Native Gardens

  • Non-Equity
  • Anywhere

Website Theatre EVOLVE

Where we embody the spirit of newness

Pay Rate: $400 stipend main cast / $250 stipend for understudies
Audition Date and Time: March 7th from 2-7PM
Audition Location: The Flight Deck, 1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Contact Person Email: theatreevolvecasting@gmail.com
Contact Person Name: Anna Rachel Troy

Theatre EVOLVE is searching for actors for our upcoming world premiere of Native Gardens by Karen Zacharias, directed by Moises Diaz. This comedic play features a 4 person cast. Script available upon request.

Virtual auditions will be accepted until March 6th at 11:59PM
In person auditions will take place on March 7th from 2-7 PM at The Flight Deck
Callbacks will take place on March 14th, 2026 from 2-5PM at The Flight Deck

HOW TO SUBMIT:
Please fill out the Google form here: https://forms.gle/V44asmANsGSyh4zP7

The form will ask you to upload a video or select in-person audition. If you choose to audition in person, we’ll reach out with a scheduling link if we’d like to invite you to join us.

If you have questions, please contact theatreevolvecasting@gmail.com.

ABOUT THEATRE EVOLVE:
Founded in 2017, Theatre EVOLVE is a 501(c)3 that aims to dismantle outdated gatekeeping practices in the theatre industry. We allocate 50% of every production to artists who embody the spirit of newness. This “newness” takes many forms—whether it’s artists who are new to the scene, new to their craft, or new to the city itself.

EVOLVE aims to support new artists and provide them with resources and experiences to empower them in the Chicago Theatre Community. We recognize that Chicago and the American Theatre at large have historically disenfranchised BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and artists with disabilities. We will take initiative within our company to address and eliminate barriers for artists and collaborators within our space.

Theatre EVOLVE has adopted The Chicago Theatre Standards, available at notinourhouse.org

Material to Prepare:

Auditions will consist of one (1) 90 second comedic monologue either in-person or virtually. 

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals: May 15th - Jun 20th, 2026
Tech: June 22nd -25th, 2026 
Opening:  June 26th, 2026
Closing: July 18th, 2026
Strike: July 19th, 2026 

Rehearsals will be held in the evenings and on weekends. Rehearsals will be in Ravenswood. Performances will be at The Den Theatre in the Crosby Space

Character Type/Restrictions:

CAST BREAKDOWN:

Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the above character descriptions. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible, and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they are most interested in being seen for. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities.

Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns or if there are any accommodations we can provide.

Tanya Del Valle - (She/Hers, 29 years old, Latin-American). Tanya is a PHD candidate nearing the end of her academic career. She and Pablo are expecting their first child, and have just moved into a new home next door to the Butleys. Strongly rooted in her identity and her beliefs. This clashes with the Butleys

Pablo Del Valle - (He/Him, 31 years old, Chilean-American). He is a young attorney starting at a new practice. He is ambitious and is making moves to make partner at the practice. Pablo is deeply concerned with the well being of his family and will fight to ensure that they are comfortable and happy in their new home.

Virginia Butley - (She/Her - 55-65 years old, White) Has been living in this neighborhood with her husband for multiple years. She is a no-nonsense defense contractor. She deeply cares for  and loves her husband and will defend his garden tooth and nail.

Frank Butley - (He/Him - 55-65 years old, White) A detail-oriented federal employee. Frank is very passionate about his garden and has been working hard to have it ready for the local gardening competition. He loves his family very much and cares for them as best he can.

To apply for this job email your details to theatreevolvecasting@gmail.com