Casting Call for "A Little Light" Musical Reading
INDUSTRY PRESENTATION Friday, June 26 at 1:00 PM PERFORMANCES Saturday, June 27 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM ABOUT THE SHOW A Little Light is a new musical that follows Jordan, a young Black man coming of age in a world shaped by faith, family, and expectation. Through humor, memory, and first love, Jordan navigates identity, community, and the cost of living authentically. Blending theatrical storytelling, gospel influence, and contemporary musical theater, the piece explores what it means to choose joy in the face of fear—and to find light in unexpected places. DURATION May 22, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026 SALARY $650.00 – $800.00 per gig REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Rehearsals will take place in New York City, primarily at West End Church. The production will move into the Apollo Theater beginning June 22. May 22 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Table Read (All Called) June 8–10 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Music Rehearsals (actors called in blocks) June 15 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) – Read Through with Music (All Called) June 16–17 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Scene Work / Blocking (actors called in blocks) June 22–25 – Rehearsals at the Apollo Theater (schedule TBD) June 25 – Song Sharing, Moderated Talkback, and Community Meal June 26 (1:00 PM) – Industry Showing / Invited Dress June 27 – Performances (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM) The schedule above is subject to change. Actors must be available for all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances once the schedule is set. Rehearsal calls will vary by role and may be adjusted based on cast availability. COMPENSATION Non-Equity (flat stipend) Lead Roles: $800 Supporting Roles: $650 AUDITION INFORMATION Submission Deadline: April 18 at 11:59 PM Submit via Google Forms. Initial auditions will be conducted by self-tape submission only. All performers must submit materials through the Google Form to be considered. Please submit: • One contemporary musical theater song (in the style of the show) • One monologue appropriate for the role(s) you are auditioning for • Headshot and resume Self-tapes may include track, live accompaniment, or self-accompaniment. Vocal reels are also accepted. Callbacks (in person, by invitation only): April 24 & 25 at West End Church At callbacks, actors will be asked to sing selections from the show and read sides. Please note: Not all roles will require a callback. Some performers may be cast directly from their initial submission. If you do not receive a callback invitation, you are still under consideration. Final casting decisions will be announced no later than May 8. Non-Equity only. We are committed to inclusive and expansive casting. The listed genders reflect how the characters identify within the story; however, we welcome submissions from performers of all gender identities and expressions. We strongly encourage artists of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to submit.
15 role s
Black male, plays 18–19, lightly flamboyant, witty, and magnetic. A natural storyteller with a vivid imagination, Jordan invites us into a coming-of-age journey shaped by love, faith, and identity. He’s discovering what it means to take up space in a world that doesn’t always make room for him. Strong comedic timing and emotional depth. TENOR
Black male, plays early to mid 40s, commanding, polished, and complex. A respected choral professor and devoted family man with a tightly controlled world. Beneath his charm and authority lies a man wrestling with himself in ways he refuses to name. Presence, nuance, and vocal authority. BARITONE
Black woman, plays late 30s, warm, perceptive, and quietly powerful. A woman who has learned how to survive—but is beginning to question what survival has cost her. Deeply connected to her son, she finds herself at a crossroads between expectation and truth. SOPRANO/BELT
White male, plays 19–21, college sophomore, effortlessly charming, emotionally open, and disarmingly sincere. The kind of guy who feels like he walked out of a 90’s rom-com—a little indie, quietly confident, and undeniably magnetic. He stands in contrast to the world around him, bringing a sense of ease, curiosity, and freedom that feels new and intoxicating. When life shifts, he’s forced to confront emotions he doesn’t yet know how to carry. TENOR
Black woman, plays mid to late 50s, vibrant, theatrical, and full of life. A former performer with a bold spirit and sharp sense of humor, Edith lights up every room she enters. She leads with love, laughter, and a deep belief in living fully and authentically. ALTO/BELT
Male, plays 20s–30s, any race, intelligent, grounded, and emotionally direct teaching assistant to Francis. He sees things clearly—and isn’t afraid to say them. Carries a quiet strength and a desire for honesty in a world that often avoids it. BARITONE/TENOR
Black male, plays 40s–60s, commanding and traditional fire-and-brimstone preacher. A powerful speaker rooted in conviction and certainty, he leads with authority and influence.
Black woman, plays 40s–60s, charismatic, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate preacher. A dynamic spiritual leader offering a perspective grounded in love, reflection, and humanity. SOPRANO/ALTO
Female, plays 50s–60s, any race, bold, sharp, and full of personality. A fixture in the community with something to say about everything—and everyone.
Female, plays 40s–60s, any race, expressive and engaged. A lively member of the community who reacts quickly and speaks freely.
Female, plays 40s–60s, any race, quirky, comedic, and endearing. Often a step behind—but always present.
Female, plays 50s–70s, any race, Amanda’s mother, practical, grounded, and shaped by experience. Carries a strong point of view about life, family, and stability.
Drag performer, any race, bold, commanding, and unforgettable comedy queen.
Vanessa Edwards, drag performer, any race, high-energy, quick-witted, and playful dancing queen.
Ruby Darling, drag performer, any race, warm, charismatic, and insightful theater queen.
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