Dance Nation

TICKETS

a play by Clare Barron

directed by Jamie Boller-Raup

choreographed by Angel Clark
A finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

March 14-23, 2025

TheatreWorks at the Evergreen

1705 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN

Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers navigate ambition, friendship and desire, as they plot to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay. Each plié and jeté puts them one step further from childhood and one step closer to discovering their own identities.

Played by a multigenerational cast, Clare Barron’s Dance Nation follows a group of girls as they fight to find themselves and be heard in a world that wants to pin them against each other. In the midst of turmoil, these characters are confronted with an important question: what does it take to win? And what are they willing to sacrifice to become victorious?

A note from the playwright:
“Everyone is nice.

Everyone is vulnerable.

And everyone is trying their hardest.

Cuteness is death. Pagan feral-ness and ferocity are key.”

Content Transparency:
This show contains coarse language, depictions of self-harm, blood, simulated masturbation, descriptions of masturbation, descriptions of genitalia, sex and sexual violence.
An intimacy choreographer will support the performers in all instances where choreography is required.

AUDITION NOTICE

Rehearsal Dates: January ? - March 13, 2025

(start depends on cast availability)

Performance Dates: March 14-17, 20-23, 2025

Audition Dates:
Oct. 12, 2:00-4:00pm
Oct. 13, 7:00-9:00pm

Callbacks by invitation: Oct. 14, 7:00-10:00pm

Audition location:

Southwest Community College, Macon Cove campus

MAC 195 (Macon Academic Room)

5983 Macon Cove, Memphis - Search for "MAC Building" on Google Maps. Park north of the building in the lot right off Macon Cove.

Look for signs!

Callbacks will be at TheatreWorks at the Evergreen
(1705 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38104)

Audition Requirements

Please prepare a monologue of your choice from the show (can be found HERE). This does not need to be memorized. The rest of the audition will consist of scenes from the script.
Callbacks will include a movement portion. The majority of actors in the show do not need formal dance training, so give yourself grace and have an open mind.

Inclusive casting statement:
LoneTree Live is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages people of all ages 18+, all genders, ethnicities, abilities and cultural backgrounds to audition.

Character Breakdown
*All roles are open to performers of ALL AGES 18+. Similarly, all roles are open to performers of any ethnicity (with the exception of Connie, who must be played by a South Asian performer).

DANCE TEACHER PAT: The head of the dance studio, he has a legacy to uphold, and he wants to win. A little toxic, but gets away with his behavior under the guise of "that’s showbiz baby." He loves to give a good speech.

*Will involve moments of physical touch of a sexual nature. Will be choreographed.

AMINA: The star dancer and subject to all the good and bad things that come with that. She learns early on that it’s lonely at the top. She wants to be part of the team, but feels completely misunderstood.

*This role requires simulated self-masturbation which will be choreographed.

**This character must be highly proficient (advanced) in any one, or combination of, these dance styles: contemporary, modern, jazz, ballet, ballet-jazz, jazz funk/street jazz, and/or theatre jazz. A background in other styles including tap, hip hop, ballroom, acro/gymnastics/tumbling would be an asset, but is not a requirement.

ZUZU: Always second best. Feels like she is always under someone’s microscope and never quite good enough, but she will absolutely die trying. Carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.

*Will be involved in fight choreography

CONNIE: A talented dancer who thinks she should play the role of Gandhi. Knows she’s not the best dancer on the team, but is an integral part. Loves horses and supporting her friends.

*This role requires a stage kiss.

**Actor must be of South Asian descent

LUKE: The only male dancer on the competition team. He enjoys dancing and being a member of the group, mostly because he doesn’t have to say anything or be the center of attention. Quiet and a good listener.

MAEVE: The oldest and least talented/motivated dancer on the team. Has a laissez-faire attitude to life. Doesn’t do emotions.

SOFIA: Knows what’s up and loves being in the know. Sensitive and supportive, but very easily influenced. Happy to be a part of something big.

ASHLEE: Intense, outspoken and powerful. A little scary. She is able to light a fire under her team. Future president of a post-apocalyptic USA.

*This role requires a stage kiss.

THE MOMS: Means well. Doesn’t matter which mom she’s playing, her child is always the best. Protective and wants to be a positive part of her child’s life. Grown-up Wendy.

*This performer also plays one of the girls (VANESSA) in the first scene.