Description:

Blank Theatre Company is seeking submissions for external understudy roles in their production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes. The production will be directed by Blank's Co-Artistic Director Danny Kapinos with music direction by Aaron Kaplan and choreography by Britta Lynn Schlicht.

There is an $80 stipend for this production. As per the Chicago theatre standards we are disclosing that actors are expected to help with strike.

Track 1 covers:
John Jasper - 20s-30s, baritone (A2-A4). Brooding, the type of person you wouldn't want to be alone in a room with. Drood's uncle who harbors a not-so-secret desire for his nephew's betrothed.

The Chairman - any age, baritone (D#3-F#4). Narrator and master of ceremonies, a warm presence who takes his role very seriously and is ready to step in for any actor unable to perform their duties.

Track 2 covers:
Bazzard - any age, bari-tenor (A2-G4). Reverend Crisparkle's assistant, apparently innocently longing for the opportunity to play a larger role in the narrative.

Deputy - 18+ to play young teenager, tenor. Durdles's protege. Despite a young appearance, he is every bit as sharp as his quick-witted father.

Track 3 covers:
Rosa Bud - 20s (to play teenager), soprano (A3-B5). Resents the unwelcome advances she receives from almost every man she meets, she is looking for a simple way out of her engagement but finds herself the subject of another man's obsessive desire wherever she turns

Ensemble - All ages and voice types. Townspeople and members of the company. There are 3 ensemble tracks.

Please note: Although the show presents characters who are traditionally white, cis-gendered, and able-bodied, we are excited to work with actors who do not necessarily identify with all of the above. If this applies to you, feel encouraged to let us know if there is a particular role you would like to be considered for when you submit to us.

Time Commitment:
Rehearsals begin on Sunday, October 20th. Rehearsals will run Sunday afternoon/evenings TBA and Monday-Thursday nights from 6:30-10:30pm from October 20th-November 26th. Actors will be off November 27-30 for Thanksgiving. Rehearsals will be held at Unity Lutheran Church, 1212 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640.

Tech will be the week of December 1st. There are 2 preview performances December 7th & 8th. The show then runs December 10th-29th. Performances will be Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3 pm. There is an industry night performance Monday, December 16th at 730pm. Performances will be held at The Edge Theater, 5451 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.

Material To Prepare:
We will send you sides to film and will provide an accompaniment track. Casting for these roles will be done via video submission.