Work With Us
Opportunities at Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight is Chicago’s center for music theatre thanks to the work of our dedicated and talented staff and artists. If you have skills and experience that would be an asset to our team, we’d love to meet you!
Porchlight Music Theatre is a professional, nonprofit Chicago theatre with an annual budget of about $2.5million. We are part of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers, operating on a CAT II contract, as well as the Chicago Federation of Musicians.
Celebrating the past, present and future of this unique American art form for more than 25 years, Porchlight is in residence at the historic, intimate Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago’s Gold Coast, and completed the best-attended and highest-grossing season in its history just prior to the pandemic.
Porchlight delights more than 30,000 patrons each season with a three- to four-show Mainstage season of inventively reimagined classics, recent Broadway hits and new musical finds; a Porchlight Revisits series of rarely seen musicals in limited run with enhanced dramaturgy; a New Faces Sing Broadway cabaret series; and a free Broadway in your Backyard neighborhood-park concert series, in addition to educational programs for students of all ages through classes and camps, Chicago Public Schools and community partnerships.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of Porchlight Music Theatre!
Porchlight Music Theatre announces video auditions for New Faces Sing Broadway 1976.
Seeking singing Adult Actors (18+) of all ethnicities, gender identities and physical abilities.
Local, Chicagoland based hires only.
PERSONNEL
Director, Lorenzo Rush Jr.
Music Director, Otto Vogel
DATES/TIMES
Mid-August 2026, times TBD – individual vocal & performance coachings,
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11am-4pm – group rehearsal
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 4:30pm call, 5pm-7pm Tech, 7:30pm performance
Wednesday, September 16, 2026: 7:30pm performance
COMPENSATION
$150 stipend per performer
LOCATIONS
General Auditions: Online video submissions only. See below for specific instructions.
Callbacks & Group Rehearsal: Porchlight Rehearsal Studios, 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
Individual vocal & performance coachings: TBD
Performances: Biograph Theater, 2344 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
AUDITION DATE
Video submissions will be accepted through Midnight on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
PREPARATION
Please submit a video of yourself performing two (2) contrasting 32 bar music theater selections from between 1970-1990. The pieces must be performed with accompaniment; no acapella submissions, please. Does not need to be performed with piano specifically, can be any kind of music track or recorded accompaniment available to you. Please include your headshot and resume with your video submission.
If you play an instrument proficiently—especially guitar—please either accompany yourself (preferable, if possible) along with a track for one of your selections, or record a separate short selection in which to show your proficiency.
VIDEOS: Please submit one (1) video file containing both songs submitted as a direct YouTube link. Multiple videos, videos requiring downloads or videos that are password protected will not be accepted.
HEADSHOT/RESUME: Please submit together as one PDF file named LastName_FirstName. (ex. Johnson_Susan.pdf). Materials containing multiple files, not submitted as a PDF or not following the requested file name format will not be accepted.
TO SUBMIT: Please send one (1) email to auditions@porchlightmusictheatre.org with your full name in the subject line, your one (1) video link in the body of the email and attach your one (1) PDF with your headshot & resume. Due to the volume of submissions expected, we will not be able to respond to each performer individually. You will only be contacted if we need anything further from you.
Submissions not following the above instructions may not be considered. However, if you experience technical difficulties formatting your submission as requested, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to find an alternative solution.
Email only; no phone calls, please.
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Porchlight Music Theatre announces video auditions for Little Shop of Horrors and Dead Outlaw.
For those performers who will not be able to attend our up-coming in-person General Auditions, we offer this opportunity to submit a video audition.
Seeking singing Adult Actors (18+) of all ethnicities, gender identities and physical abilities.
Local, Chicagoland based hires only. We will not be considering out-of-town artists who require travel and housing.
