The Badlands Amphitheatre is looking for male actors for the 2026 performance of the Badlands Passion Play.
About the Roles:
We are seeking emerging to established male performers to fill various roles such as:
Jesus Understudy (male, 25-45 years old):
This role undergoes a big character arc following his story through rising popularity, growing relationships amongst his followers, his betrayal, death and resurrection.
The role of Jesus includes physical elements, including basic rigging, carrying heavy props, and commanding a large outdoor stage.
Various Disciples (male, 20-50 years old):
The disciples are close followers of Jesus that play key roles in telling this story. These roles are part of an ensemble cast and each disciple will have their own unique character and arc.
Teachers of the Law (male, 30+ years old):
The Teachers of the Law hold positions of power and respect within this story. These roles portray authoritative presence, intellectual rigor, and moral complexity.
Various Other Characters (male, 20+ years old)
Schedule:
Rehearsals begin on Saturday May 30th. Full time cast members rehearse from Wednesday-Sunday each week. Part time/volunteer cast members have a shorter weekly commitment depending on their availability and rehearsal/role requirements.
Performances begin on July 3rd with a preview night and then run on Fridays-Sundays until July 19th.
Rate:
Payment is a contracted amount that will depend on the size of the role, rehearsal time commitment, and experience levels.
The Badlands Amphitheatre is a non-union house, but union actors will still be considered.
How to Audition:
We will be holding in-person auditions in Edmonton on December 1st and in Calgary on December 8th. Location TBD and will be confirmed when you submit your audition request.
To request an audition time please send your resume and headshot to the Production Coordinator at [email protected].
We will be confirming times and sending out audition sides no later than one week before your chosen audition date.
If you are unable to attend the auditions in person please let us know and alternative ways to submit will be considered.
Auditions will include performing a reading of the provided sides. Please also come prepared to sing at least 1-2 minutes of any song that you believe best reflects your vocal abilities. If you are new to singing, please don’t hesitate to audition as all vocal abilities are welcome!
Deadline:
Audition requests must be submitted by at least one week prior to the audition date:
Edmonton (Dec 1): Requests due Nov 24
Calgary (Dec 8): Requests due Dec 1
About the Passion Play:
The Canadian Badlands Passion Play tells an epic story of faith, hope & love based on the life of Christ. It is performed on Canada’s largest outdoor stage, with a company formed of professional and semi-professional actors (supplemented by volunteer actors), working with a professional crew.
Other Important Information for Potential Cast Members:
We are an outdoor venue that rehearses and performs outside in all kinds of weather conditions, and on all kinds of terrain.
Potential cast members need to be comfortable using our large stage both physically and vocally as we use the acoustics of the natural amphitheater rather than microphones during performances.
Singing will be required for most of the cast. If you are new to singing, please don’t hesitate to audition as all vocal abilities are welcome!
Show calls are earlier and longer than indoor venues, as all business like fight calls and any additional stage prep must be completed before one hour to showtime.
About the Amp:
The Badlands Amphitheatre is a non-profit arts and culture venue located in the Canadian Badlands. Home to Canada’s largest outdoor stage, our 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre and indoor Badlands Arts Centre hosts the renowned Badlands Passion Play; the Canadian Icons Concert Series; Roots, Blues, & Barbecue; Lightfest: Winter in the Badlands; outdoor opera and much more.
With our spectacular natural setting, unique in the world, we create sustainable community through performance events (with economic, cultural, social, and environmental outcomes), increase awareness and skill in the arts, and encourage tourism by creating significant cultural attractions. The Badlands Amphitheatre has a mandate to produce, create, and host events; enable arts education, and promote tourism – all based on our values of community, creation and celebration.
