Audition Announcement

 The Compass

By Michael Rohd

Directed by Micha Espinosa

AUDITION INFORMATION:

University Theatre auditions are open to all current and incoming UW-Madison students, regardless of major.

The Compass is seeking to fill one skilled facilitator role to guide audience participation throughout the performance and two to three understudy roles. 

Auditions will take place in Vilas Hall 1153 from 3-5pm on Friday, September 4. Students may submit self-taped videos if not available to attend the in-person call. 

• Information about self-taped videos available here. 

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Actors are encouraged to read the script prior to auditions. Perusal copies of the script are available digitally here or  in the Department of Theatre and Drama Main Office, 6173 Vilas, 821 University Ave, during regular hours 8 am-5 pm Monday to Friday.

For Auditions:

1. Please prepare the following:
2. Personal Questions. Please answer both questions:
   1. Tell us who you are outside of acting. What matters to you right now?
   2. How comfortable are you having a conversation with a stranger?

There are no right or wrong answers.  No longer than 2-3 minutes total

2. Contemporary Monologue. Please prepare one contemporary monologue.
   1. The monologue should be approximately 45-60 seconds in length.
   2. The monologue may be comedic or dramatic form theatre, TV, or film.

THE PLAY:

The Compass is a live, interactive performance at the intersection of technology, ethics, and civic decision-making. Structured as a public trial, the work examines the fate of a young person who relied on an app to make a life-altering decision. Each performance unfolds through audience choice, positioning spectators as participants in a shared civic process within a mediated environment that merges courtroom and public forum. Evidence, authority, and responsibility are negotiated in real time, positioning theatre as a site of civic inquiry and participatory dialogue.

Content advisory: 

This performance contains references to gun violence and addresses themes of artificial intelligence, mental health, and ethical decision-making.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

• Rehearsals begin: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
• Performances: October 15-25, 2026 including two 10am student matinee performances on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 and Friday, October 23, 2026
• Venue: Mitchell Theatre
• Student actors cast in this production must register for 1-3 credits of THEATRE 360.

OPEN ROLES:

Unless otherwise noted, roles are open to casting of actors who identify as any gender, race, ethnicity, age, and ability. 

Facilitator 8 (comfortable with audience interaction)

We are seeking actors who:

1. Have strong text and character skills
2. Work well in tight ensemble storytelling
3. Are comfortable in fast-paced, multi-role performance

Facilitator/Jurors will:

4. Lead small-group audience conversations (up to 20-25 participants)
5. Guide structured 4–5 minute dialogues during each act
6. Support audience members in shaping brief juror reflections
7. Help maintain a respectful, focused, and dynamic participatory environment
8. Represent their group’s perspective within the structure of the event
9. Participate in brief on-camera moments and live video capture during the performance

Facilitators must be comfortable on camera, as portions of the event include live video feed and recorded audience juror reflections.

Understudies
This production may cast swings. Swings will learn multiple roles and attend specific rehearsals. Expectations will be clearly laid out in the syllabus in advance.

Staged Intimacy: None

Staged Violence: None

Heightened Content: Throughout the play, characters grapple with gun violence in schools and ethical decision making. 

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Do you have questions?? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Show Director Micha Espinosa at micha.espinosa@wisc.edu, Artistic Director Aly Amidei at aramidei@wisc.edu or Director of Theatre Production Jahana Azodi at jazodi@wisc.edu