Redtwist Theatre is seeking actors for both Principal and Understudy roles for the Midwest/Chicago Premiere of Zombie: The American by Robert O'Hara. To be directed by Joshua Servantez.

At Redtwist Theatre, we encourage actors of all abilities, sizes, races and ethnicities, and gender identities to submit for any role in which they may see fit.

SYNOPSIS:
ZOMBIE: THE AMERICAN is a cross between Jacobean tragedy and Dr. Strangelove; a futuristic political satire set in the year 2063. Thom Valentine, the first openly gay President of the United States, faces a host of problems: an imminent civil war, the threat of an African invasion, an adulterous First Gentleman, and zombies in the basement of the White House! With his power, his marriage, and the nation's well-being at stake, he must decide what he cares most about saving ... and at what cost.

CHARACTERS:
Lord President Thom Valentine - he/him, any ethnicity, 40s-50s: The first openly gay President of the United States, struggling to hold a sinking and fractured union together while dealing with personal and national crises. [This role requires physical intimacy and full nudity]

Chase Valentine - he/him, 30s-40s, Asian or Arab or Latino: Thom's First Gentleman. Entangled in romantic and political affairs. [This role requires physical intimacy and full nudity]

Jessica Bloom - she/her, 40s-50s, White: The Lady Secretary of State (and former two- term president), a hawkish and controlling political figure.

Abidemi & Babirye - she/her, 20s-50s, Black: The Secretary General of the United African Nations and her sister/counterpart. Representing the formidable African superpower that has deployed peacekeepers to the U.S.

Royal Butler / Royal Guard / Royal Chief of Staff - he/him, 20s-40s, White: Hard- bodied human clones programmed to serve. They become entangled in romantic and political manoeuvring. [This role requires physical intimacy and may require partial nudity]

Secretary of Defense General Alexander / Zombie Minority Whip - he/him, any age: Secretary of Defense and tangled up in the administration's physical and political intrigues. / Reanimated historical and political figure who retains a warped grasp of governance, policy, and a literal appetite for flesh and organs. [This role requires physical intimacy and may require partial nudity]

Zombie Speaker of Zombies - any age and gender: The presiding leader of the underground zombie council living beneath the White House.

Zombie Chairwoman - she/her, any age: A leading figure among the undead politicians

NOTE FOR ALL ZOMBIE ROLES
These characters explore themes of cultural identity, forced displacement, historical trauma, and resilience, drawing inspiration from histories including the Trail of Tears, the Tulsa race massacre, the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Actors with relevant cultural or community connections are especially encouraged to audition.

Nudity & Intimacy Notice
Some roles in this production may require full or partial nudity and/or physical intimacy. An intimacy coordinator will be engaged and will work closely with actors throughout the rehearsal and performance process to ensure that all intimate content is approached professionally, collaboratively, and with clear communication around boundaries and consent.

Pay:
Principal Cast - $500
Understudy Cast - $100