# CASTING NOTICE: The Epic of Gilgamesh

Production: The Epic of Gilgamesh

Theater/Company: Otherworld Theatre

Director: Jacob Watson

Venue/Location: The Up Main at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Contract/Type: Non-Equity / Paid ($25 per show, 25-show run), Stipend $625

Casting Director/Contact: Tiffany Keane Schaefer (Tiffany@otherworldtheatre.org)

Note: All rehearsals and performances will take place on-site in the Up Main space at The Greenhouse Theater Center.

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## 1. PRODUCTION OVERVIEW & SYNOPSIS

Humanity’s oldest recorded story is reborn on stage as a breathtaking, high-fantasy theatrical epic. This sweeping production follows Gilgamesh, the tyrannical god-king of Uruk, whose life is irrevocably changed by the arrival of Enkidu, a wild man forged by the gods to match his unmatched strength. From intense rivalry to a legendary partnership, their bond sparks a dangerous journey across mythical realms to defeat primordial monsters. When tragedy strikes, Gilgamesh must embark on a desperate, solitary quest to the edge of the world to conquer death itself and discover the secret to true immortality.

 

Written by Tiffany Keane Schaefer

Directed by Jacob Watson

Movement Design by Taylor Mitchell

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## 2. AUDITION DATES & REQUIREMENTS

### Audition Schedule @ The Greenhouse Theater Center

​Tuesday, October 13th & Wednesday, October 14th

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Callbacks Saturday, October 17th

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### What to Prepare & Bring

• One Contemporary or Classic Monologue: 1–2 minutes in length. We are looking for high-stakes dramatic intensity, psychological vulnerability, or sharp, frantic dark comedy. Think gritty indie dramas, psychological thrillers, or elevated horror.

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• Physical Materials: Please bring one copy of your headshot and resume, stapled together back-to-back.

  Sides will be emailed in advance and provided at auditions. You may be asked to read one of the sides in addition to your monologue.

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## 3. CONTENT ADVISORIES & TRIGGER WARNINGS

Please review carefully before submitting. Otherworld Theatre is committed to safe, transparent theatrical practices. Complete script disclosures will be available prior to casting.

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• Grief & Bereavement: Central narrative focus on severe loss, existential anxiety surrounding mortality, and prolonged, visceral mourning rituals.

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• Stylized Combat & Violence: Physical depictions of wrestling, staged combat, mortal illness, and the ritualistic slaying of mythical beasts (the Bull of Heaven and Huwawa).

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• Adult Themes & Sensuality: Sensual themes, depictions of intimate human connection, wild human nature, and consensual sexual awakening.

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• Depictions of Tyranny: Brief opening depictions of political oppression, physical subjugation, and unchecked divine authority over human life.

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## 4. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

GILGAMESH | Male, 20s–30s. The King of Uruk. Two-thirds divine, one-third human. Brash, proud, and impudent. As the central figure of humanity's oldest surviving epic, Gilgamesh embodies fierce passion, destructive pride, and profound grief. To ground this ancient Mesopotamian legend in its original roots, this role is for actors connected to the story's region of origin (SWANA / Middle East, North Africa)

 

ENKIDU | Male, 20s/30s - Half man, half beast. Kind, innocent, honest.

 

NINSUN (Ninsun, Wife, Bride, others) |  Female, 30s-60s - wise, respected, cautious.

 

SHAMHAT (Shamhat, Ishtar, Siduri) | Female, 20s-40s - powerful, impulsive, unforgiving.

 

UTNAPISHTIM, others | Male, 30s-60s - The only man to have ever achieved immortality. Patient, perceptive, jocular. 

URSHANABI, others | any, any - the ferryman of the underworld - capable, jaded, acerbic. 

 

HUWAWA, others /The Creatures (Huwawa, others) | any, any - wild, ancient, fearsome. *movement  and puppetry skills strongly preferred 

 

NOTES

Intimacy between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. An intimacy coordinator will be provided.

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## 5. HOW TO SUBMIT

To schedule an audition slot, please email your headshot and resume to Tiffany@otherworldtheatre.org.

• Subject Line Format: Audition Request: [Show Title] - [Your Name] -

• In your email body: Please attach to the body of your email a headshot and resume. Those considered will be emailed back a Sign-Up Genius link. 

Otherworld Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. Actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, physicalities, and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to submit.

*Poster art by Ethan Roberts