Walnut Street Theatre is dedicated to the casting and employment of local Philadelphia-based talent. The information on this page will be updated as the season progresses, and as new information becomes available! Casting for each production begins locally. We will hold multiple open calls for the season each spring, both in Philadelphia and New York in accordance with Actors' Equity Association. Information about these auditions will be made available through AEA, Theatre Philadelphia, Backstage, and Playbill. All other auditions are held throughout the year and are scheduled by appointment only. Walnut Street Theatre contracts with both union and non-union talent.
Please follow submission instructions on any breakdowns that are released. Otherwise for consideration, please send your headshot, resume, and a brief cover letter indicating the show/role of interest to:
Casting
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Walnut Street Theatre is committed to diversity and engages in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of ALL ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.
Director: Bernard Havard
1st Rehearsal – December 17, 2024
Performances – January 7 – February 2, 2025
Seeking: ALL roles cast
Also seeking Local Non-Union actors to be Understudies for the role of :
HOKE - Male, Black, Strong actor to play Daisy’s chauffer.
Director: Bill Van Horn
1st Rehearsal – January 21, 2025
Performances – February 11 – March 9, 2025
Seeking: ALL roles cast
Director/Choreographer: Gerry McIntyre
1st Rehearsal –March 4, 2025
Performances– March 25 – May 4, 2025
Seeking: ALL roles available.
EFFIE WHITE – Female late 20’s Black / African American. Lead Singer of The Dreamettes. A powerhouse and soaring singer with undeniable and overpowering talent. The true underdog. A headstrong, vibrant, confident, and outspoken young woman. A diva. Must have an exceptional gospel belt.
DEENA JONES – Female late 20’s Black / African American. Initially modest backup singer for The Dreamettes, turned lead singer of The Dreams. An ‘ingenue’ who possess the poise of what Curtis wants a leading lady to look like, and a quiet confidence beyond her years. Mezz, with a full belt.
LORELL ROBINSON – Female late 20’s Black / African American. The softest and youngest of the three Dreams. Although she is bubbly, youthful, and flirtatious, she is also pragmatic and eager for success. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, with a full belt.
CURTIS TAYLOR JR - Male late 30’s-40s Black / African American. Slick and forceful used car salesman, who becomes the Dreams’ and Jimmy’s manager. Dates Effie, but eventually Deena. Becomes consumed with wealth and power. Handsome Tenor.
JAMES THUNDER EARLY – Male late 30’s-40s Black / African American. James Brown-like star who takes on Dreamettes as backup singers. A showbiz type who is high-energy, verging on chaotic with an endless amount of charm and charisma. Rock/R&B tenor.
ENSEMBLE – All ages, gender-identifies, ethnicities, body types, and voice parts to make up a chorus of singer/dancers. All must have strong contemporary pop/gospel/R&B voices and dance in addition to possess unique and vivid personalities. Featured parts in the ensemble include “Dave & The Sweethearts”, reporters, disco dancers, and various other chorus parts.
Also seeking Local, Non-Union singer/dancers to be on-stage Extras, and External Understudies for all roles.