PERSONNEL
Little Shop of Horrors
Director, Michael Weber
Choreographer, Nataki Rennie
Music Director, David Fiorello
Dead Outlaw
Director, Jeremy Wechsler
Choreographer, Brenda Didier
DATES
Little Shop of Horrors
Rehearsals begin: week of September 28, 2026
Press Opening: November 8, 2026
Anticipated Closing: December 13, 2026
Dead Outlaw
Rehearsals begin: week of January 11, 2027
Press Opening: February 14, 2027
Anticipated Closing: March 21, 2027
COMPENSATION
AEA performers: CAT tier 3
Non-AEA performers: $1500 rehearsal stipend, $46 per performance
LOCATIONS
General Auditions: Video submissions: See below for specific instructions.
Callbacks and Rehearsals: Porchlight Rehearsal Studios, 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
Performances: Biograph Theater, 2344 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
AUDITION DATE
Video submissions will be accepted through Midnight on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
PREPARATION
Please submit a video of yourself performing two (2) contrasting 32 bar song selections appropriate for either Little Shop of Horrors and/or Dead Outlaw. The pieces must be performed with accompaniment; no acapella submissions, please. Does not need to be performed with piano specifically, can be any kind of music track or recorded accompaniment available to you. Please include your headshot and resume with your video submission.
If you play an instrument proficiently—especially guitar, banjo, lap steel or mandolin—please either accompany yourself (preferable, if possible) along with a track for one of your selections, or record a separate short selection in which to show your proficiency.
VIDEOS: Please submit one (1) video file containing both songs submitted as a direct YouTube link. Multiple videos, videos requiring downloads or videos that are password protected will not be accepted.
HEADSHOT/RESUME: Please submit together as one PDF file named LastName_FirstName. (ex. Johnson_Susan.pdf). Materials containing multiple files, not submitted as a PDF or not following the requested file name format will not be accepted.
TO SUBMIT: Please send one (1) email to auditions@porchlightmusictheatre.org with your full name and “26/27” in the subject line, your one (1) video link in the body of the email and attach your one (1) PDF with your headshot & resume. Due to the volume of submissions expected, we will not be able to respond to each performer individually. You will only be contacted if we need anything further from you.
Submissions not following the above instructions may not be considered. However, if you experience technical difficulties formatting your submission as requested, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to find an alternative solution.
Email only; no phone calls, please.
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Porchlight Music Theatre announces in person 2026/2027 Season General auditions.
Seeking singing Adult Actors (18+) of all ethnicities, gender identities and physical abilities.
Local, Chicagoland based hires only. We will not be considering out-of-town artists who require travel and housing.
PERSONNEL
Little Shop of Horrors
Director, Michael Weber
Choreographer, Nataki Rennie
Music Director, David Fiorello
Dead Outlaw
Director, Jeremy Wechsler
Choreographer, Brenda Didier
Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story
Director: Michael Weber
Choreographer, Tammy Mader
Music Director, Linda Madonia
SEEKING
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Seymour Krelborn: An insecure, put-upon florist’s clerk and eventual hero. He is a genuine, well-meaning person whom others take for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills. Character Gender: male. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: A2
Audrey: Billie-Dawn-like and Seymour’s secret love. She has low self-worth and limited education,but is incredibly attractive with a sweet naive and vulnerable demeanor. Character Gender: female. Vocal range top: D5. Vocal range bottom: G#3
Mr. Mushnik: The seasoned owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour’s nosy boss. He is profit-driven, greedy, and manipulative. Character Gender: male. Vocal range top: F4. Vocal range bottom: G2
Orin Scrivello: An egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies. Audrey’s abusive boyfriend, whom Seymour targets. Character Gender: male. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: G2
The Plant (Audrey II): Puppet. An anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado, the plant has an appetite for human flesh that Seymour appeases. Puppeteer doubles as other sizes of the plant.
