AUDITION INFORMATION
CIVIC IN CONCERT: CHESS
Book by Richard Nelson
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
Please note: While the presentation style of this production will be a concert setting, all music and dialogue will be delivered as written. This is a complete production but simplified in terms of staging to work well on a concert hall stage.
Except where historical significance, age, gender or racial specificity are required by the narrative, all actors will be considered for open roles regardless of gender identity, age or race. While casting decisions are subjective and driven by the vision of the director and the creative team, Civic Theatre is committed to a diverse and inclusive cast, crew and staff whenever possible. However, we are often contractually constrained from making substantive changes to characters. While we may actively seek a diverse cast, actors should be prepared to execute portrayals in accordance with the script.
Audition Dates
Auditions:
January 5th and 6th
7:00 PM or Virtual
You will fill out the form completely including conflicts (required), headshot and resumé (not required). You will have the opportunity to select your audition date or the virtual option. 24 hours before your selected date, you will be provided with a specific time. In general, we cannot arrange for individual times outside of the scheduled auditions. Should we deem it necessary, we MAY schedule alternate dates at a later time.
Callbacks TBD
Production Dates
Rehearsals: May 12 - June 12, 2026
In general, rehearsals will be held Sunday 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm and Monday through Thursday 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. All actors are not called for all rehearsals. Actual schedule will be determined once the show is cast. We will rehearse every day from June 7-12.
Performance: June 13, 2026 at The Palladium, 7:00 PM
(While unlikely, it is possible we will add a June 14th performance.)
Details
Director: Michael J. Lasley
Music Director: Brent E. Marty
Come prepared with 16 bars of an appropriate song and sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.
We are pleased to make a virtual audition option available. However, preference will be extended to those who attend the in person audition. While we understand that not everyone can attend, In-person auditions will almost always be considered for casting over virtual submissions.
Show Synopsis
CHESS is a complex rock opera that played to full Broadway houses and standing ovations. In this musical, the ancient game becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super-power politics, and international intrigue. The pawns in this drama form a love triangle: the loutish American chess star, the earnest Russian champion, and a Hungarian American female assistant who arrives at the international chess match in Bangkok with the American, but falls for the Russian. From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a monumental rock score that includes "One Night in Bangkok" and "Heaven Help My Heart".
Character Descriptions
All ages listed are "stage age", and while we may cast actors of the exact age, there is more flexibility with a concert presentation. It will be more about the correct vocal or acting requirements than age.
FLORENCE
Strong belt voice (D#3/Eb3 - E5) Mid-thirties. Born in Hungary (so mustn't look like an "All American Girl"); has been brought up in America since 1956. She is clever, theatrical, touching, vivacious, volatile. Frederick's chess "second".
FREDDIE
Rock tenor (A#2/Bb2 - C#5/Db5) Mid-thirties. An American chess champion. A cross between Bobby Fisher and John McEnroe. Arrogant and temperamental, but a genius; his chess playing revolutionary. We need to see his artistry along with his danger and his obsessiveness.
ANATOLY
Baritone (F#2/Gb2 - G#4/Ab4). Early forties. A Russian chess champion. Unexpectedly charming. He doesn't seem a romantic hero at first, but becomes one through his personality. An intelligent, feeling, passionate man.
MOLOKOV
Bass (F#2/Gb2 - G4). Fifties. Not a fake, comic, stage Russian. Intellectually formidable. Seemingly a father figure to Florence. Anatoly's chess "second". An actor who sings well.
SVETLANA
Strong belt voice (F3 - D#5 - Eb5) Late thirties. Anatoly's wife. Domestic, wholesome, homey. A dramatic contrast to Florence - not a contemporary cosmopolitan woman.
WALTER
Bass-Baritone (G2-F4) Fifties. A marketing agent. Seemingly respectable, substantial, trustworthy. An actor who sings well.
ARBITER
Rock High Baritone (B2-A4) Thirty to early forties. International businessman. Smooth, but with a quick temper.
ENSEMBLE
The production will include a large ensemble including a few small features.
If you have questions, please email auditions@civictheatre.org.
Operating Partners
