WHEN: August 10th OR 11th from 6:00pm-9:00pm

WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Church, 7850 W Goeller Blvd. Columbus, IN 47201 

PARKING: Once you enter the venue drive, you will need to enter through the door on the left side of the building. It is on the end of the building and there is a walkway to the door. Once you are in the venue you can proceed to the sanctuary. 

WHO CAN AUDITION: We are seeking a cast of 15 performers who reflect a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Auditions are open to anyone 18 years of age or older. We anticipate casting at least 6 men and 5 women, with the remaining 4 roles open to performers of any gender, depending on the needs of the production. This is a true ensemble production, and every cast member will portray 5 to 8 different characters throughout the show.

HOW TO PREPARE: No advance preparation is necessary! Auditioners will be asked to read a variety of selections from the script during the audition, giving everyone an opportunity to explore different characters and roles. Just bring yourself and be ready to jump in!

AUDITION FORMS & WAIVERS: You can fill out a digital audition form prior to auditioning here. Additionally, you can review our participation waiver in advance here. Paper copies of both will be present at auditions. A waiver must be signed by each actor auditioning in person and every cast member.

VIRTUAL AUDITIONS: If you are unable to attend auditions in person, video submissions will be accepted through August 9 at 11:59 PM (midnight). 

Please select one of the two provided monologues from the audition materials (linked below) and record your performance. Before beginning your monologue, state your name and the title of the monologue you have selected. 

For your video audition: 

• Record in a quiet, well-lit space. 

• Position the camera at eye level. 

• Ensure your full face and upper body are visible. 

• Submit a single, unedited take. 

• State your name and the title of your selected monologue before you begin. 

• Include a selfie holding a card with your name written on it, positioned just below your chin, for identification purposes. 

Please submit your video audition and selfie to Director Eric Heyob at ericheyob@millracetheatre.org no later than 11:59 PM on August 9 for consideration.

CASTING AND REHEARSALS: The cast list will be released on the MRTC website and social media pages on August 13th. Rehearsals begin August 17th. Rehearsals will start on August 17th and go until the show. They will be Monday-Thursday from 6:00-9:00. There maybe times when not everyone is called.  All cast must attend every night during the final week. For a full character list breakdown, expand the next section below.

PERFORMANCE DATES:
October 1st, 7:30PM
October 2nd, 7:30PM
October 3rd, 7:30PM
October 4th, 2:30PM

QUESTIONS: Email Director Eric Heyob (ericheyob@millracetheatre.org) or Production Manager Nicole Cunningham (nicolecunningham@millracetheatre.org)

There are plenty of ways to get involved backstage or on staff. Please visit our “Get Involved” page and fill out the form, or send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram.

If you need to submit an anonymous incident report for this production, please fill out this form linked here.

The Laramie Project is an ensemble-driven production that tells the story of the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's murder through the voices of the people of Laramie, Wyoming. Rather than featuring traditional lead and supporting roles, actors will portray multiple real-life individuals, serving as storytellers, interviewers, and members of the community. 

Our production is planned for a cast of up to 15 performers. This expanded casting allows for greater flexibility in role assignments while preserving the collaborative nature of the piece. Actors should be prepared to play multiple characters of varying ages, backgrounds, and perspectives, often transitioning quickly between roles. 

We encourage performers of all genders, ethnicities, identities, and experience levels to audition. With the exception of a few historical figures whose identities are integral to the story, many roles may be cast regardless of gender. The production values authenticity, empathy, and strong storytelling over physical resemblance to the real individuals portrayed. 

Featured Ensemble Tracks 

The cast will include portrayals of: 

• Members of the Tectonic Theater Project who conducted interviews in Laramie. 

• Matthew Shepard's family and friends. 

• University of Wyoming students and faculty. 

• Law enforcement officers and first responders. 

• Religious leaders and community members. 

• Journalists, attorneys, and government officials. 

• Individuals connected to both Matthew Shepard and his attackers. 

• Citizens of Laramie representing a wide range of beliefs and experiences. 

Performance Expectations 

Actors should be comfortable with: 

• Portraying multiple distinct characters. 

• Ensemble-based storytelling. 

• Minimal costume and prop changes to establish new roles. 

• Documentary and verbatim theatre techniques. 

• Sensitive and respectful treatment of real people and historical events. 

Several ensemble members may also serve as narrators and facilitators of the story, helping guide the audience through the interviews and events that shaped the community's response. 

While some roles recur throughout the production, The Laramie Project is fundamentally an ensemble piece, with each performer contributing equally to the telling of this powerful and important story. Collaboration, versatility, and a commitment to honest storytelling are essential qualities for every member of the cast.