Website oillamptheater Oil Lamp Theater
WHERE STORIES IGNITE
Oil Lamp Theater is seeking submissions for strong singer/actors for its production of I Love You Because with lyrics by Ryan Cunningham and music by Joshua Salzman. Scott Shallenbarger will direct and Aaron Kahn will music direct.
Run: 8/14/2026-9/13/2026
Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm; Saturday and Sundays at 3pm; Wednesdays, August 19, September 2 (11am and 3pm) and August 26, September 9 (7:30pm).
Oil Lamp Theater does not provide housing. Local hires only.
I Love You Because
I Love You Because is a charming, modern-day reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, set against the backdrop of bustling New York City. This witty and heartfelt musical follows an uptight, rule-bound greeting card writer whose world is upended when he meets a free-spirited photographer with a mind of her own. As their unlikely romance unfolds—mirroring the sparks and clashes of Austen’s beloved characters—they navigate love, misunderstandings, and the meddling of their delightfully eccentric friends and siblings (Theatrical Rights Worldwide).
Rehearsals will begin Monday, June 29 and are typically held from 7:00-10:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings and on Saturdays from 10:00am-1:00pm until tech which begins on Saturday, August 8.
Initial auditions will be INVITE ONLY and will be held at Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview on Monday, January 26, 2026 beginning at 7pm.
If you are interested and available for this production, please fill out this form HERE. We will contact you via email if we are interested in having you come in for an audition. Callbacks are by invitation only and will be held in person on Monday, February 2, 2026 beginning at 7pm.
Compensation will be $1,020. This includes a $150 rehearsal stipend and $30 per performance (29 performances total).
Compensation for Understudies is $530 and includes one guaranteed performance. Understudies will be paid $30 per performance for each additional show performed. Understudies must attend a minimum of one rehearsal/performance a week and be at all tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and previews.
Oil Lamp Theater is located at 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL 60025.
Character Type/Restrictions:
CAST
AUSTIN BENNET — 25, a greeting card writer. (tenor to A)
JEFF BENNET — 28, a pedi-cab driver. (baritone to G, optional A)
MARCY FITZWILLIAMS — 24, a photographer. (soprano, strong mix to F, belt to D)
DIANA BINGLEY — 27, an actuary. (alto to D)
COCKTAIL WAITRESS, BARISTRESS, NEIGHBOR, CHINESE FOOD RESTAURANT MANAGER, NYC WOMAN — 20/early 30s (Soprano)
BARTENDER, BARISTA, WAITER, CHINESE FOOD RESTAURANT WAITER, NYC MAN — 20/early 30s (Bari-tenor)
Casting Notes:
The characters we encounter in this show are written with she/her or he/him pronouns respectively. However limiting the descriptions are, we seek to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
To apply for this job please visit airtable.com.