21 chump street audition notice
Video auditions open June 4th, 2026
Callbacks — Monday, June 8, 2026. Attendance is by invitation only; invited performers will receive an email with their scheduled time slot, location details, and any additional material to prepare. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in, bring a photo ID and your headshot/resume, and be prepared to perform both prepared pieces and any excerpts requested by the director. If you cannot attend your assigned time, notify the casting office as soon as possible so an alternate slot can be arranged.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
On behalf of all of us at Afterglow Theatre Co., thank you for showing up. Seriously. Whether you’re walking into the room or hitting submit on a video, that takes courage—and we don’t take that lightly.
I am so excited to bring 21 Chump Street to life. This show is short, sharp, funny, a little awkward (in the best way), and somehow still manages to punch you in the chest emotionally by the end. It’s about love, identity, pressure, and making really questionable decisions for someone you like… which, let’s be honest, we’ve all done at some point.
What I love most about this piece is how real it feels. The characters aren’t perfect, they’re not trying to be cool—they’re just trying to figure it out. That’s the energy I want in the room.
We’re looking for performers who are honest, specific, and not afraid to take risks. This isn’t about being the “most polished” person in the room—it’s about being real. I want to see your instincts, your quirks, your choices. Make it awkward. Make it funny. Make it human.
Comedic timing will definitely matter here—but not in a forced way. If you’re trying too hard to be funny, we’ll know. If you are funny, we’ll definitely know. Trust it.
This is also a very ensemble-driven piece. Even in a short show, every single person on stage matters. Energy, commitment, and being someone people actually enjoy working with (yes, that matters!) are huge for me in this process.
I’m really excited to be working alongside Sam Liebowitz as Assistant Director, and to build a space that feels collaborative, focused, and honestly… just a good time to be in.
We’ll be offering both in-person auditions and virtual submissions, so do whatever works best for you. That being said… I do love seeing people in person, so if you can make it, come hang out.
Whether this is your first time auditioning with Afterglow or you’ve been with us before, please know this: you belong here. There is no “type” we’re looking for—just people who are ready to show up, be themselves, and tell a story.
I can’t wait to meet you, see your work, and probably laugh a little in the process.
With appreciation (and a little bit of chaos),
Nashawn Abney
Director, 21 Chump Street
P.S. If you’re debating whether or not to audition… this is your sign. Just do it. The worst that happens is you gain experience—the best that happens is you end up on stage with us. Also, bonus points if you make me laugh without trying too hard. 🖤
AUDITION INFORMATION
Everyone must complete the audition form for in-person AND video submissions.
We ask that all auditionees learn and submit the dance combination provided by the choreographer as part of their audition.
IN - PERSON AUDITIONS
OPEN DANCE CALL (6:00–7:00 PM)
We’ll be holding an open dance call for all auditionees. We’ll go over the combo together and then run it in small groups. No sign-up needed—just show up and we’ll get you checked in!
In-person auditions for 21 Chump Street will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00–10:00 PM.
Vocal auditions will take place during your scheduled audition time. All auditionees must sign up for a time slot in advance.
Please prepare 16–32 bars (approximately 30–60 seconds) of a contemporary musical theatre song in the style of the show. An accompanist may not be provided, so please come prepared with a backing track (or be ready to perform a cappella if preferred).
This requirement applies to all roles.
VIDEO AUDITION SUBNISSION DETAILS
All individuals wishing to be considered for any role must submit a video including the following:
1. Vocal Submission
Sing 16–32 bars (approximately 30–60 seconds) of a contemporary musical theatre song in the style of 21 Chump Street.
Please introduce yourself and your song selection at the beginning of the video.
Keep any instrumental introductions as brief as possible.
2. Dance Submission
All auditionees are required to learn and perform the provided dance combination.
NOTES
Make sure your video link is publicly accessible (Google Drive files set to “Anyone with the link”).
Check your sound and video quality before submitting—ensure we can clearly see and hear you.
Your full body (including feet) must be visible during the dance portion.
Most submissions should include two elements: singing and dancing.
Submit your video by the deadline listed below.