Voice Of The Plant: A vocalist located offstage. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart ‘villain.’ A funky Rhythm and Blues voice is best. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: G2
Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon: Young women of color. 1960s “street urchins,” they act as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality. Crystal: Character Gender: female. Vocal range top: F5. Vocal range bottom: Ab3. Ronnette: Character Gender: female. Vocal range top: F5. Vocal range bottom: Ab3. Chiffon: Character Gender: female. Vocal range top: F5. Vocal range bottom: Ab3
DEAD OUTLAW
Track 1: Male presenting, 20-30 yrs, any ethnicity. Elmer McCurdy: The “dead outlaw” of the title. McCurdy was a train robber whose body was put on display for paying gawkers cross-country after he died.
Track 2: Any gender/any ethnicity. Band Leader: An otherwise unnamed character who narrates McCurdy’s story and performs many of the show’s songs live with an onstage band. Jarrett: The leader of the Jarrett gang, a group of robber brothers. He meets Elmer in jail and teaches him the tools of the trade.
Track 3: Any gender/any ethnicity. Coroner Johnson: A coroner in Pawhuska County, Oklahoma, who is the first to show off Elmer’s corpse for money when no family comes forth to claim it. This track doubles as other characters.
Track 4: Any gender/any ethnicity. Louis: Elmer’s bumbling coworker at a plumbing business in Kansas. Charles Patterson: A man who poses, along with his brother James, as Elmer’s brothers in order to claim his corpse and use it in their traveling carnival. This track doubles as other characters.
Track 5: Female presenting, 20-30 yrs, any ethnicity. Helen: Elmer’s adoptive mother. Maggie: A girl with whom Elmer has a brief romance while living in Iola, Kansas. This track doubles as other characters.
Track 6: Any gender/ any ethnicity. George: Elmer’s adoptive father, who dies when Elmer is fairly young. This track doubles as other characters.
Track 7: Any gender/Asian. Coroner Noguchi: A coroner in Los Angeles who oversees the final autopsy and burial of Elmer’s body in 1976. This track doubles as other characters.
Track 8: Any gender/native American. Andy Payne: The winner of a cross-country footrace, which is accompanied by a traveling sideshow at which Elmer’s body is being displayed. This track doubles as other characters.
PRODUCTION DATES
Little Shop of Horrors
Rehearsals begin: week of September 28, 2026
Press Opening: November 8, 2026
Anticipated Closing: December 13, 2026
Dead Outlaw
Rehearsals begin: week of January 11, 2027
Press Opening: February 14, 2027
Anticipated Closing: March 21, 2027
Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story
Rehearsals begin: week of Mon, Mar 29, 2027
Press Opening: Sun, Apr 4, 2027
Anticipated closing: Sun, Apr 25, 2027
This is a one-person show. The role of “Ann Miller” has been cast. This specialty production will not utilize an understudy.
COMPENSATION
AEA performers: CAT tier 3
Non-AEA performers: $1500 rehearsal stipend, $46 per performance
LOCATIONS
General Auditions, Callbacks and Rehearsals: Porchlight Rehearsal Studios, 4200 W. Diversey, Chicago
Performances: Biograph Theater, 2344 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
AUDITION DATES / TIMES
Monday, June 8, 2026, 11:30am – 3:30pm and 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 11:30am – 3:30pm and 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 11:30am – 3:30pm and 4:30pm – 7:30pm
APPONTMENTS
AEA actors make appointments online through the official Actors’ Equity Association Member Portal.
Non-Union actors are welcome to walk in all three days.
PREPARATION
Please prepare a 32 bar cut song selection appropriate for either Little Shop of Horrors and/or Dead Outlaw – not to exceed 2-minutes. Have a second 32 bar cut song selection ready in the style of the productions should you be asked. Bring sheet music, your book and a headshot/resume. An accompanist will be provided. No recordings, please. If you play advanced guitar, banjo or mandolin, you may bring it to demonstrate your skill.
Porchlight Music Theatre is committed to diversity and encourages all its employees to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Porchlight Music Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to participate in every audition.
