DESCRIPTION

FLOWER & ASH
1st reading of an original post-American story

WHEN
Monday, November 16th (evening)

Rehearsals Friday 11/13 - Monday 11/16 (times TBD)

WHERE
Bespoke Events, Winthrop (MBTA-accessible, East Boston-Adjacent)

PAY
$150, non-union

Non-traditional casting. All actors welcome, especially LGBTQ .

***CONTACT Director Elizabeth Ramirez (they/them) at [email protected] for sides & video submission specs.***

More about the show and roles available at
https://www.mikedmakesmusic.com/actor-call-1st-read

DETAILS
For this reading, NO SINGING REQUIRED

The show includes 4 lead roles, 6 ensemble roles (each playing multiple featured characters from subtle to apocalyptic over-the-top, see above website for character breakdowns).

THE FLOWER & ASH STORY
A dystopian America. A violent political divide. An epic journey spanning the ruins of Manhattan to the rubble of Gloucester. Two 20-somethings, Flower and Ash, search for something beyond survival. Along the way they form deep bonds with unlikely companions and confront wayward tribes, anarchic Confeds, and the cultural aftermath of “The Fall.”

At its heart, Flower & Ash is a story about Chosen Family, gender identity, love in fractured times, super powers, and what it means to be truly American.

Reading produced in part by a generous grant from the Mass. Cultural Council and is part of the New Opera & Music Theater Initiative '26-'27 Advanced Writers Lab season.

Book, music, lyrics by Mike Descoteaux

CHARACTERS & ACTOR DOUBLING (cast of 10)
Generally, characters can be played by actors of any ethnicity and gender expression. The character list specifies instances where a particular gender expression is key to the story.

FLOWER (SPROUT)--Early 20s. Raised in Fishcamp. Empathetic, spunky, a little naive but quick and brave. Non-binary trans woman, femme “passing” with strangers; longer hair, normative feminine clothes

ASH--Early 20s. Street-smart, raised in the remains of NYC. Quiet, slow to warm up, fierce. Not exactly non-binary, she/her, futch, Queer. Wears short hair, tactical pants, t-shirt.

STEEL--Late 20’s, cis man. Smart, slippery, reformed Ex-Confed. Ideally, BIPOC.

SASHA--Apocalypse-glamorous 24/7 drag queen and living large. Ideally, BIPOC or Asian (post) American.

ENSEMBLE (6 actor version)

---
ACTOR 1
RADIO--agro voice over handheld VHF
TAR--The troubadour. Mysterious, empathetic. The only character who can traverse the world of the play and Band
KARA--Fishcamper
HANDLER--A loner raccoon trainer
ARCHER--guard, Yale
QUINN--Nomad

---
ACTOR 2
DAD--A parent of 2 young kids
PROFESSOR UPTON--pompous and overly academic
COAST--Fishcamper
BAKER--on the ground crew at White Plains
THE SELECTMAN--Assists the Mayor
BAMBAM--Confed ranger, more than a little bit country
MAJOR TOM--Cisman. New Providence Confed brass

---
ACTOR 3
MOM--A parent of 2 young kids
LORD STARBUCK--pompous, cynical, professorial character
MA--Older, nurturing with resolve and grit
THE LIBRARIAN-- “Li.” (pronounced “lee”) Grounded, patient. Ash’s mentor.
SPOKES--teen, scrappy, wheelchair user
THE MAYOR--leader of the Fall River delegation, wheelchair user
SPEAR--guard, Yale

---
ACTOR 4
STAGE MANAGER--uncomfortable onstage
8--feisty, obstinate, impulsive young adult
GRUBBY--teen, scrappy
G.O.--leader of the ground crew at White Plains
HANDSOME DAN--Chancellor of Yale. Intelligent, empathetic, spirited
WRECKER--Confed ranger, southern accent

---
ACTOR 5
CONFED 2--Cisman, gruff and agro
BUBBA--Cismale. Younger than Steel. The muscle. Ex-Confed
BIG GUNS--a hardened leader in the NYC Confed
THE COMPTROLLER--assists the Mayor
CARL--Nomad, short fuse
SERGEANT HOUSE--Cisman, New Providence Confed Brass

---
ACTOR 6
CONFED 1--Cisman, gruff, alpha
PROFESSOR HARLEM--pompous and overly academic
LOBSTAH CHAHLIE--a lobsterman, Yankee accent
ABLE--Cisman. Strong, smart enough
THE WOLF--Dark, touched loner, been out in the woods too long
PREACHER--Nomad leader, dressed “of the cloth”

DURATION

Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026

SALARY

$150.00 – $150.00 per gig

• NON-UNION