Fever Originals is casting two non-equity actors to understudy "The Jury Experience," a play that takes live theater to the next level, as the audience becomes part of the show. The audience must cast the vote that will determine the fate of the accused.

SCRIPT SYNOPSIS
Anthony Hulmer, an artificial intelligence engineer, is facing a manslaughter trial following a fatal accident involving an autonomous taxi equipped with software he developed. A car driven by a couple had a flat tire swerving into the opposite lane. The autonomous vehicle, after assessing that a head-on collision would result in the death of several people, swerved in the only possible direction, hitting a cyclist, who died instantly. The case opens an ethical debate: did the autonomous car cause a homicide or prevent a higher number of deaths? Is the AI prepared to make life or death decisions?

Understudy Track One (masc or male-identifying) will cover the Defendant and Prosecutor tracks.

Understudy Track Two (femme or female-identifying) will cover the Defense Attorney and Plaintiff tracks.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

PROSECUTOR (30-50): A passionate defender of humanistic justice, their attitude combines empathy, ethics and an understanding of human dignity with the law. That warmth makes them stand out in connecting with the jury.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY (30-50): The Defense Attorney is an experienced, strong, passionate individual with a deep understanding of utilitarian philosophy. They have a sharp, analytical mind, able to easily understand and articulate complex concepts.

DEFENDANT, Hulmer (30-50): They are an egocentric and arrogant person. All they care about is achieving their goals, no matter what means they have to use or who they have to step over along the way. Passionate about technology. Feels that people do not understand them, nor do they understand people.

PLAINTIFF (25-35): Wife of the deceased Alex Rivera, who suffered a fatal accident while riding a bicycle. Previously a teacher, now a stay-at-home mother to two children. She feels that she is living a nightmare from which she cannot wake up.

Rehearsals will be scheduled in Chicago on weekday evenings and weekends, built around actor availability. Show dates include: Saturday 11/8/2025, Friday 12/5/2025, Sunday 1/11/2026, Friday 2/13/2026, and Sunday 6/14/2026 with additional performances possible. Performances will take place at the Edlis Neeson Theatre in the MCA.

Payment information: $16.60/hr of rehearsal, $325/day of performances