Website PrideArts
Producing works that center on the queer experience.
PrideArts Theater opens season 2025-2026 with A NEW BRAIN, with a book by William Finn, and music and lyrics by William Finn and James Lapine, to be directed by artistic director, Jay Españo, with musical direction by Robert Ollis. Based on the real-life experiences of composer William Finn (whose other shows include FALSETTOS and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE), A NEW BRAIN tells the story of Gordon Schwinn, a composer who discovers that he has a life-threatening brain disease after he collapses and wakes up in the hospital, surrounded by Roger — his maritime-enthusiast lover, his mother, a co-worker, the doctor, and the nurses. Throughout his medical ordeal, Gordon is haunted by all his unfinished work and unfulfilled dreams.
Material to Prepare:
We are currently accepting headshots and video submissions for those wishing to audition. Please prepare 16-24 bars of TWO contrasting contemporary musical theatre pieces. Deadline for submission is June 6, 2025. Callbacks will be by invitation and will be scheduled on June 14 and 15. Send your email to prideartsactor@gmail.com with the subject: A NEW BRAIN_(YourName).
Time Commitment:
Rehearsals begin the week of June 30 (a mix of weekday evenings and weekend mornings). Tech begins the week of August 11. Previews Friday August 22 and Sunday August 24. The show opens on Monday August 25.
Performances:
Thurs Aug 28 - Sunday Aug 31
Thurs Sept 4 - Sunday Sept 7
Thurs Sept 11 - Sunday Sept 14
possible extension Thurs Sept 18 - Sunday Sept 21
Character Type/Restrictions:
GORDON SCHWINN: Male-Presenting, G2-G4, 20-40. A lovable but sarcastic composer, working on music for Mr. Bungee’s TV show. Struggling with where he is in his life and career, Gordon wants to create art but feels restricted by work, and then by his brain tumor.
MR. BUNGEE: Any Gender, B2-G4, 18-56. The slightly tyrannical director/producer/star of his own children’s TV show. Actor must be comfortable with a frog costume and riding either a bicycle or scooter.
MIMI SCHWINN: Female-Presenting, F#3 –C#5, 45-65. Gordon’s loving yet slightly unstable Jewish mother.
RHODA: Female presenting/Non-Binary, A3 to E5 20s-40s. Gordon’s agent and best friend.
ROGER DELLI-BOVI: Male-Presenting, A2 to G4, 20s-30s. Gordon’s charming and affectionate boyfriend.
RICHARD: Male-Presenting, G2 to G4, Any Age. A kind and compassionate nurse.
MINISTER: Any Gender, C3 to A4, Any Age. A somewhat clueless person of the cloth at the hospital.
WAITRESS/NANCY D: Female-Presenting, A3 to G5, Any Age. Intelligent, caring, yet rough around the edges.
HOMELESS “LADY”: Any Gender, F3 to Eb5, Any Age. Intelligent, caring, yet rough around the edges.
DR. BERENSTEINER: Any Gender, G2 to E4, Any Age. An unsympathetic doctor.
To apply for this job email your details to prideartsactor@gmail.com