Contemporary American Theater Festival Announces 2026 Summer Season Auditions
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Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is holding Equity auditions in New York City on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for its 2026 Summer Season. The festival, known for its commitment to new American plays, seeks a diverse company of actors for a compelling lineup of productions.
Audition Details & Preparation
Auditions will take place at Pearl Studios (500), 500 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018-6504, with check-in at Studio 311. The audition schedule runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Actors should prepare a brief, one-minute contemporary monologue and bring a physical copy of their headshot and resume, stapled together. Due to a scheduled system upgrade, sign-ups will begin earlier than usual, and cancellations via Casting Call may be temporarily unavailable. Actors needing to cancel appointments are advised to return to Casting Call once the upgrade is complete.
Contract & Compensation
The positions are offered under a LORT Rep contract, with a weekly minimum of $839 (LORT D) until June 28, 2026, increasing to $889 weekly (LORT D) after June 29, 2026. EPA procedures will be in effect, and an Equity Monitor will be present.
The 2026 Season: A Look at the Plays & Characters
CATF’s 2026 season features a diverse range of compelling new works, offering opportunities for actors to engage with challenging and thought-provoking material.
The Bridge by Harmon dot aut, Directed by Craig Lucas
This play, described as “brilliant, funny, & heartbreaking,” centers on Franky, an Autistic, queer artist experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis. The synopsis notes, “. . . a person living on the street is no longer a citizen.” Neurodivergent actors and those with movement or dance skills are particularly encouraged to audition.
Seeking:
- FRANKY: 20 years old (in 1992), an aspiring actor/writer/artist. The character is described as “fawn-like,” having experienced abuse and trauma, and is unhoused. A moment of partial nudity is included, and is negotiable.
- VOICE: 50s (in 2026), non-binary, queer. This character functions as a narrator, embodying Franky’s inner voice and facilitating scene changes. Understudies will only be considered for this role.
Miss May Does Not Exist by Beth Kander, Directed by Jessica Kubzansky
This play explores the complex dynamic between comedy duo Nichols & May, and the gender disparities within the entertainment industry. The synopsis states, “Modesty hasn’t done much for women, historically speaking.”
Seeking:
- Elaine: In her 20s, 30s, and 60s, portraying Elaine May. The character is described as quirky, brilliant, and uncompromising.
- Mike: In his 20s, 30s, and 60s, portraying Mike Nichols. The character is described as brilliant, charming, and ambitious.
Refugee Rhapsody by Yussef El Guindi, Directed by Zi Alikhan
This darkly comic play examines themes of love, jealousy, and the refugee experience. According to the synopsis, “Because love will always carve you up eventually.”
Seeking:
- Sakinah: Mid to late 20s, Arab American, the accused.
- Jenny: Late 20s to mid-to-late 30s, African American, a psychologist.
- Fouad: Mid to late 20s, Arab American, Sakinah’s boyfriend.
- Richard/Walled: Late 20s to mid-to-late 30s, African American/West African. Richard is an arts administrator, while Walled is a character from a painting who comes to life.
- Emily: Late 20s to mid-to-late 30s, European American, a philanthropist.
The Smoker by Lisa D’Amour, Directed by Shelly Butler
This play explores the unlikely community formed by a group of individuals gathering for a cigarette on a New York street corner. The synopsis notes, “Breath. Precious Life. Love. We can’t hold it and yet, we must hold it.”
Seeking:
- The Smoker: Mid 40s, White Male, described as unassumingly charming.
- Roberto: Late 30s-early 40s, Mexican Male, a construction worker and family man.
- Tonya: Mid-30s, Black Female or gender non-conforming, a poet and activist.
- Kim: Mid-30s, White Female, an opera singer.
- The Lady Who Walks Sammy/Ruthie/Miranda: Female or gender non-conforming, flexible on race/ethnicity/age, portraying a woman experiencing homelessness and a public school teacher.
¡VOS! by Christina Pumariega, Directed by TBD
This passionate play set in Argentina explores the lives of five women across decades of political upheaval and the “disappeared.” The synopsis states, “Every day, I look my daughter in the eye and tell her the truth.”
Seeking:
- ANNIE & SOFIA: Latina, 30s-40s. Annie, in 2015-2016, is a book editor grappling with infertility. Sofia, in 1975-1976, is a student and artist involved in the Peronist Youth movement.
- DR. COSSI, ANA & others: Latina, 40s-50s. Dr. Cossi is a fertility specialist, and Ana is a lawyer and former medical student.
Key Dates
First rehearsal is scheduled for June 9, 2026, with performances running from July 10th to July 12th, 2026, and closing on August 2, 2026.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
CATF is committed to diversity and encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, ages, and abilities to attend the audition. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.
For more information, visit www.catf.org.
