ESP/SPOTLIGHTERS Auditions

Topdog/Underdog
Playwright: Suzan-Lori Parks
Show Dates: 9/19/25-10/12/25

Director: Rain Pryor
Co-Producer: Spotlighters Theatre
Season Producer: Valerie Lash

THE STORY - Topdog/Underdog is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that explores the lives of two Black brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who navigate poverty and sibling rivalry. Abandoned as teenagers, the brothers rely on each other for survival. Lincoln, a former con artist, now impersonates Abraham Lincoln at an arcade, while Booth makes a living as a petty thief. The play delves into their troubled past and examines whether they can support each other to build a better future.

PRODUCTION TIMELINE AND EXPECTATIONS
Rehearsals
Table Read: On or before July 7, 2025
Rehearsals: July 7 through Sept 18, 2025: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. (Not all days will be scheduled).
Rehearsal off book date: TBD
Frederick Tech Rehearsals: August 18-22
Baltimore Tech Rehearsals: Sept 8 - 11, 2025,
Baltimore Previews: Sept 15 - 18, 2025

Performances
Frederick August 23 - 26, 2025
Baltimore Sept 19 - Oct 12, 2025
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm
One Thursday evening performance at 8:00 pm on Sept 25, 2025
Call time is 1 hour before show time, unless more time is needed for make-up & costumes

Additional Expectations for Cast Members
Director works on truncated rehearsal schedule ( to allow cast to work on script outside of rehearsal and to have rehearsal life balance) so expect to be familiar with lines prior to blocking rehearsal starting.
Provide some costume items (at the request of the costume designer)
Stay after the opening night performance for a reception
Participate in a talk-back after the performance on Sunday, Sept 28, 2025
Stay after the closing performance Oct 12, 2025 to strike the production

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

All sizes, gender identities, and gender expressions are encouraged to audition.
Bring your theatrical resume, a headshot, and a list of major conflicts from audition date through end of production.
No conflicts will be approved after Callbacks.
A Rehearsal schedule will be set once the production is cast.
Actors may be asked to remain to read with other actors.

Character Breakdown:

All sizes, gender identities, and gender expressions are encouraged to audition.

LINCOLN, the Topdog, a Black Man in his late 30s
BOOTH (aka 3-Card), the Underdog, a Black Man in his early 30s

Preparation

Please prepare a contemporary monologue of your choosing, not to exceed 2 minutes in total.
Be prepared to also read sides from the play with a fellow auditioning partner.
Sides from the play will be provided.
Please bring your headshot and resume to the audition.

Pay/StipendThis is an unpaid acting role, however, there will be a $450 travel stipend paid by ESP Theatre to reimburse performers for expenses incurred while traveling to and from Frederick.

NON-UNION AUDITIONS FOR TOPDOG/UNDERDOG
Directed by Rain Pryor
A partnership between Endangered Species Theatre
Project in Frederick and Spotlighters Theatre in Baltimore.

Auditions will be in Baltimore at Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul Street, Baltimore 21202, on June 28th from 11AM-3PM and June 29th from 6PM-9PM.

Rehearsals will begin the week of July 7th in Baltimore. Most rehearsals will be in Baltimore; with the exception of the rehearsals during tech week in Frederick which lead up to the Frederick performance.

Performances will be in Frederick, MD August 23 - 26 and in Baltimore Sept 19 - Oct 12.

TO AUDITION -- Sign up to audition HERE