Equity Principal Actors

SIDE SHOW, IN CONCERT - LA EPA

Musical Theatre Guild | Sherman Oaks, CA

Notice: Audition | Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

Friday, November 20, 2026

10:30 AM - 6:30 PM (P)

Lunch 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

CONTRACT

LOA

$534.18 weekly minimum (Ref. to LORT)

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in SIDE SHOW, IN CONCERT (See BREAKDOWN).

Due to the nature of the reading, performers may play multiple roles as dictated by the material.

NOTE: Actors of Diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to audition. The artistic staff is open to exploring creative casting choices.

PREPARATION

Please bring a short song in the correct key (accompanist provided). Can sing one complete, short song (feel free to bring additional material, in case it's requested in the room). Also, please bring your picture and resume.

LOCATION

Madilyn Clark Studios

10852 Burbank Blvd

North Hollywood, CA 91601-2508

Audition room - Studio D (Side entrance)

PERSONNEL

Michael Donovan (Director)

Gerald Sternbach (Musical Director)

Leesa Freed (Production Stage Manager)

Expected to attend:

Michael Donovan (Director)

Gerald Sternbach (Musical Director)

OTHER DATES

First Rehearsal: 2/2/27

Opening/Closing Performance: 2/7/27 (one performance)

One-week CONTRACT (29 hours)

OTHER

Website: www.musicaltheatreguild.com

EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.

An Equity Monitor will be provided.

Equity's CONTRACTs prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

SIDE SHOW, IN CONCERT

Musical Theatre Guild is a membership-based company. Casting is conducted within the membership first; if any roles remain unfilled, performers from this casting call will receive priority consideration. Musical Theatre Guild membership dues are not required of actors who are not Musical Theatre Guild members. Performers not cast in SIDE SHOW, IN CONCERT may be considered for future Musical Theatre Guild productions. Musical Theatre Guild productions are presented as script-in-hand staged readings with minimal staging and movement. We welcome both in-person and digital submissions - feel free to send your headshot, resume and video links to: [email protected].

SYNOPSIS: Based on the remarkable true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, SIDE SHOW IN CONCERT is a moving portrait of two women whose extraordinary bond brings them fame while denying them the ordinary lives they long for. Told almost entirely through song, the acclaimed Broadway musical follows the sisters from England to America, across the vaudeville circuit, and ultimately to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 film Freaks. Side Show, In Concert is set in 1930s America during the Great Depression and the start of the Civil Rights movement and as such tackles themes of discrimination and racism. This version is designed for concert presentations.

SEEKING

VIOLET HILTON: (Female, 20-35, Mezzo/Soprano with belt) The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to marry and raise a family at home.

DAISY HILTON: (Female, 20-35, Alto/Mezzo with belt) The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to become a famous actress/performer/celebrity.

TERRY CONNOR: (Male, 30s-early 40s, Baritone with strong upper range) A talent scout and press agent for the Vaudeville circuit. Dapper, handsome, clever, smooth/suave, leading man. Well connected, in love with Daisy but without enough courage to accept the unique world in which she lives.

BUDDY FOSTER: (Male, White, 20-35, Tenor; big range) An aspiring musician and choreographer – "A song and dance man." Bright and energetic, but a bit naïve. Usher turned entertainer. Violet's love interest.

JAKE: (Male, African-American, 30s-40s, Tenor/Baritone with strong top range) Sideshow Foreman. Physically imposing, should be tall, almost hulking in appearance. In the Side Show plays "The Cannibal King." In love with Violet and plays the role of protector to both the girls.

THE BOSS: (Male, Tenor) Legal guardian of Daisy and Violet, whom he adopted shortly after they were born purely as a business investment. Owner of the SIDESHOW. Working class, British. Brutal, clever, wry.

FEATURED & ENSEMBLE ROLES

The entire company will double in a number of smaller parts with featured lines, as well as singing throughout the show. The roles listed below are their featured roles in the Side Show, but they will also play reporters, vaudevillians, spectators, follies performers, party guests, and carny hawkers:

DOLLY DIMPLES: Female. Billed "The World's Most Beautiful Fat Lady." A member of the Side Show.

REPTILE MAN: Male. Considered half man/half reptile. Tall and lean. A member of the Side Show.

BEARDED LADY: Female. A member of the Side Show.

SNAKE LADY: Female, snake charmer. Race and age open. A member of the Side Show.

FAKIR: (Far East/Indian character). Athletic build. A member of the Side Show.

6TH EXHIBIT: Female. Religious Martyr.

SHEIK: Male (Middle-Eastern character). A member of the Side Show.

GEEK: Male. "Refined but deadly." A member of the Side Show.

FORTUNE TELLER: Female, open to any size, race, and age. A member of the Side Show. Must have an exotic look. Must have a strong belter/gospel voice.