Seeking an ensemble of actors for an independent staged reading. We strongly encourage performers of all ethnicities, sizes, genders, and abilities to submit. This staged reading is in association with Redtwist Theatre's IPI grant. Produced/directed by Erin Feldman, Stage Managed/Assistant Directed by Josie Hope Moore, Intimacy Directed by Bianca Thompson.

Synopsis: Sisters: Some Theatrical Rituals About the Nunnery by Chicago native Susan Lersch, is an autobiographical play about a young woman in the 1960s, reconciling with her sexuality within the confines of a convent. Sarah is determined to join the convent despite protests from her boyfriend and some of the more traditional sisters in the order. The further she gets into her journey and the more people she meets and learns from, the more crossroads she comes to. She is tempted by the "particular friendships" she forms with two of the sisters, and is torn between what feels good and what she knows is right. After all, she is in love with Jesus Christ.

This play deals with themes of LGBTQ+ identity, sex, submission and sisterhood, and how all these things intersect with the Catholic Church. Please be aware that this play contains sexually explicit scenes and situations for some characters, which are laid out in the character descriptions below. While we have an Intimacy Director to work with the ensemble, take care when submitting.

Character Breakdown:
Sarah: (any race, she/her, 18) THIS ROLE HAS ALREADY BEEN CAST. SARAH tells HER own story as a postulant and novice of the Virgins of Mary, a Roman Catholic religious order. Except for the times when SHE is speaking at the present time to the audience, SHE is 18 years old --an exceedingly young, energetic, passionate 18 --with all its inbred exaggerations and overstatements. (This role requires physical intimacy involving kissing, simulated sex, simulated masturbation)

Juliette Seymour: (any race, she/her, 40-60s) JULIETTE is the nineteenth-century foundress of the Virgins of Mary. SHE is dressed in the same religious garb as the rest of the nuns, except for HER it is normal, everyday wear in the 1800s in Belgium. SHE is warm, humorous, and lovingly interested in the story that SARAH is telling about HER order of nuns.

Brendan McDowell: (any race, he/him, early 20s) THIS ROLE HAS ALREADY BEEN CAST. BRENDAN is a former Jesuit seminarian who is now working as a political activist. HE probably appears somewhat younger than HIS years. HE is in love with SARAH, convinced that she is making a mistake by becoming a nun. (This role requires physical intimacy involving kissing)

Sister Rose Collette: (any race, she/her, 30-40s) ROSE COLLETTE is the Novice Mistress, the individual in charge of training and spiritually guiding the postulants and novices. SHE is firmly at home in the customs and traditions of the Virgins of Mary. SHE is as kind as SHE is firm, and considers herself very maternal in HER role. (This role requires physical intimacy involving kissing another character's body)

Sister Mary Claire: (any race, she/her, 40-50s) MARY CLAIRE is the resident psychiatrist for the Virgins of Mary. SHE is an extremely bright, perceptive woman. Because of her work, SHE often seems a villain to SARAH when SHE is simply doing HER job. If they ever stopped fighting, SHE and SARAH would be good friends.

Sister Maureen: (any race, she/her, 20s) MAUREEN is an artist and art teacher for the postulants and novices of the Virgins of Mary. SHE is preparing to take HER own final vows soon. In many ways, SHE is as young and emotional as SARAH, and they become best friends. (This role requires physical intimacy involving simulated undressing)

Sister Adrienne: (any race, she/her, 20s) ADRIENNE is a nun who has been sent to Villa Marie, the residence for the older nuns in the Virgins of Mary, as a penance. SHE is an outrageously outspoken, angry nun. SHE must be charismatic enough that SARAH's instant attraction to HER makes sense. (This role requires physical intimacy involving kissing and simulated sex)

Pay is a $200 stipend+ 10% of ticket sales