Auditions for The St. Bart’s Players “A New Brain” (NON-PAID, NON-UNION)
The St. Bart’s Players is seeking non-equity actors for its upcoming production of A New Brain by William Finn and James Lapine. There will be 7 performances, October 28 - November 2, 2025 at the 14Y Theater, 344 E 14th St, New York, NY (14th street and 1st avenue).
Auditions and rehearsals will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 50th Street and Park Avenue (entrance on 50th street between Park and Lexington Avenues). Rehearsals will be three weeknight evenings (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays), 7 - 10 pm and Saturdays, noon - 5 pm until tech begins October 20. This is a non-union, non-paid opportunity.
About A New Brain
From Tony Award-winning authors William Finn and James Lapine (Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) comes a life-affirming and joyful musical about the healing power of love and art. This semi-autobiographical musical delves into composer Finn’s real-life experience through the character Gordon Schwinn, a composer who discovers he has a life-threatening brain disease. Gordon winds up in the hospital, surrounded by his maritime-enthusiast lover, his mother, a co-worker, the doctor and the nurses, each of whom has their own quirks and neuroses. Humorous and deeply moving, this show is a great opportunity for performers of all backgrounds to tell a story that is energetic, sardonic, comical and — most importantly — fun.
Staff:
Director: Emily Clark
Music Director: Daniel Gittler
Stage Manager: Rachel K. Moll
Auditions:
This is an ensemble show and all roles are available. The SBP has an open casting policy for all productions. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment for our artists; one where each person’s race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, education, disability and physical characteristics are respected and valued. This is a non-union, non-paid opportunity.
Where:
St. Bartholomew’s Church on 50th Street and Park Avenue. Please enter through the Community House at 109 East 50th Street.
When:
Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27 at 7pm from 7:00–10 pm
Callbacks (in-person, by invitation only): Thursday, August 28 from 7:00–10:00 pm
What to Bring/Prepare:
A recent headshot (if you don’t have one, a photo of you will be taken), your resume and existing conflicts, if any, indicated on our audition form calendar. Please note that too many conflicts, particularly as we get closer to opening, may affect your being cast. Please prepare a 32 - 64 bar cut of a contemporary musical theater song in the style of the show that highlights your personality and acting ability, and bring sheet music in a binder in the correct key. You may also sing something from A New Brain, but it is NOT required for the first night of auditions (as previously mentioned at the recent General Meeting).
Character Breakdowns:
We encourage individuals of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, body types, abilities and gender identities to submit for any role that resonates with their identity and/or artistry, unless otherwise specifically noted. Your gender identity does not need to be the same as the character; however, you need to be able to perform the roles as written musically. Regarding the ages of the characters, there is tremendous flexibility for these roles and storytelling. Mimi should present older than Gordon, but otherwise, these characters can be cast in a variety of ways. All roles require dynamic storytellers with powerful voices and the ability to communicate through movement.
Gordon Michael Schwinn: The show’s protagonist is a New York composer who dreams of writing major musicals and is trying to find fulfillment through his art. However, while writing for a children’s show he feels is unworthy, Gordon experiences a medical emergency. Faced with his mortality, he becomes inspired by what’s around him and uses it in order to create and live. (Actor needs to be comfortable with theatrical intimacy. Piano skills a plus.) Tenor with Belt: G2 to G4
Mimi Schwinn: Gordon’s loving but often emotionally unstable mother. She’s supportive but also needy and is angry at Gordon’s father for … everything. Alto with Belt: F3 to C5
Mr. Bungee: Gordon’s unkind boss and the main character, a giant frog, on the television show that Gordon writes for. (Actor needs to be comfortable crawling through the set.) Baritone: G2 to E4
Rhoda: Gordon’s best friend and agent. She’s supportive of his passion but encourages him to earn a living. Soprano with Belt: A3 to G5
Richard: Described as Gordon’s “fat, nice” nurse, Richard is compassionate, but nursing wasn’t necessarily his goal in life. Baritone: G2 to G4
Roger: Gordon’s supportive and loving boyfriend. (Actor needs to be comfortable with theatrical intimacy.) Tenor with Belt: A2 to Gb4
Lisa, a Homeless Lady: Always asking for change (in more ways than one), this character provides wise offerings to Gordon yet also finds ways to profit from his ailment. Mezzo-Soprano with Belt: F3 to G5
Dr. Jafar Berensteiner: One of the doctors responsible for Gordon’s treatment throughout his trauma yet doesn’t have the best bedside manner. Baritone: G2 to E4
The Minister: Brought in by the hospital to help bolster Gordon’s faith during his time of crisis (but isn’t what Gordon’s looking for). Bari-Tenor with Belt: B2 to A4
Waitress: An aspiring actress who works as a waitress (will possibly double as Nancy D). Soprano with Belt: A3 to G5
Nancy D (female identifying): One of Gordon’s nurses in the hospital. A bit more astringent than her colleague Richard (will possibly double as Waitress).
(Possible) Ensemble (all identities): Fills in the world of Gordon’s psyche, provides fluidity of movement and supports the larger vocal sound.
VOCAL RANGES NOTE: C4 is Middle C on a piano, and the numbering changes at each C. The D above middle C (C4) is D4, and the B below middle C is B3.
The St. Bart’s Players remains in compliance with the COVID-19 Safety Protocols of St. Bart’s Church and the CDC. Please do not attend the audition or rehearsals if you experience symptoms known to be associated with COVID-19.
You do not have to be a SBP member to audition, but if you are cast, you are required to become a member of the group and pay 2025 dues ($75, or $25 if you are age 25 or under). Please note: If you have been cast and performed with the St. Bart’s Players within the past five seasons, you must pay your annual dues before you can audition again for a Mainstage production. If you have any questions about your eligibility to audition or Active Member benefits, please contact sbpmembership@gmail.com.
About Us:
Founded in 1927, the St. Bart’s Players is the longest-running community theater group in New York City. Our home base is St. Bartholomew’s Church at 325 Park Avenue in Manhattan. Please visit www.stbartsplayers.org or email sbpmembership@gmail.com for more information.