Auditions for The St. Bart’s Players “Bright Star” (NON-PAID, NON-UNION)
The St. Bart’s Players is seeking non-equity actors for its upcoming production of Bright Star by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. There will be seven performances, October 27 - November 1, 2026 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 in October. This is a non-union, non-paid opportunity.
About Bright Star
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star is a sweeping, deeply emotional tale of love, redemption, and hope set against the rich backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning from the 1920s to the 1940s, the story follows literary editor Alice Murphy and a young soldier just home from World War II. When their lives intersect, a chain of events is set in motion that forces Alice to confront her mysterious past. Propelled by an intoxicating, Grammy-nominated bluegrass and folk score, this uplifting journey proves that the truth always has a way of finding its light.
Staff:
Director: Gary Slavin
Music Director: Kaeden Oh
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.
Where:
St. Bartholomew’s Church on 50th Street and Park Avenue. Please enter through the Community House at 109 East 50th Street.
When:
Auditions: Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11 at 7pm from 7:00–10 pm
Callbacks (in-person, by invitation only): Thursday, August 13 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 audition with something from Bright Star, but it is NOT required for the first night of auditions.
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 flexibility for these roles. All roles require dynamic storytellers with powerful voices and the ability to communicate through movement.
ALICE MURPHY: Young—and more than a little wild in her teens—Alice has grown into a strong, determined and formidable woman who moves ahead and doesn't look back. Joy and sorrow never last, and she'll die trying not to live in the past—until the past is once again before her eyes. Performer must be capable of great emotional depth and range and able to convincingly play both a girl in her late teens and a woman of adult age. Mezzo soprano: G3-E3
BILLY CANE: An open, sunny optimist who sometimes (often?) misses what’s right before his eyes. Billy believes he’ll find all he seeks by following his own bright star. Unshakeable faith can lead to unnecessary mistakes, but he always soldiers on. Tenor: B2-F#4
DADDY CANE: An old soul of the country, not the city, with a heart as big as all that. Baritone: C3-E4
MARGO CRAWFORD: The girl who stayed behind, or was left behind—or was she? Capable of unshakeable, steadfast love and is only a little afraid of going after what she wants. Mezzo soprano: G3-C5
MAMA MURPHY: Raised on the Bible but has a strong, human, not fundamentalist, heart. She has always believed the sun will shine again, but she can be a fierce Mama Lion when necessary. Alto: G3-D5
DADDY MURPHY: Believes Scripture holds all the answers and expects everyone else to believe the same. He wants what is best for his family, but on his terms—and God's. Possesses the potential for violence. Baritone: C3-D4
MAYOR DOBBS: Very concerned about his son's future social standing and sees marital relationships as transactional, not emotional. Truly believes that a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, no matter what. Baritone: Bb2-F4
JIMMY RAY DOBBS: A young man coming into his prime, whose hormones are racing and who wears his heart on his sleeve. He later finds that heartbreak happens, often most unexpectedly. Hormones notwithstanding, he has a strong moral center that can overrule his heart. Performer must be capable of great emotional depth and range and be able to convincingly play both a boy in his late teens and a man of adult age. Tenor: C3-G#4
STANFORD ADAMS: The mayor's lawyer; he might well be the one whispering dark things into the mayor's ear. Vocal range open.
DARYL AMES: A young man working at the Asheville Southern Journal who has a secret life and desires. He has a somewhat cutting manner but is never vicious. Baritone: E3-G4
LUCY GRANT: Works at the Asheville Southern Journal and knows more about everything than anyone else—and she knows all about Daryl. Also knows her way around a bar. Alto: B3-C#5
THE ROLES BELOW WILL BE CAST FROM THE ENSEMBLE: Must sing harmony with accuracy and ease and be able to learn and execute choreography.
MAX: A young man, besotted with Margo.
FLORENCE: A young woman and friend of Margo's, perhaps a co-worker.
EDNA: A young woman and friend of Margo's, perhaps a co-worker.
NORQUIST: A doctor of the times, but a bit ahead of the times.
SPIRITS: Three female figures who appear at times of great emotional distress. Must sing harmony effortlessly.
STATION MASTER
CLERK
WELL-DRESSED WOMAN
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 2026 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.