AUDITION NOTICE
The Starling Effect (Equity and Non-Equity)
by Lara Schmitz
Directed by Kathryn Smith
Verb Theatre (Calgary)
PRODUCTION DATES & INFO
Performance Venue: The Studio Theatre – Vertigo Theatre
Possible Script Workshop – January 2026. Dates TBD
First Day of Rehearsal – March 31st, 2026
Opening – April 30th, 2026
Closing – May 9, 2026
Location: Only Calgary-based artists need apply (or, those who can work local)
Agreement: Union or Non-Union applicants are welcome. DOT Policy (theatre) for Equity members – pending approval.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Ravonna killed her sister. Or so she thinks, until she realizes that the consciousness experiment she tampered with has trapped not one, but two souls inside a starling specimen: her sister’s, and her estranged mentor’s wife. As Ravonna works to rescue them before the bird dies, she has to decide how far she’ll go and what she’ll sacrifice to recover what was lost.
Part thriller, part speculative fiction, this highly original world premiere examines just how far people will go to protect others – or themselves.
ROLES TO BE CAST
LARK – 30s
A classical pianist with a zest for life. Ravonna’s sister.
*A background in piano is ideal, but not required.
AMELIA – 40s
A letter carrier with a kind and generous heart. Lark’s best friend (and former lover).
SANDRA – 50+
A long-time scientist obsessed with her work. Ravonna’s ex-mentor and Amelia’s wife.
Note about casting: though characters are written as “femme” and women, Verb Theatre encourages applications from trans, non-binary, and intersex actors who might resonate with she and/or they pronouns.
AUDITION DATES
September 28 & 29, 2025
Auditions will take place in Calgary, Alberta.
Please submit audition packages (resume & headshot) through the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QGpJKAmb_vI39qJI3d1x26vnKsVU-W-IzNHofrwkSUs/edit
*If you are unable to submit through Google Forms, please email your headshot and resume to camille@verbtheatre.com
DEADLINE for submissions is September 17, 2025, 11:59pm.
CAEA Members will be given first priority.
For questions, please reach out to camille@verbtheatre.com
ABOUT VERB THEATRE
At Verb Theatre our mission is to provide for our audiences theatrical experiences that explore cutting edge ideas in cutting edge ways. We look to explore conversations and theatrical forms that will be important to our audiences tomorrow with our surprising, important, and innovative performance.
