Audition Notice - Ragtime

Book by Terrence McNally 
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty 
Based on the novel, Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
Original orchestrations by William David Brohn
Additional orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg

Director: Trinidad Snider
Choreographer: Kirk Eichelberger
Musical Direction by Olivia Tassone
Artwork by Noah Hrbek

Ragtime is our Teen Summer Production, developed in collaboration with participants in our SOAR! Youth Leadership Program, where young artists grow as creative leaders through hands-on experience in the technical and production process.

"Go out and tell our story, let it echo far and wide..."

Set at the turn of the 20th century, a time when everything was changing and anything felt possible, Ragtime weaves together three distinct stories that reflect the evolving landscape of America. Against the backdrop of New York City, families from different backgrounds, immigrants, Black Americans, and those born into privilege, search for opportunity, identity, and belonging in a rapidly shifting world.

As their journeys unfold, they are confronted with the contradictions that continue to shape our nation: wealth and poverty, freedom and injustice, hope and hardship.

With a sweeping, Tony Award-winning score that blends ragtime rhythms, lush ballads, and powerful anthems, Ragtime invites us to reflect on what it truly means to pursue the promise of America, and reminds us just how relevant that pursuit remains today.

Ragtime (9-Piece Orchestration) is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

CASTING

NEAR WEST THEATRE IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE CASTING. WE WILL CAST ARTISTS WITHOUT REGARD TO DISABILITY, RACE, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, COLOR, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ETHNIC ORIGIN, DISABILITIES, OR ANY OTHER INDICATED BASIS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO AUTHENTICALLY CASTING TO ENSURE ALL MARGINALIZED GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED. WE ENCOURAGE ALL PERFORMERS TO AUDITION! 

This production is open to participants ages 13 - 19.  

Ragtime includes mature themes such as racism, racial slurs, violence, death, and social injustice. Near West Theatre is committed to approaching this material with care, cultural sensitivity, and respect. We will foster a rehearsal and performance environment centered on clear communication, support, and accountability, ensuring all participants feel safe, valued, and empowered throughout the process. We will also incorporate trauma-informed practices and facilitated conversations to support thoughtful engagement with the material.

Character Descriptions

Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Black/African American, Male presenting) - A proud and talented pianist. A Black man who believes that he can take part in the new America and will be treated fairly.

Sarah (Black/African American, Female presenting) - A young Black woman, beautiful and filled with a strong will to live, fueled by an innocent spirit. Falls deeply in love with Coalhouse after much resistance. 

Mother (Caucasian, Female presenting) - The consummate wife and mother. A kind woman with incredible moral fiber. Refined, intelligent, graceful, and open-minded.

Father (Caucasian, Male presenting) - Mother's professionally successful husband. Fancies himself an amateur explorer, he is commanding and attractive. Enjoys being the family breadwinner - a traditionalist.

Younger Brother (Caucasian, Male presenting) - Mother's brother. He is an erratic and passionate soul, a firework waiting to be lit. Influenced greatly by Goldman's teachings.

Little Boy (Caucasian, Male presenting) - Mother and Father's son. He is open-hearted and curious with inexplicable clairvoyance.. 

Grandfather (Caucasian, Male presenting) - Mother's patrician father. He is a retired professor and is easily irritated by nearly everything.

Tateh (Caucasian/Eastern European/Jewish/Latvian-American, Male presenting) A Latvian immigrant. He wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve, yet remains optimistic that he will succeed. Full of genuine drive and heart. He lives for his little daughter. 

Little Girl (Caucasian/Eastern European/Jewish/Latvian-American, Female presenting) - Tateh's daughter. A vulnerable child in a brand-new home, she has lost her mother and is guarded and shy. She clings to her father.

Booker T. Washington (Black/African American, Male presenting) - Brilliant Black social activist. He is an eloquent and articulate gentleman with no patience for Black Americans leading less than exemplary lives.

Emma Goldman (Caucasian, Russian-American, Female presenting) - Social activist. Originally from Russia, she is a leader, a fearless advocate for the oppressed.

Evelyn Nesbit (Caucasian, Female presenting) -  A beautiful vaudeville performer, famous for the murder of her high-profile lover by her rich husband.

Henry Ford (Caucasian, Male presenting)  -  An American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company.

Harry Houdini (Caucasian, Hungarian-American, Male presenting) - The famous magician is originally from Hungary. With notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the 'American Dream.'

J.P. Morgan (Caucasian, Male presenting) - The rich, famous financier.

Sarah's Friend (Black/African American, Female presenting) - A friend of Sarah's who attends her funeral.

Willie Conklin (Caucasian, Male presenting) - A racist volunteer fireman who destroys Coalhouse's car.

Ensemble - Baseball Fans; Coalhouse Supporters; Firemen; Immigrants To America; New Rochelle Citizens; Reporters; Vacationers.

Auditions 

• You must be at least 13 years of age to audition.
• Audition dates are scheduled for Monday, April 27, Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29, from 7 PM to 10 PM.  Anyone auditioning must stay for the entire time. Please register below to reserve a space.
• Callbacks are scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
• Our audition process involves group work in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You do not need a headshot or resume; no preparation is required. It is a group experience of theatre games, improvisation, characterization, and movement. Come as you are, in comfortable clothing, and be ready to engage with your peers. Decisions and notifications will be made by the end of the following week.

Expectations

• Cast members are expected to prioritize rehearsals during the eight (8) weeks this production rehearses and for the nine performances.
• By the end of your audition, you must communicate any known rehearsal or performance conflicts to the Stage Manager and/or Director.

Rehearsals

• Rehearsals are scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, through Thursday, May 28. Rehearsal days will be Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (depending on conflicts). Rehearsals are held on Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm (a four-hour range that may vary depending on conflicts) and Mondays through Wednesdays from 7 pm to 10 pm. Rehearsal times will vary. The stage manager will distribute a schedule by Thursday of every week.
• Closer to the show's opening, typically tech week, rehearsals may be extended on some days, but they will not run past 11:00 PM.
• You will be required to participate in a Sitz Probe on Saturday, July 11. This rehearsal typically takes place during the day.

Tech Week  (Attendance is mandatory during this week!)

• Sunday, July 12, is Tech Sunday, an extended rehearsal for all cast, staff, and crew from 12 PM to 10 PM. A potluck supper is organized and scheduled for this date. This is the first working tech rehearsal. Costumes, lighting, props, and special effects will be incorporated later in the week.
• Monday through Thursday, July 13 - 17, are all mandatory rehearsals. Cast, crew, and staff are expected to be at the theater from 6 PM to 11 PM each day. Everyone must stay until the end of the rehearsal to run the show.

Performances

• The performances will take place on July 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 31, August 1, and 2. 
• Curtain times for Friday and Saturday are 7:30 PM, and Sunday is 2:00 PM.
• The cast is expected to be at the theater at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday performance nights and at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.

AUDITION REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ON APRIL 6, 2026!