Fall 2025 Mainstage Auditions
Mr. Burns, a post-electric play
by Anne Washburn
Directed by Jeff Storer
Auditions March 19 and 20, with callbacks March 21 and 22, 2025
Production Dates November 13-16 and 20-22, 2025
Wednesday, March 19 Open Call
6:30 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 20 Open Call
6:30 - 9 p.m.
Friday, March 21 Selected Call Backs and Additional Open Calls
6:30 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 Final Call Backs
2 - 6 p.m.
A diverse cast of eight (8) is sought. All roles can be played by any ethnicity or gender identity.
"Mr. Burns" is not a musical in the traditional sense, but you will be singing and dancing if you are cast.
Each half-hour slot of auditions can accommodate five actors. Please consider signing up as early as possible within the time slots to avoid large gaps in sign-ups.
Audition Material
You are asked to prepare the following.
1.) A contemporary monologue (60-90 seconds)
2.) Something you feel comfortable singing. You may be asked to sing with our composer. Your song should be able to be sung acapella. Training to play instruments, singing in choirs and in the shower will be helpful.
3.) Everyone should watch the 83rd episode of The Simpsons: "Cape Feare" Season 5, Episode 2. This was the last episode written by the original Simpsons writers and is at the heart of the play Mr. Burns. Watch the entire episode and be prepared to tell us what you remember from it. Voices and impersonations of the episode's action are welcome.
The script can be obtained by emailing the director Jeff Storer at bear@duke.edu.
Remote Audition Submissions
If you cannot make these times in person, you are welcome to submit videotaped auditions by email to Thomas Quintas thomas.quintas@duke.edu, Director of Theater.
Class Credit Opportunities
Undergraduate students cast in a mainstage production may enroll in THEATRST 350-1 Mainstage: Acting for credit. The course carries ALP, CCI, and R codes. Students can also learn about theater design and technology by working backstage on these productions and enrolling in THEATRST 226S World Building for the Theater. Enrollment in either class is voluntary. In Fall 2025, both classes are scheduled Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 9 p.m.