Current Casting Calls
OPEN CASTING CALL — OCTET — PORTLAND THEATER FESTIVAL 2026 — PORTLAND, ME
Seeking performers for OCTET; the critically acclaimed a cappella musical by Dave Malloy. Directed by Bari Robinson, with Musical Direction by Jeff Christmas, and Movement Direction from Ben Wheelwright. Octet is part of the 2026 Portland Theater Festival season, a three-show summer season of professional contemporary theater performed across Portland, Maine. PTF Founder and Artistic Director is Dave Register. Managing Director is Jenn London. Casting by Kendall Cooper.
CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES (breakdown and ideal singing ranges):
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Jessica (Soprano 1, G3-A5)- white. Young to middle aged. Went viral on social media in the wrong way
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Henry (Bass 1, C2-F#4), young to middle aged - addicted to all games that have to do candy
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Paula (Alto 2, D#3-D5), middle aged- Leader of the group. Has trouble with her husband
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Velma (Soprano 2, F3-F5), young- into tarot cards and the occult. She has curves
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Ed (Bass 2, B1-D4), older with a very deep singing voice- looking for love
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Karly (Alto 1, F3-D5), young- looking for love
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Toby (Tenor 1, C2-A4), young- angsty, has thoughts about conspiracies
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Marvin (Tenor 2 C2-G#4), young or middle aged, energetic- Scientist. He’s seen God, he thinks
**PLEASE NOTE** Performers must be able to read music. We are looking for actors/singers who can fit their sound into the fabric of the choir/ensemble AND sing like a soloist when needed. Actors who have choral or a Capella experience are encouraged to audition. All roles are 18+; otherwise the ages for parts are relatively open, so we are looking to audition a wide variety of people with excellent musical skills. All roles are open ethnicity except Jessica.
First Rehearsal: o/a July 1st 2026
First Performance: July 23 2026
Last Performance: August 9th 2026
Compensation: AEA special appearance rate, or $1750 flat rate for non-union
Audition Info: In person auditions will be in Portland, ME on SATURDAY May 2nd and SUNDAY May 3rd and self-tape submissions will also be accepted.
*Local Hires Preferred. Limited Housing is available for out of town actors.
*Both AEA and non-union talent of all ethnicities are encouraged to submit.
SUBMISSION DETAILS:
To submit please send a Headshot and resume (or current photo), along with requested info below to:
Email: KendallCooperCasting@gmail.com // Subject Line: PTF 2026 - OCTET
Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
City and State of Residence:
Union? (AEA or non union):
Vocal Part and/or Range:
Character(s) you are submitting for:
Are you available either May 2nd or 3rd for an in person audition in the Portland area?:
Please attach your performance resume and headshot. If headshot is not current please attach a current photo instead:
ACTORS: Here is how to submit for our general casting databases
1) Sign up for our E-mail list
2) Follow us on Social Media
3) Find the link for your region below and submit to our casting database. These links are organized by region so we can consider you for projects filming in your area.
4) Now that you are in our database, keep an eye on your email inbox for availability checks! Also keep an eye on our Facebook pages. We usually post our new casting notices there first! FYI; If we are casting for a big new project we will usually open up a new submission page and post that with the initial casting notice.
