Website kokandyprods Kokandy Productions
Kokandy Productions is seeking main cast and understudies for A Clockwork Orange: A Play with Music, adapted by Anthony Burgess from his book, directed by Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham and choreographed by Breon Arzell.
The show will be produced on the Mainstage at The Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. Submissions are now open through Tuesday, August 4.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange: A Play With Music is a theatrical adaptation of his 1962 novel.
A Clockwork Orange lures audiences into a glass-edged, testosterone-filled underworld of a dystopian future. The explosive story of little Alex and his rebellious gang of Droogs is a groundbreaking and twisted tale teeming with sexuality and “a bit of the old ultra-violence”. As hauntingly relevant today as when Burgess’s book first published in 1962 and when Stanley Kubrick’s cult classic film caused a stir in 1971, A Clockwork Orange is an unapologetic celebration of the human condition. And Beethoven.
A Note on Singing in the Show: While there is some singing in the show, no role is required to sing. Author/adaptor Anthony Burgess has supplied optional music (original lyrics set to Beethoven compositions) that may be used throughout the show. The form the music often takes is as underscore, with an emphasis on chanting, ranting and drinking song energy. There is also some singing that is intentionally off-key, out of tune and more expressive than exact. Our sound designer and music director will work together with the cast to create the soundscape of this production, utilizing the skills of our singers and non-singers alike.
(TL;DR – if you don’t consider yourself a singer, but are interested in this project, you are highly encouraged to audition for any and all roles. This is a Kokandy show for non-singers!)
A Note on Content: The world of A Clockwork Orange is one of “ultra-violence” with hyper-stylized depictions of assault, brutal fighting, intimacy, self-harm, torture, drug use and other mature content. The creative team of this production will include both an intimacy director and fight choreographer who will collaborate with the cast, director and choreographer to develop the vocabulary of the show.
A Note on Callbacks: In person callbacks (dates TBD) will include a movement-focused call led by choreographer Breon Arzell. If invited to callbacks, you will also be sent material from the show to prepare for a slot on the callback dates. Alternatively, some candidates may be asked to prepare material via a self-taped virtual callback.
Material to Prepare:
Please use the form on the Kokandy website (kokandyproductions.com/auditions) to submit a 60-90 second monologue or performance piece. Your submission can be in the heightened style of the show or source material, showcasing your personality and/or any physical skills you’d like to spotlight.
The piece should be submitted along with your headshot/resume, interest and availability for the show.
Time Commitment:
Rehearsals begin the week of September 21st , 2026 (4-5 rehearsals per week; a mix of weekday evenings and weekend morning/afternoons). Tech begins Friday, October 30th. First preview Thursday, Nov 5. Opening weekend: Sat, Nov 21st and Sun, Nov 22nd. Regular performance week is Thurs-Sat 7PM, Sun 5PM. The show will run through Sun, Jan 10th. Note: there will be no performances on Nov 26 (Thanksgiving), Dec 24-25 (Christmas Eve and Day) or Dec 31-Jan 1 (New Year’s Eve and Day).
Character Type/Restrictions:
We hope to cast a diverse ensemble of 8-10 that will play multiple roles (with the exception of the performer portraying Alex). Members of the ensemble will portray a range of genders, ages and types in the show.
AVAILABLE ROLES INCLUDE:
Alex DeLarge: The charismatic, intelligent and violently unpredictable narrator and antihero of the story. As the leader of a gang of “droogs,” Alex delights in acts of “ultra-violence” and chaos. Alex is also obsessed with classical music—especially Beethoven—which adds a strange elegance to an otherwise brutal nature.
Dim: One of Alex’s original droogs—slow-witted, brutish, and loyal to a fault. While Dim follows Alex’s lead in their criminal escapades, there is a lack of finesse and intelligence.
Georgie: Another member of Alex’s gang, but unlike Dim, Georgie is cunning and ambitious. Begins to challenge Alex’s authority as the gang leader, setting up tension that leads to Alex’s downfall.
Pete: The quietest and most morally ambiguous of the droogs. Often serves as a background character in their violent exploits, appearing more passive than the others.
Mr. Deltoid: Alex’s probation officer, Mr. Deltoid is a weary, ineffectual representative of the state, tasked with keeping Alex out of trouble. More concerned with maintaining appearances than truly helping.
The Minister of the Interior: A powerful government official who oversees the Ludovico Technique—the experimental procedure meant to condition criminals into non-violence. The Minister is pragmatic and indifferent to ethics, valuing political optics over individual freedom.
Dr. Brodsky and Dr. Branom: These two scientists are the architects of the Ludovico Technique. Coldly clinical and detached, they see Alex as a subject, not a human.
The Governor: Oversees the prison where Alex is incarcerated. A strict and bureaucratic figure, represents the cold, institutional aspect of the justice system.
The Prison Chaplain: One of the few characters in the story who treats Alex with a degree of empathy and concern. Believes in genuine spiritual transformation and struggles with the moral implications of the Ludovico Technique.
Billy Boy: Billy Boy is the leader of a rival gang, just as violent and anarchic as Alex and the droogs. Their confrontations are chaotic, theatrical, and often mirror territorial warfare or choreographed dance.
Additional roles include Billy Boy’s Gang of Droogs, Wife, The Girl, Old Lady, The Comedian, Seductress, Opera Singer, Doctors, Police, Inmates, Nurses, Warders, Matron, Milk Bar Patrons, Alex’s Mother and Father, Joe the Lodger and others that appear throughout the show. With the exception of Alex, all cast members will play multiple roles.
The above character descriptions are meant to offer guidance, but not limit your imagination. This show is full of possibilities, so let us know what you’re interested in.
Have fun, get weird and thanks in advance!
To apply for this job email your details to casting@kokandyproductions.com