Casting Call! Join NQT’s Criminal Queerness Festival 2025

We’re seeking dynamic actors for three radical new works at our Criminal Queerness Festival—co-produced with HERE Arts Center this June! This is a AEA Showcase with a $2,000 stipend for all performers.

Seeking local NYC actors (AEA & non-AEA)

Queer, trans, and BIPOC artists strongly encouraged to submit.

OPEN PRODUCTIONS & ROLES

1. TOMORROW NEVER CAME by Jedidiah Mugarura

[LAWRENCE] 30s, African, Black man. A veteran Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier who fought Uganda’s guerilla war for the liberation of Uganda from tyrannical governance between 1981 to 1986. He is married to Rhoda, but he is in love with a man, Sam. He suffers from post-traumatic stress that was never dealt with during and after the war. He is patriotic through and through and this is the basis on which he abandons his studies in Law in London to join Tibihaburwa’s Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) in 1977.

[SAM] 22-30, African, Black man. A very handsome young man with whom Lawrence falls in love. He is an artist, rational and helps Lawrence deal with a lot of the mental stress from the guerilla war and reaffirms Lawrence daily that the war was necessary for the peace that has come. A former loverboy with a promiscuous past.

[MARIA] 45-60, African, Black woman. Maria is the traditional and strictly catholic mother of Rhoda. She believes that the violence wasn’t necessary to bring a brighter tomorrow to Uganda. Maria heckles Lawrence on the relevance of the war. Educated and well-traveled, she moved in with her daughter Rhoda in London when Amin ousted Obote and had her husband - Rhoda's father Ocen, assassinated.

2. WHAT YOU ARE TO ME by Dena Igusti

[SARI] 18-25, Indonesian woman. A vivacious and elegant Indonesian singer. Loud and cocky but knows how to light up a room. Has dreams of becoming a singer, hence why she takes any opportunity to be in front of a mic and a back track. Sticks to her roots even if her friends think it’s uncool. Is in love with Lisa and doesn’t care who’s watching. Despite this, she feels the pressure to start a nuclear family due to the traumas of late 90s Indonesia. Born and raised in Makassar but spent her teens and young adulthood in Jakarta. Must be able to speak/pronounce Indonesian. Must be able to learn and sing an Indonesian song.

[LISA] 18-25, Indonesian woman OR non-binary. A shy but far from timid young Indonesian woman. A little bit of a bookworm but isn't afraid to be sarcastic. Has a smart mouth but she knows how to be charming. Is fully in love with Sari but knows their love can only be a dream in their lifetime. Determined to be connected to her no matter what. Loves physical touch. Wears circle glasses and striped shirts and shorts cause she wants to be "cool" like all the celebs on TV, only she's way cooler. Born and raised in Jakarta. Must be able to speak/pronounce Indonesian.

[FINA] 18-25, Indonesian woman OR non-binary. Sari’s best friend and Lisa’s colleague. She hosts private parties for queer Indonesians and usually knows who’s who in the Jakarta lesbian scene. She is sarcastic and deadpan but fiercely loyal to her friends, even if her friends don’t see it that way all the time. Knows how to read other people’s emotions. Cool and chic. Ability to speak/pronounce Indonesian a plus, but not required.

[OLDER SARI] 40-mid 50s, Indonesian woman. Bold and sarcastic, but at times forced to make herself small to cater to the community around her. While not completely jaded by the events that have transpired in her life, constantly wonders if she's made the right choices for herself and loved ones, especially in regards to giving up her dreams, marrying a man, and starting a family. Very protective of her daughter, Diah, but tends to project her life experiences onto her. Vivacious and elegant. Must be able to speak/pronounce Indonesian. Must be able to learn and sing an Indonesian song.

3. FRIKINATION by Krystal Ortiz

[NENE] To play 19 years old, male. Latinx. Really indulges in yelling when he can. Constantly smoking, and aches for ease and freedom. Must be able to act in both English/Spanish. Tenor.

[WALKYS] To play 25, male. Latinx. Nene's older brother and Rocío's boyfriend, who has just gotten out of four months in jail. Walkys will be playing the music to all the non-diegetic songs. Primarily a musician track that plays electric guitar and has one big scene towards the end of Act 1. Seeking a musician actor very proficient in electric guitar.

[YALI] Early 20's, female or nonbinary. Latinx. Has a giant emotional wall up and keeps to herself. Skeptical of the world and is hesitant to trust community. Her cousin, Chompi, taught her how to play. She is very measured and doesn’t say more than she needs to. Must be able to act in both English/Spanish. Looking for a Mezzo-soprano musician actor who can play electric guitar OR bass guitar.

[MARÍA GATTORNO] 45 years old, female. Latinx. She’s the assistant director of cultural programming at the Casa Communal de la Cultura Roberto Branly. She’s not so sure about rock music, but she’s surely charmed by these kids. So much so that she takes on the role of their protector: the holy Mary of heavy metal, the godmother of Cuban punk rock. Must be able to act in both English/Spanish. (Actor does not need to sing)

[AGENT OF THE STATE] 25 to 50, male. One actor to play all the men in uniform. Latinx. They should feel like sinister, stupid caricatures, with large presence and stature. TRABAJADOR SOCIAL has a bit more compassion, but is still essentially a boot-licker. ACAB. Must be able to act in both English/Spanish. (Actor does not need to sing)

APPLY HERE:

https://airtable.com/appvM6YftwGCL1NbM/shrTbuI4QurCkrCul

APPLY

Festival Dates: June 2025 at HERE Arts Center, NYC

Questions? Email Casting Director Peter Dunn at NQTCasting25@gmail.com.