Seattle Public Theater Auditions
Virtual Auditions for the lead role of "Piri" in
The Ballad of the Unfallen
We are currently casting for the role of "Piri" in Seattle Public Theater's upcoming production of The Ballad of the Unfallen, written by Maggie Lee, with original music composition by Leanna Keith, and directed by Amy Poisson.
About the Show
In a distant land of swords and steel, twenty-five years have passed since the end of the War of the Divide between the Kaji and the Tsuka clans that tore the country apart. Tensions are now rising again as the new generation seeks to awaken the old rivalries and reclaim their heritage. Up in the mountains at the Temple of the Lightning Eel, a legendary school for the fighting arts, a safe haven exists where their students can ignore the growing turmoil of the outside world. But when a desperate young woman surviving an unthinkable tragedy seeks refuge at the temple, the delicate illusion of neutrality is shattered and plunges them all into the heart of the conflict. All the while, an earnest bard struggles to record the truth of the events through her song but is faced with the harsh reality that history is shaped by whoever shouts the loudest.
The Ballad of the Unfallen, a new play with music and movement, is about loyalty, connection, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, asking the question, “Can anyone ever truly choose not to take a side?”
About the Role
PIRI (female, 20s–30s), a new bard seeking to make a name for herself. Earnest and well-meaning, struggling to stay impartial in observing the events of the play for her latest ballad, defiant and hopeful in the face of overwhelming tragedy. Sings a cappella and plays a handheld drum for accompaniment.
Piri’s role is vocally challenging and requires a singer with confidence in solo a cappella performance. While vocal training of any kind is helpful, we are particularly interested in vocalists with any of the following backgrounds: metal, throat singing, contemporary extended techniques, pansori, minyo, or other folk vocal traditions.
Who Should Audition
Note, we are currently casting ONLY for the role of Piri. Casting for the rest of the ensemble will take place at a later date.
Singers of any vocal training background are welcome, and will receive vocal training for the part. Those with experience highly encouraged.
This is a femme/woman/non-binary identifying role. All actors must age 18 or over.
This is a world premiere play and new work, those familiar with and excited about New Works processes particularly encouraged to submit. The writer will be in the room, and she and the director will be working together during the process to hone the script and production.
There will be staging that involves combat. This character also sings and plays the drums.
Seattle Public Theater is committed to becoming an anti-racist, anti-ableist, and anti-sexist organization and seeks to uproot and dismantle Industrial white Supremacy within the theatrical arts and our community. We strive to center the values of inclusivity and transparency in our casting process. Please visit our website to read more about our Anti-Racism commitments and feel free to reach out with questions.
How To Audition
Please prepare and submit a modern monologue and song.
Virtual submissions will be open until Monday October 19.
The team will watch all video submissions, then hold one-on-one, in-person callbacks working with auditioner's schedules. For callbacks, auditioner's will be provided sheet music and a practice track and expected to use them to learn one song from the show.
Additional Information
Rate of Pay: Non-union actors will receive $125 weekly stipend for the rehearsal period (approx $1500 total rehearsal stipend); and hourly employee pay of $21.30 for Performances.
Union actors will receive Equity contract rates.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will generally be held on evenings and weekends in the U District. Appx 25-30 hours per week. Vocal coaching/singing rehearsals for Piri will begin around March 9th 2027 with a flexible schedule. Full non-Equity cast rehearsals begin March 23rd, Equity actors join March 30. Free parking is available at rehearsal and performance locations.
Performance location: Performances will be held at Seattle Public Theater on Green Lake. Most performances will be Wednesday/Thursday-Sunday.
Important dates:
First day of tech + Actors on Stage: Wednesday May 6, 2027
Photo Dress: Tuesday May 11, 2027
Preview: Wednesday May 12, 2027
Back to Tech: Thursday May 13,2027
Opening: Friday May 14, 2027
Closing: Sunday June 6, 2027
If you have questions or are having trouble with this submission form, please reach out to casting@seattlepublictheater.org.