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OUR MISSION
Our mission is to celebrate the complexity of our shared human experience.
We envision a world awakened by the wonder of theatre.
OUR VALUES
Belonging: Portland Playhouse works to be radically inclusive onstage and offstage. We serve together. We rise together. We lead with kindness.
Gratitude: We are here by the grace and generosity of our community. We honor, join with, and are guided by those who came before us as well as current and future generations.
Courage: We challenge the status quo; we take risks. We listen and learn with an openness to change.
STAFF OPENINGS
No current openings!
AUDITIONS
Portland Playhouse announces general auditions for its production of
Simply Simone
as part of its 2026-2027 Season.
We are seeking submissions from both AEA and Non-Union actors.
AUDITION DATES AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Sunday, May 3rd, 4:00pm – 10:00pm (lunch break 6:30p – 7p)
Monday, May 4th, 11:00am – 6:00pm (lunch break 2p – 3p)
Tuesday, May 5th, 3:00pm – 10:00pm (lunch break 5p – 6p)
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
To sign up for an audition, please email us at [email protected].
Audition time slots will be in 5-10 minute increments.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
For this audition, please prepare one song of your choosing – it can be any song – no more than 32 bars please. We will also ask you to prepare a song in the style of Nina Simone (I Love You Porgy) and sheet music will be provided to you when you schedule an audition. An accompanist will be present, so please bring sheet music for the song of your choosing.
Please bring a physical copy of your headshot and resume with you to your audition. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
Portland Playhouse does not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or customer on the basis or race, color, cultural heritage, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, size, mental or physical dis/ability or appearance, genetic status, marital status, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state, or federal law.
A note about casting (adopted from language with consent originally created by Kevin Kantor and Emily Traquin of Actors Theatre of Louisville):
Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following character descriptions. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
BREAKDOWN:
Simply Simone
Written by Robert Neblett and Davis Grapes
Musical and Vocal Arrangements by Vince Dimura
Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris
Portland Playhouse dates
SPT7; Projected minimum: $718/week (11 weeks)
First Rehearsal: March 23rd, 2027
First Preview: April 28th, 2027
Opening: May 1st, 2027
Closing: June 6th, 2027 (possible extension through June 27th, 2027)
SEEKING:
NINA 1 – 16-20 years old. The Child. Innocent and energetic, she is always hopeful for a brighter future. She is also the constant reminder of an idyllic past. High soprano voice.
NINA 2 – 20-30 years old. The Singer. She is on the verge of success, optimistic yet cautious. She’s been burned and is a little gun shy. She finds her deepest pleasure in music.
NINA 3 – 30-40 years old. The Activist. She is angry and ready to buck the system. As racial turmoil increases in the country, she becomes more personally involved. But as that mood of protest increases, she also becomes more psychologically vulnerable. A powerful soul singer.
NINA 4 – 40-50 years old. The Exile. She is wise, yet jaded. She has seen the way of the world and chosen to reject it, rather than continue to live amongst hypocrisy and hatred. She speaks her mind bluntly and doesn’t care who takes offense. Rich alto voice.
All of the characters are played by African-American women. This is an ensemble piece, and no one role is more important. They all come together to tell this amazing story.
AUDITION SPACE INFORMATION:
Portland Playhouse (Sanctuary Space)
602 NE Prescott St.
The audition room: 625 square feet and can accommodate no more than 20 individuals at a time.
The holding room: 320 square feet and can accommodate no more than 10 individuals at a time.
PERSONNEL (viewing auditions):
Brian Weaver, Artistic Director
Charles Grant, Producing Director
Patdro Harris, Director and Choreographer
Brenda Hankins, Music Director
Thank you for your time and effort in preparing your audition. We look forward to seeing your work! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Portland Playhouse
602 NE Prescott St.
Portland, OR 97211
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always looking for volunteers as well as apprentices, crew members and corporate partnerships.
