Manhattan Theatre Club
New York, NY
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
REVISED
Personnel expected to attend updated.
AUDITION DATE
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (E)
BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
CONTRACT
LORT Non-Rep
$2020 weekly minimum (LORT A+)
SEEKING
Equity actors for roles in THE BALUSTERS (see breakdown).
All roles will be understudied.
The Vernon Point Neighborhood Association is a passionate bunch, whether squabbling over historically inaccurate porch railings or debating trash can protocol. Still, no one is prepared for the neighbor-versus-neighbor battle royale that ensues when a newcomer to the board suggests the unthinkable: installing a stop sign on the corner of the enclave’s prettiest block. Written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony winner, Manhattan Theatre Club veteran, and master of antics David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo, Rabbit Hole, Good People, Ripcord) and directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon (Othello, Our Town, Topdog Underdog, King James), The Balusters is a raucous, wild ride through a small community with big feelings.
PREPARATION
Actors should prepare EITHER a two-minute contemporary monologue, OR one of the provided sides.
LOCATION
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St
16th Fl
New York, NY 10036
PERSONNEL
Playwright: David Lindsay-Abaire
Director: Kenny Leon
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Casting Directors: David Caparelliotis & Kelly
Gillespie, Joe Gery
Casting Assistant: Malaika Fernandes
Artistic Line Producer at Manhattan Theatre Club: Jeff Brancato
OTHER DATES
1st Rehearsal: February 24, 2026
1st Preview: March 31, 2026
Opening: o/a April 21, 2026
Clear through: early July, 2026
OTHER
www.manhattantheatreclub.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
THE BALUSTERS
SEEKING:
KYRA MARSHALL [CAST]: African American, 40s. Kyra is new to the neighborhood, and even newer to the Neighborhood Association. She’s gracious and warm when she needs to be, and she’s eager to fit in. But she sometimes has trouble biting her tongue. Kyra is sharp and savvy. And, like all of us, she has her blind spots.
LUZ BACCAY: Filipino, 60s. Luz is Kyra’s new housekeeper. She’s worked for families in the neighborhood for decades and lived just outside its borders for just as long. She’s self-possessed, unapologetic and very comfortable in these houses. She clocks pretty much everything but usually knows what to keep to herself.
MELISSA HAN: Asian American, 40s. Vice-President of the Neighborhood Association. Though Melissa is one of the more recent arrivals to Vernon Point, she has most of her neighbors figured out. She’s honest, quick-witted, and enjoys stirring the pot. She’s a lawyer and works with Kyra’s husband Leon.
PENNY BEWELL [CAST]: White, 70s. Secretary of the Neighborhood Association. She’s lived in the neighborhood for decades and has worked at Elliot’s real estate office for just as long. She’s kind, generous and maybe not as sharp as she once was, but still sharper than most people think.
RUTH ACKERMAN [CAST]: White, 70s. Treasurer of the Neighborhood Association. Ruth is another Vernon Point “old timer”. She’s outspoken, prickly and wry. She’s self-aware and winning, which means she often gets away with saying things that no one else can. She’s also kinder than she pretends to be.
BROOKS DUNCAN: African American, 40s. Brooks is a travel writer and a good-natured married guy with a kid. He enjoys neighborhood intrigue, so long as it doesn’t involve him, and he sometimes likes to stir the shit for fun. He and his husband might be having some problems.
ISAAC ROSARIO: Latino, 50s. Chummy, salt of the earth guy with some conservative leanings. Isaac doesn’t come from money (which he’s proud of), but he has it now (which he’s also proud of). He’s authentic and he admires that quality in others. He has no patience for whatever he considers bullshit.
ALAN KIRBY: White, 50s. Alan is friendly and genuine and has always prided himself on being a well-intentioned nice guy. Which is why he’s so unnerved when anyone gets offended by something’s he’s said. Alan is also not the most assertive person, which can work against him in this particular crowd.
WILLOW GIBBONS: White, 30s. Willow grew up in this neighborhood. She inherited her father’s house, as well as his spot on the board. She’s ultra-liberal and has only ever worked for non-profits. Her views are earnest and noble, which can be annoying to some people. She tries hard not to be strident, but she doesn’t always succeed.
ELLIOT EMERSON [CAST]: White, 70s. President of the Neighborhood Association. He grew up in Vernon Point and considers himself its protector, clinging to its history and traditions. He’s a realtor and has sold most of the houses in the neighborhood. He’s imminently likable - an amiable and reasonable guy (so long as no one challenges his opinions or advocates for change).
LORT Non-Rep $2020 weekly minimum (LORT A+)
AEA