has her
back.
Ensemble 4: Steve Henry / Detective
A. STEVE: 30s-50s, a reporter, our moderator. Witty, ambitious. An expert scene-setter – a seducer
with his words, descriptions crisp enough to taste. A man who knows the power of a well-written story.
Don’t mistake him for the objective narrator; he’s got a keen eye for stories that sell.
B. DETECTIVE: Chief investigator on Christine’s murder. In-control of the scene of the crime. Ready
to solve the case quick and easy. Only can hear his own voice; he’s got all the answers.
Ensemble 5: Frederick Horenberger /Judge Michael Skierawski
A. HORENBERGER: 20s-40s, a man of mystery. Skinny, malnourished guy who goes in and out of the
shadows. A bit sleezy and super okay with it. Makes escape routes for future problems; a bit of
insurance, if you will. The kind of guy who would “dare ya” to walk the line. Uncomfortably calculating
and truly unknowable.
B. JUDGE: 40s-60s, judge on Laurie’s trial. Strict, no-nonsense. Runs the courtroom. Perhaps a bit
menacing, perhaps lazy. A voice that commands. As Laurie describes: an asshole. Does a shoddy job
on her case and must save his own skin in the aftermath.
Ensemble 6: Joe Bembenek / Michael Durfee / Plainclothes 1
A. JOE: 40s-60s, Laurie’s father. A loyal, loving, and protective dad. Sheltering and protective, but not
overbearingly so. He has seen the world for what it truly is, but he would still give Laurie the world if he
could. His words may seem simple, but they hold a wisdom that guides Laurie through her journey. He
is truly her role model, and it is essential that Joe be inspiring, uplifting, and wise.
B. DURFEE: MPD, Fred’s Partner. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. The perfect “look the other way”
partner for a corrupt cop like Fred. Brute with a short fuse and small vocabulary.
C. PLAINCLOTHES 1: Plain clothed, Milwaukee Policeman.
Ensemble 7: Nick Gugliatto / Stu Honeck
A. NICK: 30s-40s, Laurie’s lover and escape partner. A truly hot man. Falls head over heels for Laurie,
and she for him. Unlike Fred, his beauty is matched with a good heart, real loyalty, and steady support
for Laurie. Perhaps he’s grounded, perhaps his heart has him in the clouds; but he is true. A refreshing
breath of honesty.
B. STU: MPD, Fred’s ex-partner, Christine’s lover. Huge beef with Fred. Absolutely adores Christine,
but remains steady and in control despite her murder. Emotionally driven and determined to bring
Christine justice.
Ensemble 8: Harvey / Tom Gaertner / Michael McCann
A. HARVEY: Owner and bartender of Track’s Tavern,a local dive bar near Milwaukee’s north-side.
Serious penny pincher. He’s probably been there a thousand years and will likely die standing behind
that bar.
B. TOM: Judy’s body-building boyfriend. Former Mr. Wisconsin. Also Mr. Ex-Con and dealer of drugs.
Not the sharpest tool in the box.
C. MCCANN: the D.A. Completely committed to the police, on their side before looking at the
evidence. Cover-up and clean-up are his greatest skills; “I’ll handle it” would be his catch phrase.
Steady and cool until his own ass is on the line.
Ensemble 9: Virginia Bembenek
VIRGINIA: 40s-60s, Laurie’s mother. A fiercely loyal mother, traditional but not authoritatively so. Will
defend both Laurie’s innocence and her femininity. Always a few steps behind the action. Though a
little slow, she is devoted to the truth. It’s not hard to see where Laurie gets her honesty from.
Ensemble 10: Harold Breier / Plainclothes 2
A. BREIER: MPD Police Chief. Old School. Knows the system, controls the system, and would like to
keep it that way. Grand, strict, and short-tempered. Violence is not an issue, it’s a solution.
B. PLAINCLOTHES 2: Plain clothed, Milwaukee Policeman.
By Idris Goodwin
(LORT D)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – August 22, 2023
1st Preview – September 26
Opening – September 30
Closing – October 29
World Premiere Event – Two Hip-Hop artists mix slick beats and rhymes with important questions about censorship and expression in popular music. This engaging new play – half DJ jam session, half TED Talk – uses wit, humor and the uncanny powers of the Wu-Tang Clan to enter a conversation on parenting, identity and survival.