Videos are due by 11:59 PM on June 8th, 2026.
For any questions, please contact:
Additional Info
Details –
21 Chump Street will be presented by Afterglow Theatre Co. and directed by Nashawn Abney, with Sam Liebowitz serving as Assistant Director. This production will be an intimate, fast-paced staging that focuses on truthful storytelling, strong ensemble work, and grounded performances.
While the piece is short in length, it carries a lot of emotional weight and energy. Our goal is to create a production that feels both authentic and engaging, highlighting the humor, awkwardness, and honesty of the story while maintaining a strong musical and theatrical presence.
Callbacks –
Callbacks will be held in person on Monday, June 8, 2026, and will be by invitation only.
Not all roles may require callbacks, and some performers may be cast directly from initial auditions.
This page will be updated once callback invitations and casting decisions have been sent. For any additional questions, please contact us at auditions@afterglowtheatreco.org.
Rehearsals & Performances –
Rehearsals will begin shortly after casting and will be held primarily on Saturdays, with additional rehearsals scheduled as needed leading into performances.
Because of the short rehearsal process, attendance and preparation will be extremely important. Performers should come ready to work, collaborate, and build the piece efficiently as an ensemble.
21 Chump Street will be performed beginning June 4, 2026, with performances taking place that weekend.
A NOTE ABOUT CASTING-
At Afterglow Theatre Co., we are committed to honoring the intentions of the works we produce while also creating an environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and artist-focused.
If a playwright has not specified particular characteristics for a role—and those characteristics do not directly impact the story—we do not prioritize any specific “type” when casting. We are far more interested in finding performers who bring truth, individuality, and strong storytelling instincts into the room.
We encourage anyone and everyone to audition for our productions, regardless of physical appearance, gender identity, race, age, ability, ethnicity, orientation, or level of experience.
There is a place for you here. Your voice and your story matter. All are welcome at Afterglow Theatre Co.
Casting Structure –
Depending on the needs of the production, our company may utilize both single-cast and shared-cast (double-cast) structures.
Whenever possible, we aim to cast performers who are able to participate in all scheduled rehearsals and performances in order to maintain consistency and strengthen the overall production.
If you are able to commit to a full performance schedule, please indicate that on your audition form. If not, we still strongly encourage you to audition—there may still be opportunities to be involved.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
(All roles are available. We are looking for a diverse cast with a variety of identities, body types, and lived experiences.)
Narrator
Vocal Range: Flexible
Stage Age: 18+
Character Notes: The storyteller who guides the audience through the events of the show. Charismatic, engaging, and rhythmically strong. This role requires confidence, strong timing, and the ability to command the stage while keeping the story moving.
Justin
Vocal Range: F#3 – A4
Stage Age: 17–20
Character Notes: A high school student who just wants to fit in and be liked. Justin is genuine, awkward, and ultimately makes a life-changing decision in an attempt to impress someone. Requires strong acting ability with emotional depth and relatability.
Naomi
Vocal Range: G3 – D5
Stage Age: 17–20
Character Notes: An undercover police officer posing as a high school student. Naomi is confident, composed, and calculated, with a strong presence. This role requires subtlety, control, and the ability to balance charm with underlying tension.
Tevin (Boy 1) / Cousin 1
Vocal Range: D3 – C5
Stage Age: 17–20
Character Notes: A classmate of Justin’s who helps establish the world of the school. Also appears as Cousin 1. Strong ensemble performer with good comedic timing and the ability to transition between characters.
Derek (Boy 2) / Cousin 2 / Lawyer
Vocal Range: E3 – A4
Stage Age: 17–25
Character Notes: Plays multiple roles throughout the show, including a student, a cousin, and a lawyer. Requires versatility, clear character differentiation, and strong storytelling instincts.
Andrew (Boy 3) / Cousin 3 / Police Officer
Vocal Range: D3 – A4
Stage Age: 17–25
Character Notes: A dynamic track covering multiple roles. Needs strong physical and vocal presence, with the ability to switch between characters quickly and clearly. Plays a key part in building the world of the story.