Job Postings
EDUCATION
Technical Director – George Westinghouse College Prep
Porchlight is proud to partner with George Westinghouse College Prep to support their theater programs fall and spring theater productions. The Technical Director is a key player in the partnership who helps manage the in-school masterclasses, building of the set, teaching basics of stage carpentry to students as well as other technical needs of all productions. They work closely with Porchlight’s Education Director and Westinghouse’s Lead Drama Teacher to ensure quality program delivery and the growth of the program.
Responsibilities:
- Work with Education Director and Theater Director to create schedule of masterclasses, set building, and tech rehearsal
- Create a plan for building, painting, and design of theater sets including portions that will be completed by students in Theater I-IV classes.
- Troubleshoot any issues with student mics and sound mixing
- Act as a Master Carpenter to ensure set pieces are built on schedule
Schedule:
- 11/3-11/7 (8:00 am – 3:10) Build and paint
- 11/8 (12:00 pm – 6:00 pm) Dry Tech
- 11/10 (11:30 am – 9:00 pm) Tech
- 11/11 Schedule flex for catch up
- 11/12 (8:00 am – 3:30 pm) Matinee
- 11/13 (12:00 – 8:00 pm) Show
- 11/14 (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm) Show
- 11/15 (12:00 pm – 5:00 pm) Show
- 11/17 & 11/18 (8:00 am – 3:10 pm) Strike
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should reach out to Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre are strongly encouraged to apply.
Teaching Artist
Porchlight accepts resumes for Teaching Artists on a rolling basis for all youth programs – specifically for in-school residencies and after-school programs.
$25-35/hour plus paid prep time and travel stipend per class.
If you are interested (or know anyone who may be interested) in this role, send an email with your teaching resume attached to our Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@
Responsibilities:
- Work with Education Director and teaching team to plan, prepare, and execute classes upon agreed schedule
- Attend teachers’ meeting prior to the start of the teaching session and agreed upon number of continuing training and professional development sessions
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class and be ready to receive students at class time
- Not miss more than two classes per session
- Communicate the need for a sub as soon as possible to Education Director
- Participate in self evaluation and provide feedback on teaching team and class experience
- Restore the classroom space after class each day
- Communicate the need for all printing and supplies as soon as possible, or purchase and submit reimbursement
- Adhere to all deadlines for class communications including newsletters and programs
How to Apply:
Please send your teaching resume to Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre – especially residents of Chicago’s south and west side and Spanish speaking teaching artists – are strongly encouraged to apply.
INTERNSHIPS
Join the Team. Be a Porchlight Intern.
Porchlight Music Theatre’s Internship program is an opportunity for qualified college students, graduates and young professionals to learn in a hands-on environment as part of the staff of a non-profit theater. Porchlight offers internships in different categories: Artistic Administration, Education & Outreach, Development & Special Events, Marketing & PR/Publicity, and Artistic/Casting.
Porchlight Interns work closely with their departments on special projects and ongoing work. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. You can find more information about each internship in “more info”.
Questions? Email rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org
Porchlight is NOT accepting applications for internships at this time. Thank you for your interest.
Be a Part of Our Team As a Volunteer*
Porchlight Music Theatre welcomes volunteers to assist our staff on a variety of projects and events.
- Volunteer benefits include complimentary tickets to Porchlight Music Theatre productions and events, as available.
- Volunteers must complete and submit an application, and an interview will be conducted either in person or via phone.
For more information, please email info@porchlightmusictheatre.org, subject: Volunteer.
*Please note that theatre ushers are provided by The Saints, Volunteers for the Performing Arts. For information on how you can become a Saint, call (773) 529-5510.
Script Submissions
Porchlight Music Theatre accepts full length scripts year-round from literary agents and theatre professionals with whom we have an existing professional relationship. We invite unrepresented writers to submit a brief bio, short synopsis, and ten pages of sample dialogue and music on CD or sent electronically.