Seeking Submissions for Leads in World Premiere Production of Triângulo

Triângulo is a groundbreaking new musical theatre work that fuses the intensity of mixed martial arts with the emotional power of opera and contemporary musical theatre. Set in Rio de Janeiro and Miami during the early 1990s, the story follows Esperança, a young Brazilian woman fighting to survive and forge her identity in the male-dominated world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Performed primarily in English with elements of Spanish and Portuguese, the work combines live music, movement, and highly-realistic staged combat into a visceral theatrical experience.

The production is written and directed by Emmy nominee Crystal Manich, with music composed by Latin Grammy nominee Martin Bejerano. The creative team also includes ballet and martial arts expert George Birkadze (fight and movement choreography); Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Olivier Award-winning orchestrator, music director, arranger, and composer Alex Lacamoire (orchestration consultant); and internationally renowned MMA coach and fight choreographer Greg Jackson (fight consultant). The work is conceived by Joe Specter in partnership with Arizona Broadway Theatre, where Triângulo will have its world premiere.

Rehearsals begin in Phoenix on March 23, 2027, with possible rehearsals in Dallas prior to that date.

Performances run from April 16, 2027, through May 2, 2027.

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Character Descriptions

Esperança (lead)

Raised in Rio de Janeiro during the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts in the early 1990s, Esperança possesses both physical grit-although physically small-and profound emotional sensitivity. She is instinctive, proud, stubborn, and deeply resilient, carrying with her the tension between survival and vulnerability. Esperança fights not only for recognition inside the gym and the ring, but also for autonomy, dignity, and the right to define herself on her own terms. Her journey traces the evolution of a young woman confronting systems of power, gender expectations, family loyalty, immigration, and identity. Though hardened by circumstance, she retains a magnetic humanity and an ability to connect deeply with others.

• Female, Brazilian, should read late teens, 5’5” and under;

• Contemporary musical theatre or Latin-pop/jazz belt-mix vocalist

• The role demands a performer with exceptional emotional range, strong musical instincts, commanding stage presence, and significant physical storytelling ability.

• Comfort with movement-based performance is essential; experience with dance, martial arts, stage combat, or athletic training is highly valued, especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, other grappling arts, or MMA.

• Portuguese and/or Spanish language familiarity is a plus but not required.

Guillermo (lead)

Guillermo is charismatic, disciplined, and sensitive. He’s a musician with a dream. Esperança both fascinates and threatens him because she possesses qualities he recognizes in himself: hunger, intelligence, instinct, and ambition. Their relationship becomes emotionally charged.

• Male, Cuban, should read age 20

• Tenor or high-baritone with strong contemporary musical theatre and/or Latin-pop/jazz sensibility.

• Experience with movement and dance is highly valuable.

• Strong Latin musicality and the ability to navigate intensity and sensuality; Mark Anthony/Luis Enrique type.

• The ability to play guitar is a plus.

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Audition Requirements: All videos must be submitted at the same time. All submission MUST include the required videos.

• Dance/Fight Video

• You must submit at least one video that shows a minimum of 90 seconds of continuous dancing and/or fighting (maximum 3 minutes)

• If you have martial arts abilities, you can submit video from classes, tournaments, or other appropriate materials.

• Different dance styled accepted

• We will not accept edited reels.

• Vocal Video

• One video demonstrating your singing ability; continuous and unedited;

• Accepted music: musical theatre, opera, jazz, Lain, pop/rock, or related styles

• Acting Video

• One video demonstrating your acting ability, continuous and unedited, minimum of 90 seconds (maximum 3 minutes).

• You must “slate” your video with the following information:

• Name, Height, Roles you are interested in

• You may submit a monologue of your choice

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Please send the requested video links to [email protected] and include your name and "Triângulo" in the subject line. Deadline for submissions is Monday, July 6, 2026.