Website Backyard Theatre Company
Barebones storytelling. Human bodies, breath, and sound.
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4.48 Psychosis is a bold, poetic exploration of mental illness, despair, and the search for clarity. This production embraces the play’s fragmented structure and emotional intensity through an ensemble-driven approach rooted in physical storytelling and devised work. Actors should be prepared to engage with challenging material, collaborate deeply, and sustain nuanced, psychologically precise performances.
This production contains explicit themes including mental illness, suicide, and trauma. Please consider your well-being before auditioning.
Directions & Transit:
By CTA:
Take the Red Line to the Bryn Mawr stop. Exit the station and walk east on Bryn Mawr Ave toward Kimball Ave. The building is located at 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave on the north side of the street, just before Kimball Ave.
By Bus:
Routes 36 (Broadway) and 84 (Montrose) stop nearby. Walk to Bryn Mawr Ave and proceed as above.
By Car:
Street parking is available but limited; pay attention to signage. There are also nearby parking garages on Broadway and Clark St.
Accessibility:
The building is wheelchair accessible. Please reach out ahead of time if you require any accommodations.
Material to Prepare:
In-person:
- Prepare a contemporary monologue up to 2 minutes
- Material should demonstrate emotional precision and psychological depth
- Memorization encouraged but not required
- Dress simply and comfortably
- Actors may be asked to read from the script
Digital Submission:
- Submit a self-taped video of your monologue via the link below.
- Include your name, pronouns, and contact info at the start of the video.
- Deadline for submissions: January 15 at 5:00 PM CST
Please use the application linked provided for BOTH types of audition submissions. Thanks!
Time Commitment:
Rehearsals begin early February; performances run late March to early April.
Character Type/Restrictions:
We are seeking five performers to form a tight, flexible ensemble. While the text does not assign traditional characters, the creative team is casting for five distinct ensemble slots, each with specific energies and responsibilities within the piece.
We are particularly interested in actors with strong experience as movers, devisers, or physical storytellers, or those with substantial training or comfort in movement-based work.
All gender identities, races, ethnicities, body types, and abilities are encouraged to apply. Nontraditional casting is welcome. We are especially interested in hearing from femme, trans, and nonbinary artists for this production.
Actors should be prepared to move at callbacks.
To apply for this job please visit form.jotform.com.