Big opportunities often hide in the most unexpected places — and this audition notice is one of them. It looks simple on the surface… but here’s where it gets interesting: the project deals with tender, emotional themes that could spark powerful conversations among artists and audiences alike. And if you’re thinking about stepping into the Off-Broadway world, this might be the moment you’ve been waiting for.
My Joy Is Heavy – NYC EPA (12.16.25)
New York Theatre Workshop | New York, NY
DESCRIPTION
This is an official Equity Principal Audition (EPA) notice for the upcoming production My Joy Is Heavy. And yes—this is the type of audition where preparation and professionalism genuinely make a difference.
AUDITION DATE
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (ET)
Lunch Break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Pro tip: Arrive early; EPAs fill up fast.
CONTRACT
Off-Broadway
Guaranteed weekly minimum: $1229 (Category CC)
A steady contract like this is a big deal—and here's where performers often underestimate themselves. Will you take the leap?
SEEKING
Equity actors for roles in MY JOY IS HEAVY (full breakdown below).
Note: All Equity stage management positions are already assigned.
PREPARATION
Come ready with a short song that best highlights your vocal strength—your chance to truly be seen.
A pianist will be available, but if you’re a self-accompanying musician, that’s welcome too.
Bring a headshot + résumé, neatly stapled.
LOCATION
Actors' Equity New York Audition Center
165 W 46th St, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10036
PERSONNEL
You’ll be auditioning for a powerhouse team including:
- Patricia McGregor – Artistic Director
- Audra Labrosse – Producer
- Claire Yenson, CSA – Casting Director in Residence
- Rachel Chavkin – Director
- Created & performed by The Bengsons
- Choreography by Steph Paul
(Claire Yenson is expected to attend.)
This lineup signals one thing: artists who care deeply about nuanced, emotionally charged storytelling.
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
- First Rehearsal: 1/26/26
- First Performance: 2/25/26
- Latest Closing: 4/12/26
A clear timeline means you can plan your life accordingly.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
EPA rules apply. An Equity Monitor will be onsite.
Equity enforces strict anti-discrimination policies and strongly encourages auditions from performers of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities. This production is intentionally inclusive—which may challenge outdated beliefs about who gets to tell stories onstage.
Bring your Equity Membership Card.
BREAKDOWN – MY JOY IS HEAVY
SYNOPSIS
My Joy Is Heavy paints an intimate picture of a young family in rural Vermont processing the heartbreak of a lost pregnancy. Wrapped in snow and silence, they begin to discover flashes of joy, humor, and connection that rise unexpectedly from their grief.
This is the type of story that lingers long after the performance ends—but is it too raw for some audiences? That’s a debate worth having.
ROLES
ABIGAIL – Cast
She/her. Singer/songwriter/theater-maker. Married to Shaun.
SHAUN – Cast
He/him. Singer/songwriter/theater-maker. Married to Abigail.
MUSICIANS (ONE–SIX)
All must be strong singers with advanced skill on their respective instruments, plus a warm, compassionate, engaging presence.
- Musician One: Keyboard + accordion
- Musician Two: Guitar + bass
- Musician Three: Drums + live looping
- Musician Four: Trumpet
- Musician Five: Tuba + trombone
- Musician Six: Tenor sax, bass sax, flute, clarinet
Interesting side note: The show leans heavily on multi-instrumentalists—does that challenge traditional casting expectations in musical theatre?
SALARY
Off-Broadway minimum: $1229/week
UNION
AEA
Final Thought
Stories about loss and resilience can be deeply healing—or deeply dividing.
Do productions like this push theatre in a brave direction, or do they tread on emotions too personal to stage?
What do you think — should theatre dive fearlessly into grief and vulnerability, or are there boundaries we still need to consider?
Drop your take in the comments—agree or disagree, your opinion matters.
