HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH AUDITIONS

Hedwig is an “internationally ignored song stylist”, a fourth-wall smashing East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess whose “botched sex-change operation,” has left her with just “an angry inch.” A master of the outrageous, Hedwig shares her life story mid-concert in a rock gig meets stand-up routine as she explores her identity, purpose, and pursuit of wholeness after her life has taken endless unexpected turns.

Text by: John Cameron Mitchell
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Trask

A portion of all ticket sales from this production will be donated to The Trevor Project.

Audition Info
Who
Directed by: Arlo Kiss
Music Director: Jonathan James
Stage Manager: Hope Melody
Production Manager: Olivia Kaye Da Silva

Virtual Auditions
What to Prepare: Please record 32 bars of a musical theatre or rock song in style of the show. We would also like to hear a statement of who you are as an artist and why you think you’d be a good fit for our production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
*While we do not require you to sing from the show for your audition, we are also not discouraging it. Sing whatever sets your heart ablaze!

Auditions Due by: Wednesday, May 27th
Callbacks: Thursday, May 28th (by invitation only)
Location: TBA

CASTING BREAKDOWN
This production will cast 3 performers of varying gender identities. All performers will operate as swings covering every role (Hedwig, Yitzhak, Tommy). The cast will rotate at every show. Operating as the Sun Cast, Moon Cast, and Earth Cast.

Performers must be 18+

GENERAL NOTE: These characters must have the stamina to carry the show from start to finish while rarely leaving the stage

Hedwig
Hedwig is a struggling, queer nightlife performer who is on a journey to find her other half. She is a beautiful disaster, full of talent and vision; a dreamer who has been disillusioned by broken relationships. Seeking a captivating and energetic performer who is comfortable in their body and who can dexterously shift from persona to persona (Hedwig’s mother, husband).
(Role requires a German/Eastern European Accent.)
Very strong rock/pop/soul/R&B tenor
Vocal range: traditionally played approx. A2 to B4

PLEASE NOTE: The role of Hedwig deals with references to varying forms of sexual abuse, the body, and genital-centered discussions of gender. Performs outside the gender binary. Also centers themes of relationship trauma and emotional & verbal abuse.

There is partial nudity and intimacy that can be adjusted to the comfort level of the performer.

Yitzhak
Yitzhak is a phenomenal entertainer on their own, though currently silenced by their partner Hedwig as they serve as the Angry Inch’s backup singer. They are punk, grunge, with a yearning for queer glamor. Bound by the constraints of traditional masculinity but longs to explore a more feminine side. Ability to play basic percussion instruments (tambourine, maracas, etc.) is a plus.
(Role requires a Balkan/Eastern European Accent.)
Strong rock/pop/soul/R&B vocalist.
Vocal range: traditionally played with a higher belt, approx. D4 to A5

Tommy Gnosis
Hedwig’s rock icon ex-lover.
Very strong rock/pop/soul/R&B tenor
Vocal range:  traditionally played approx. A2 to B4

We strongly encourage performers of all gender identities and ethnicities to submit.

Pay: $200 Stipend

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals begin the week of May 31st.

Production Photoshoot: June 13th

Typical rehearsal schedule:
Sunday-Thursday evenings, 6:00-9:00pm
May 31 - July 2

We are committed to building a rehearsal process that is accessible and sustainable for the cast. Due to the uniquely small cast requirements for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, rehearsal locations will be finalized collaboratively with the actors, based on performer availability and geographic convenience.

Tech dates:
Sunday, July 5th
Monday, July 6th
Wednesday, July 8th
Attendance at all tech rehearsals is mandatory.

Performances
Catalyst Ranch - Studio
648 W Randolph St. FL 3
Chicago, IL 60661

Thursday, July 9th - 7:00pm - Preview
Friday, July 10th - 7:00pm - Preview
Saturday, July 11th - 7:00pm - Preview
Sunday, July 12th - 2:00pm - Opening Night
Thursday, July 16th - 7:00pm
Friday, July 17th - 7:00pm
Saturday, July 18th - 7:00pm
Sunday, July 19th - 2:00pm
Thursday, July 23th - 7:00pm
Friday, July 24th - 7:00pm
Saturday, July 25th - 7:00pm
Sunday, July 26th - 2:00pm

Possible Extension:
Friday, July 31st - 7:00pm
Saturday, August 1st - 7:00pm
Sunday, August 2nd - 2:00pm

Call time is 1.5 hours before curtain.