Ford’s Theatre Society in Washington, DC has released audition information for its 2026-27 LORT season, with details that emphasize understudy planning and social media discretion. The EPA audition is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Eastern). A lunch break is slated for 1:00–2:00 PM. The contract is LORT Non-Rep with a weekly minimum of $1,213 (LORT B).
We are seeking Equity actors for roles across Ford’s Theatre’s 2026-27 lineup. Note that the season won’t be formally announced until the Spring of 2026, and performers are asked not to post any season information on social media. All roles will be understudied.
Preparation guidelines differ by show type: for non-musicals, bring a 90-second monologue from American drama; for musicals, bring either a contemporary musical theatre piece or a 90-second piece rooted in contemporary pop music, with sheet music provided to an accompanist. You may perform both a monologue and a song, not exceeding a total of two minutes. Please bring headshots and resumes stapled together.
Auditions take place at Pearl Studios (500) in New York, NY, in Studio 1201. The roster of personnel expected to attend includes Erika Scott (Artistic Programming Manager), Stephanie Klapper (Casting Director), Joe Piserchio (Casting Assistant), Gracie Guichard (Casting Assistant), and Claire Stancy (Assistant to Stephanie Klapper Casting). See the breakdown for production-specific staff.
Additional dates are listed in the breakdown and are subject to change. For more information, visit Ford’s official site. EPA procedures are in effect, and an Equity Monitor will be provided. Equity supports equal employment opportunity and invites performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, ages, and abilities to attend auditions. Remember to bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
Breakdown highlights Ford’s Theatre LORT 2026-27 Season, noting that the spring announcement is still forthcoming and the season should not be posted on social media.
COME FROM AWAY
Book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Kevin McAllister; Music Direction by Clay Ostwald; Choreography by Katy Tabb
First rehearsal: August 4, 2026; First performance: September 9, 2026; Opens: September 16, 2026; Closes: October 18, 2026
Seeking: All roles and understudies across the cast
CLAUDE: Male, 40–60, any ethnicity. Top range G4. The amiable mayor of Gander, Newfoundland; devoted to his work and community.
BONNIE: Female, 30–40, any ethnicity. Top range B4. A practical mother of three; head of the Gander SPCA.
BEULAH: Female, 40–60, any ethnicity. Head of the Gander Legion; firefighter son; friend to Hannah.
OZ: Male, 30–50, any ethnicity. Top range G4. A quirky constable in the small two-person Gander police unit.
JANICE: Female, 20–30, any ethnicity. Eager local TV reporter learning the ropes.
BEVERLY: Female, 50–60, White. Top range C#5. The first female captain in American Airlines’ history; doubles as ANNETTE (teacher at Gander Academy).
DIANE: Female, 50–60, any ethnicity. A Texas divorcee balancing fear for her son with the uncertain day.
NICK: Male, 50–60, any ethnicity. Top range E4. An English oil engineer whose life shifts when he falls for Diane; includes an English accent; doubles as DOUG (air traffic controller, Bonnie’s husband).
KEVIN T: Male, 30–50, any ethnicity. Top range G4. Doubles as GARTH, head of the local bus union.
KEVIN J: Male, 30–50. MANASA. Kevin T’s partner and secretary; sarcastic and unsettled about leaving Gander.
BOB: Male, 20–40, Black. A wary New Yorker adjusting to new surroundings.
HANNAH: Female, 40–60, any ethnicity. Top range E5. Mother of a Manhattan firefighter; forms a friendship with Beulah while awaiting news.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dickens’ classic, adapted by Michael Wilson; original direction by Michael Baron
First rehearsal: October 27, 2026; First performance: November 18, 2026; Opens: November 27, 2026; Closes: December 31, 2026. All roles open to all ethnicities.
THE FOLLOWING ROLES HAVE BEEN CAST; UNDERSTUDIES BEING SOUGHT:
EBENEZER SCROOGE: 50s or older. A transformed, joyful philanthropist.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST/DOLL VENDOR: 30s or older. Illuminates Christmas past.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT/FRUIT VENDOR: 40s or older. A large, joyous presence.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE/CLOCK VENDOR: 40s or older. Physically imposing; communicates non-verbally.
MRS. DILBER/MRS. FEZZIWIG: 40s or older. Scrooge’s forthright cook and cook’s housekeeper; spirited.
JACOB MARLEY: 40s or older. Scrooge’s late partner, returns as a cautionary ghost.
BOB CRATCHIT: 30s-40s. Cheerful, devoted employee and father.
MRS. CRATCHIT: 30s-40s. Loving wife and mother; wary of Scrooge.
FRED/YOUNG SCROOGE: Late 20s. Scrooge’s warm-hearted nephew and apprentice; Belle’s love interest.
MRS. FRED: Late 20s. Fred’s wife; strong-willed and generous.
MRS. FRED’S SISTER: 20s. Opinionated and lively.
TOPPER/YOUNG JACOB MARLEY: 20s. Witty and boyish.
SOLICITOR #1: 30s+. Jovial lawyer.
SOLICITOR #2/UNDERTAKER: 30s+. Generous yet hot-tempered.
FEZZIWIG: 40s+. Energetic merchant.
BELLE: 20s. Love interest of Young Scrooge; kind-hearted.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Book by Rachel Sheinkin; Music and Lyrics by Rebecca Feldman; Conceived by Rebecca Feldman; Directed by Alan Paul; Music Direction TBD; Choreography TBD
First rehearsal: January 26, 2027; First performance: March 12, 2027; Opens: March 17, 2027; Closes: May 15, 2027. All roles open to all ethnicities.
SEEKING: Casting all roles and understudies
THE SPELLERS:
CHIP TOLENTINO – Doubles as JESUS. Range: top B4 / bottom C3. Spelling champion; socially adept but experiencing unsettling changes; high notes required for his solo.
LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUBENNIERE – Range: top G5 / bottom G3. Youngest contestant; under pressure to win for her two fathers; uncomfortable in her body.
LEAF CONEYBEAR – Doubles as CARL’S DAD. Range: top A4 / bottom A2. A reluctant competitor with ADD; finds things entertaining; protective helmet mandatory in performance.
WILLIAM BARFEE – Range: top Bb4 / bottom C3. A boy with health issues who must prove himself; loud and defensive; known for spelling words on the floor.
MARCY PARK – Range: top Eb5 / bottom A3. An overachiever from a family that values excellence; multi-talented and confident.
OLIVE OSTROVSKY – Range: top F#5 / bottom A3. A quiet dictionary-lover; shy and often alone.
THE ADULTS:
RONA LISA PERRETTI – Doubles as OLIVE’S MOM. Range: top E5 / bottom C4. Longtime bee hostess and local realtor; a past champion who keeps the competition running smoothly.
VICE PRINCIPAL DOUGLAS PANCH – A weary educator seeking advancement; eager to impress Rona Lisa.
MITCH MAHONEY – Doubles as OLIVE’S DAD and DAN’S DAD. Range: top A4 to bottom E3. The Official Comfort Counselor; ex-convict performing community service, handing out juice boxes.
SALARY
LORT Non-Rep: $1,213 weekly minimum (LORT B). Union: AEA.
