Ghostlight Ensemble is casting for its February production of The 8th Dwarf by Olivia Sieck. The 8th Dwarf is part of our Nightlight young audiences series, which produces original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them. The play tells the story of Binkley, an outsider dwarf who longs to find the courage to join the most special of their kind – the dwarves that work in the mines. Through adventure after adventure, Binkley learns that courage, kindness and wit matter more than anything and that actions speak louder than material goods.

Character Type:
Ghostlight will be casting for an ensemble of four actors who play various characters throughout the show, including Binkley, Snow White, townspeople and even a cow. There are no restrictions on age, race or gender. All are encouraged to apply. Ensemble members will be on stage for the run of the performance, so physical energy, character work, and connecting with young audiences a necessity.

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals will be 3-4 times/week on weeknight evenings and/or weekend days in January 2025. Final dates will be confirmed after review of cast conflicts.

Cast members MUST be available the following dates:

Tech: Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and rehearsals during the week of Feb. 2-6 in the evenings.

Performances: Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Feb. 7-8 and Feb. 14-15, 2026, at Bughouse Theatre in the NorthCenter neighborhood of Chicago (1910 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613).

Materials To Prepare:
Please submit your headshot and resume to Jean Mueller-Burr, Casting Director, at casting@ghostlightensemble.com. Please clearly indicate if you have any conflicts during indicated audition times on Dec 3 & Dec. 6.

Sides will be provided.

Pay:
$100 rehearsal stipend + $25 per performance.

In addition, performers will receive one comp ticket to a performance of their choosing.

Audition Time & Location:
General: Wednesday, Dec. 3: 6-10 p.m. at Midsummer Flight (1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660)

Callbacks: Saturday, Dec. 6: 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Midsummer Flight.

To submit, you must be available for callbacks. This is an ensemble cast, and you will need to read with your fellow actors so auditors can view your rapport.

Contact:
Jean Mueller-Burr
Email: casting@ghostlightensemble.com