Circle Theatre seeks submissions for the Midwest premiere of Max Vernon's The View Upstairs. The show will be directed by Derek Van Barham, with music direction by Jeff Bouthiette and choreography by Jon Martinez.

SYNOPSIS: When Wes, a young fashion designer from 2017, buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, he finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant seventies gay bar. As this forgotten community comes to life, Wes embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration that spans two generations of queer history. This smash Off Broadway hit features a gritty, glam rock score and a tight-knit ensemble of unforgettable characters. The View UpStairs asks what has been gained and lost in the fight for equality, and how the past can help guide all of us through an uncertain future.

SEEKING:
PATRICK - (early 20's) Young, runaway hustler who projects innocence and fragility, but is a lot tougher than he appears. Patrick creates fantastic, imaginative stories to distract from the harsher realities of his life. Has the ability to see a vulnerability and sweetness in Wes.

HENRI - (30's-40's) Tough as nails, no-nonsense, old school butch. Henri is the bartender of the UpStairs Lounge and runs a tight ship. Although she comes across as a bit severe, she cares very deeply for the community within the bar.

FREDDY - (20's-30's, latino) A construction worker by day, Freddy also doubles as the drag queen Aurora Whorealis by night. Big personality, energetic, and bright. A close friend to Willie and on good terms with everyone else in the bar.

INEZ/REALTOR - (late 30's-60's, latino) Freddy's mother and also occasionally a mother to the other men in the UpStairs Lounge. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved her family to America when Freddy was still young. Lovable, warm, and supportive, Inez assists with her son's drag performances. As realtor, she is smarmy, fake, smiles too much, etc.

RICHARD - (40's) Priest of the Metropolitan Community Church. Perhaps more conservative than other patrons in the bar, but level-headed and warm.

DALE - (30's-40's) Arsonist. Sensitive and more radical in his sexual politics. A raw nerve and someone who's experienced a good deal of hardship at society's hand.

COP - (30's-40's) In the past the cop is a corrupt, homophobic, and violent. In the present, the cop is still stern, but has a sense of humor, and seems to be in service of justice.

ENSEMBLE/CHORUS - Other patrons in the bar who round out the community.

Performers of all ages, ethnicities, and genders highly encouraged to submit.

This will be a Jeff-eligible production, presented in the Broadway space at the Pride Arts Center. The full production calendar will be sent with the musical sides.

Auditions will be held at Vagabond School (4001 N Ravenswood, Fifth Floor), Studio 1 The roles of Wes, Buddy, and Willie have already been cast (though we will be looking for covers/understudies for each role).