Theater Mu

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Seeking actors/martial artists for THE KUNG FU ZOMBIES SAGA

Theater Mu

original shaman warrior art by alex kuno

SYNOPSIS

Mellon Foundation playwright-in-residence Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay is combining her award-winning Kung Fu Zombies vs. Cannibals (2013) with its prequel, Kung Fu Zombies vs. Shaman Warrior, to create the show The Kung Fu Zombies Saga: Shaman Warrior & Cannibals. The first act takes us to Laos, where Arun fights to save her sister from an emerging cult with the help of the Monkey King, Hanuman, while the second act focuses on Sika's journey from Minneapolis to Laos to bury her parents' ashes—all during a zombie apocalypse.

If you’ve seen Cannibals during its world premiere or Shaman Warrior during New Eyes Festival this past year, know that they have both changed to become one apocalyptic epic. The script features characters of diverse ages, genders, and backgrounds, particularly Southeast Asian, and a zombie chorus.

SEEKING

Both Equity (AEA SPT6 contract) and non-Equity (paid roles) actors. All roles are local contracts. Martial arts ability is a plus, but any necessary training will be provided. If you’re a martial artist, previous theater experience is not required.

WHEN & WHERE 

Auditions: Sunday, Dec 4, from noon-7 p.m. CT and Monday, Dec 5, from noon-4 p.m. CT.

These initial auditions will be acting only. Stage combat auditions will be included during callbacks. If you are a martial artist or dancer, please select a side that you are most comfortable auditioning with, and let us know in the audition form that you have a background in martial arts or dance. You will have the opportunity to show us your fight skills during callbacks. (Can’t make it to auditions? Scroll to the bottom for video audition instructions or to sign up on our waitlist.)

Callbacks: Friday, Dec 9, from 5-9 p.m. CT and Saturday, Dec 10, from noon-4 p.m. CT

Both auditions and callbacks will take place in the Mu Studio located at 755 Prior Avenue N, Suite 107, Saint Paul, MN 55104.

Please sign up for an audition slot and follow the instructions HERE.

If there are no open slots during your availability window but you would still like to audition in person, feel free to email info@theatermu.org to sign up on our waitlist. People will be contacted on a first-come, first-serve basis if any slots open up. If you do not hear from us by Dec 5, we encourage you to submit a video audition.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DATES

Rehearsals: June 13 to July 21, 2023

Tech Rehearsals: July 11-21, 2023

Previews: July 19 & 20, 2023

Opening Night: July 21, 2023

Closing Performance: Aug 13, 2023

Rehearsals will take place in the Mu Studio and at the Luminary Arts Center (700 N First St., Minneapolis, MN 55401). Performances will take place at the Luminary.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS 

  • Arun, 13-25, Lao and Akha. The heroine of Act 1 is a brave, questioning shaman-in-training trying to survive the apocalypse and searching for her sister. In Act 2, also plays: Deanna, teens, Asian, best friends with Sika.

  • Sika, 15-25, Lao American. The heroine of Act 2 is a smart, tough survivor of the zombie apocalypse whose goal is to bring her parents’ remains back to their homeland in Laos. In Act 1, also plays: Noy, 17, an orphan raised by Louang Khao, and Villager.

  • Arahan, 20s, Laotian. In Act 2, she’s an orphan who’s protective of her village and suspicious of strangers; she battles Sika but ultimately becomes her ally. In Act 1, also plays: Saeng, 30s, Akha, mother to Arun and Khwan; and the voice of Jambavan, the Bear King in Buddhist stories.

  • Khwan, 4-15, Lao and Akha. In Act 1, she’s Arun’s sweet sister who has to grow up fast through the apocalypse. In Act 2, also plays: Girl, 6, Laotian, who Sika tries to save.

  • Mara, 30s-40s, Laotian-European. In Act 1, she’s a village schoolteacher who ultimately becomes the cannibal leader of the Apocalypse, our villain in both Acts 1 and 2. 

  • Grandmother (Mae Thao), 60s, Akha. In Act 1, she’s a shaman who can both heal and fight, the grandmother of Arun and Khwan. In Act 2, also plays: Old Woman, 60s-70s, Hmong.

  • Loc, 40s, Black American. In Act 2, he’s ex-military turned monk. Also plays: Principal Butcher, 40s, Sika’s down-to-earth principal who is secretly a martial artist. In Act 1, also plays: a Zombie/Cannibal.

  • Hanuman, immortal. In Act 1, the Monkey King from Buddhist stories. In Act 2, also plays: Slim, 30s, Laotian, ex-gangbanger turned monk; and Mohn, 30s, Lao, father to Arun and Khwan. 

  • Louang Khao, 60, Akha. In Act 1, he’s the village elder/mayor who raises Noy. In Act 2, also plays: Commander Phuoc, 40s, Viet; and Old Man, 60s-70s, Hmong.

  • Latimer, mid-20s, White, French. In Act 1, he’s a pleasant French middle-school teacher with a dark side and an interest in Arun. Also plays: a Demon. In Act 2, also plays a Zombie/Cannibal.

  • Ensemble of Zombies, Cannibals, Villagers, Demons, Ghosts, and Soldiers; any age, gender, or ethnicity.

COVID POLICY

To continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that all auditioners wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Auditioners may take their masks off in the room during their audition. Mu staff will also be wearing masks.

CAN’T MAKE IT?

  • We’re accepting video auditions! Please prepare and record sides for the role(s) you're auditioning for. (Sides will be available in this folder by Nov. 30.)

  • Fill out an audition form.

  • Email your video to: info@theatermu.org by Dec 6. (This deadline has been corrected as of Nov 18; previously, it was mistakenly listed as Dec 3.)