Join us to celebrate the unique American story 250 years in the making. Drawing on 19th-century songs and stories from the Great Plains, this production will include cultural touchstones of the American frontier and the diverse communities of Polish, Irish, German, Indigenous, Chinese, and Black families who shaped it. Share in the multi-generational joy and harmony of Revels and the hope that comes each year on the Shortest Day.
We are looking for Equity and Non-Equity actors for these paid acting roles. For the roles of Magda, Catherine, Johann, Station Manager, and Wai-On, both Equity and Non-Equity actors will be considered, and salary will be based on AEA Single Engagement Agreement Tier 2. For the roles of John Patrick and Marya, only Non-Equity actors will be considered, and salary will be a $500 stipend for the rehearsal and performance period.
Actors should prepare a 60-90 second monologue and will be asked to cold read short sides from the script. Actors may choose to bring in a short a capella selection from a classical or folk song to sing. There will also be a dance call for all actors auditioning for Marya and John Patrick.
Auditions will be held in 5-minute slots from 7:00 – 10:00 PM on Monday, June 15. All actors can sign up for an audition slot here. A dance call is required for all actors auditioning for Marya and John Patrick, and will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, June 15. Auditions will take place at St. Paul’s Choir School: 29 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Click Read More to see character descriptions and rehearsal/performance schedules.
Revels is committed to inclusive casting and strongly encourages performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, ages, and abilities to audition. Historical authenticity and cultural specificity will be balanced with the production’s commitment to representation and storytelling.
STATION MASTER
Man, 40s+. Black, multiracial, or of African descent. The Station Master serves as the show’s principal storyteller and guide, bridging the world of the audience and the community gathered at the station. Warm, engaging, and personable, with a strong sense of humor and emotional depth. A natural host whose wisdom, humanity, and presence anchor the story. Strong acting and storytelling skills required.
JOHANN
Man, 30s+. A German immigrant awaiting the arrival of a shipment on the first train. Practical, dependable, and matter-of-fact, though he carries a secret that weighs upon him. Must be capable of balancing humor, warmth, and emotional complexity.
CATHERINE
Woman, 30s–50s. An Irish immigrant and mother whose teenage son is preparing to leave home to apprentice with a lawyer in the West. Sharp-witted, resilient, and deeply loving. Possesses both strength and vulnerability, with a quick sense of humor and a fiercely protective nature.
MAGDA
Woman, 30s–60s. A Polish immigrant eagerly awaiting news from family in her homeland. Proud, spirited, and deeply rooted in her traditions. A strong maternal presence with warmth, humor, and emotional depth. Must be comfortable balancing comedy and heartfelt moments.
WAI-ON
Man, 20s+. A Chinese immigrant laborer who helped build the railroad and now assists at the station. Though he speaks little English, he is an essential member of the community and an important witness to the events of the story. The role is largely physical and nonverbal in the first act, with a significant monologue and scene work in the second act. Strong physical storytelling skills required. Cantonese language skills are a plus. Actors of Chinese heritage are especially encouraged to audition.
MARYA
Woman, late teens to early 20s. The daughter of Polish immigrants. Intelligent, spirited, and curious about the wider world beyond her small railroad town. Torn between loyalty to family and a desire to chart her own future. Possesses warmth, humor, and quiet strength. Must be capable of conveying both youthful optimism and emotional maturity. Some dancing ability preferred.
JOHN PATRICK
Man, late teens to early 20s. The son of Irish immigrants. Thoughtful, earnest, and ambitious. Preparing to leave home to apprentice with a lawyer in the West, he finds himself caught between excitement for the future and the pain of leaving behind the people and place he loves. Possesses an easy charm and a genuine heart. Must be capable of handling both lighthearted and emotionally grounded scenes. Some dancing ability preferred.
Revels is committed to inclusive casting and strongly encourages performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, ages, and abilities to audition. Historical authenticity and cultural specificity will be balanced with the production’s commitment to representation and storytelling.
Rehearsals:
Monday, November 30th 12:00pm-4:00pm & 7:30pm-10:00pm
Tuesday, December 1st,12:00pm-6:00pm
Wednesday, December 2nd, 12:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday, December 3rd, 12:00pm-6:00pm
Friday, December 4th, 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, December 5th, 9:00am-5:00pm