Website Pop Up! Productions
Pop Up! Productions – in collaboration with the Token Theatre hosted by The Goodman Theater – is currently seeking a total of 11 – 12 actors for a reading of Chalo! A Soccer Musical. A heartfelt and fun story, combining the stakes and drama of a sports classic, the comedy and romantic tension of a rom-com, and the unforgettable music to tie it all together.
Chalo! A Soccer Musical is a love letter to the movies and musicals that Gen Z grew up with—the upbeat, catchy music of High School Musical and Bring it On, the irresistible enemies-to-lovers story of 10 Things I Hate About You—all while exploring the problems of today’s teenagers, such as pressure to succeed, strict parental expectations, and college scholarships. With a queer South Asian protagonist, Chalo! provides representation for teenage girls who have not yet had the chance to see themselves on the musical theatre stage.
Please fill out the questions below and submit two contrasting 16 bar cuts in the style of contemporary musical theater.
Please slate your name
Google Form Submissions are due by Friday, April 18, 2025 EOD.
Book, Music, and Lyrics: Reva Sangal & Avery Powers
Director: Niní Bagundo
Music Director: Kyle Anthony Cortés
Stage Manager: TBD
Rehearsal Dates: June 27 – July 10, 2025
Reading Dates: July 11 – July 12, 2025
Rate of Pay: $150 stipend ALL ROLES
Location: Chicago, IL
CALLBACKS:
In-person callbacks will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00am – 5:00pm at the Shattered Globe Rehearsal Space (4222 N Ravenswood Ave) (Callback location and time may be subject to change, but will be communicated with talent in that event).
We look forward to viewing your submissions! If you encounter any issues, please contact
team@pop-up-productions.com
Character Type/Restrictions:
We are particularly interested in South Asian and BIPOC actors to soundly represent this story.
Sheila Aunty (She/Her) Supporting. Late 40s-Early 50s. South Asian. Your typical cheeky Indian Aunty. Overinvolved but ultimately caring and supportive.
Coach Collins (He/Him) Featured. Early 30s. Open Ethnicity. After the retirement of the girls coach, Collins is tasked with coaching both the boys and girls team. His packed schedule leads to an absence of coaching the girls. Fed up with Asha and Nikki’s bickering.
Kaylee (#13), Simone (#2), Claire (#4), Jade (#7), Monica (#1) (Non-Male identifying) Featured. Students. Open Ethnicity. The soccer players of the Western High Warriors team.
Ensemble Includes Rest of the Western High Warriors Team, Students, Eastern High Knights Players, (He/Him, South Asian), Boba Shop workers, Sports Crowd, Scouts, etc.
Asha Gupta (#8) (She/Her) Lead. 18. South Asian. The Planner. Our stubborn, sassy, ambitious protagonist. A strategist and meticulous planner. Begrudgingly co-captains with rival Nikki Shay. Big dreams that she fights for on her own island. [*THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST*]
Announcer/Jai Patel (He/Him) Supporting. Student. Open Ethnicity. The school’s morning announcements and sports commentary brought to you by our Announcer. He may have a sports betting issue, hopefully his allowance can handle it. [*THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST*]
Nikki Shay (#9) (She/Her) Lead. 18. BIPOC. The Prodigy. Equally as stubborn and sassy as our protagonist. A transfer to the Warriors team. Naturally gifted. Charismatic and charming. Not too happy about being co-captains with Asha. [*THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST*]
Mom (She/Her) Lead. Late 30s-Early 40s. South Asian. Mom of Asha Gupta. Overprotective and overbearing. Hard on Asha but for her reasons. Often seeks advice from Sheila Aunty. [*THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST*]
To apply for this job please visit docs.google.com.