Seeking:
The MC – 40, a Black man, father of three.
Timeless – a bit younger than the MC, a man of color, who makes the beats and weaves together the tracks.
Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin
(LORT D)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – October 10, 2022
1st Preview – November 3
Opening – November 5
Closing – January 7, 2024
The hilarious sisters of Nunsense are back, spreading yuletide laughs, cheerful carols and the gift of festive mischief with a new Christmas special for cable access. Complete with (mostly) traditional holiday songs, a silly secret Santa contest, and a not-so-graceful take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet that will have you laughing all the way through New Year’s.
Seeking:
Sister Mary Regina
Sister Mary Hubert
Sister Robert Anne
Sister Mary Paul
Father Virgil Manly Trott
By Frederick Knott
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed by Laura Braza
(LORT B)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – October 17, 2022
1st Preview – November 14
Opening – November 18
Closing - December 17
Passion, blackmail and revenge combine into a breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat murder mystery. Jealous suspicion gives way to cold-blooded vengeance when a gold-digging husband’s perfect crime misfires, trapping all parties in a sinister and dangerous web of lies. This classic play is brimming with shocking surprises that will keep you guessing until the end.
Seeking:
Margot Wendice
Maxine Hadley
Tony Wendice
Lesgate
Inspector Hubbard
By Charles Dickens
Directed by Mark Clements
(LORT A)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – November 7, 2023
1st Preview – November 29
Opening – December 2
Closing – December 24
Seeking:
Ghost of Christmas Past
Ghost of Christmas Present
Bob Cratchit
Mrs. Cratchit
Mr. Fezziwig
Mrs. Fezziwig
Young Scrooge
Marley’s Ghost
Fred
Belle
Books & Lyrics by Fred Alley
Music by James Kaplan
Directed & Choreographed by Jeffrey Herbst
(LORT D)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – January 6, 2024
1st Preview – January 12
Opening – January 14
Closing – March 17
Life on the lake is easy, especially when the fish are biting, the jokes are funny, there's a ‘couple two three’ beers in the bucket and the Green Bay Packers are on the field. From the warmth of their shanty ‘up north,’ old pals Marvin and Lloyd spin wit, wisdom and hilarious songs about life, love and the one that got away.
Seeking:
Lloyd
Marvin
Ernie
By Kate Hamill
Adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
(LORT B)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – January 2, 2024
1st Preview – January 16
Opening – January 20
Closing – February 18
This endearing tale of family, friendship, love and adventure never fails to tug on the heartstrings. Tender and playful, this incredible production will help you fall in love all over again with these four young dreamers as they discover themselves in a country divided.
Seeking:
Marmie
Meg March
Jo March
Beth March
Amy March
Hannah/Ms. Mingott/Aunt March/Messenger
Laurie
John Brooks
Mr. Lawrence/Mr. Dashwood
Robert March
Pulitzer Prize Finalist
By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Laura Braza
(LORT D)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – January 2, 2024
1st Preview – February 6
Opening – February 10
Closing – March 10
Since its premiere in 2019, this Pulitzer Prize finalist has taken the theatrical world by storm, breathing new life into our Constitution by imagining how it will shape the next generation of Americans. It’s a hilarious, witty and refreshingly honest new play.
Seeking:
Heidi
Mike
Adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok
From the Novel by Chaim Potok
(LORT B)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – February 6, 2024
1st Preview – March 5
Opening – March 9
Closing – March 31
In 1940s Brooklyn, two brilliant young Jewish boys grow up sharing a love of baseball. As they reach adulthood, their complicated friendship will test the bounds of belief, understanding and reconciliation. This acclaimed story balances transformation and tradition, growing up and growing wise, and living out your truths – no matter the consequences.
Seeking:
Danny Saunders
Reuven Malter
David Malter
Reb Saunders
By Christina Ham
(LORT B)
Dates:
1st Rehearsal – April 2, 2024
1st Preview – April 16
Opening – April 20
Closing – May 12
Simone's song Four Women transformed her from gifted pianist to trailblazing activist, charting a new course as an agent of change and healing. This play with music shines a light on how she found her true calling and gave voice to a movement through impactful and inspirational songs.
Seeking:
Nina
Sarah
Sephronia
Sweet Thing
Sam
Videos
