Join us again this fall for a reprise of Dante 360. We will once more journey through the Divine Comedy, from Inferno to Paradiso. This performance will explore the significance of the world's most famous epic poem and its author, the illustrious Dante Alighieri. Experience the depth and complexity of Dante's vision through a series of performance and recitations, as well as music provided by the vocal ensemble Schola Antiqua, which carry the soul alongside the pilgrim in his ascent to Paradise.

Initial Auditions: April 24, 6-9pm, April, 25-26 1pm-4pm, May 1-3, 1-4pm Callbacks: May 16th, 2:30pm-5pm
In-Person: Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago

Dante 360 follows Dante's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven as he confronts his own sin, undergoes purification, and ultimately encounters divine love. Guided first by reason (Virgil) and then by divine love (Beatrice), Dante encounters historical, literary, and symbolic figures who illuminate the state of the human soul. The production is highly ensemble-driven, with actors frequently doubling roles and participating in choral, physical, and musical storytelling.

TRACKS of CHARACTERS:
Dante Alighieri (male, 30s): A poet in crisis, lost in a "dark wood" of sin and confusion, who undergoes a profound spiritual transformation. Requires emotional range and stamina as well as a deep understanding and appreciation of the spiritual values inherent in Dante's journey

Narrator / Elder Dante (male, 60s+): The older Dante reflecting on and narrating his journey. Serves as storyteller and guide through the epic.

Virgil (male, 40s): The Roman poet who represents reason and guides Dante through Hell and Purgatory.

Beatrice (female, late 20s-30s): Dante's muse and embodiment of divine love and truth; later guides him through Heaven.

St. Bernard (male, 40s-60s): A mystic who leads Dante to the final vision of God.

St. Peter (male, 60s): Examiner of Dante's faith at the gates of Heaven.

Art Historian (any gender, any age): A charismatic guide who bridges audience and narrative, contextualizing each canto and drawing connections to art, history, and faith. Central narrative voice.

Francesca da Rimini (female, 20s-30s): A tragic lover condemned for lust

Paolo Malatesta (male, 20s-30s): Francesca's lover

Count Ugolino (male, 50s): A tormented soul in the deepest reaches of Hell

Bonconte da Montefeltro (male, 30s-40s): A soul in Purgatory seeking remembrance

Pia de' Tolomei (female, 20s): A gentle, sorrowful presence in Purgatory

Omberto Aldobrandesco (male, 40s): A character whose story represents pride of lineage

Oderisi d'Agobbio (male, 40s): A character whose story represents the seduction of of artistic fame

Piccarda Donati (female, 30s): A joyful soul in Heaven who embodies acceptance of divine will

Vocal Ensemble (Chorus of 6-8): Mixed voices, functions as: souls of the damned, penitents, and blessed, atmospheric and spiritual underscore, movement ensemble

NOTICE to the ACTOR: This production requires strong command of poetic language, emotional and spiritual depth, physical awareness and ensemble collaboration, willingness to sing and move as part of a unified theatrical experience.

COMPENSATION: stipend of $800