What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seeking Actors for Uncle Vanya position at Columbia University MFA Production?
DESCRIPTION
UNCLE VANYA
By Anton Chekhov | Adapted by Heidi Schreck
Location: Columbia University
We are seeking actors for the roles of VANYA and THE PROFESSOR in an upcoming production of Uncle Vanya at Columbia University, directed by Sarah Oguntomilade, Second-Year MFA Directing Candidate.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Set in the countryside of East Tennessee/Appalachia, this reimagining of Chekhov’s classic brings the world of Uncle Vanya into conversation with Appalachian culture, incorporating music by Dolly Parton. Through this distinctly American lens, the production explores disillusionment, labor, family, unfulfilled dreams, and the ache of wondering whether it is too late to begin again.
SEEKING:
VANYA:
We are seeking a Black, masc-presenting actor for the pivotal role of Vanya. Vanya is a middle-aged man who has spent decades sacrificing his own ambitions to maintain his family’s estate and support his brother-in-law’s career. Exhausted, disillusioned, and increasingly resentful, he finds himself confronting the life he never lived and the dreams he fears are now beyond his reach. Beneath his anger and bitterness lies a deeply vulnerable man grappling with regret, unrequited love, and the possibility that it is too late to begin again.
We are looking for an actor who can bring emotional depth, complexity, vulnerability, and volatility to this role.
PROFESSOR:
We are looking for an actor of any race to play the Professor (Alexander), Vanya’s brother-in-law. A retired professor, Alexander returns to the family estate with his much younger wife, Yelena, disrupting the household and bringing years of frustration to the surface. He is used to being admired and respected, but his presence forces the family to confront the sacrifices they’ve made for him. We’re looking for an actor who can bring humor, ego, and vulnerability to the role.
REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
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Rehearsals: Already in progress; scheduled on weekdays and weekends, with Tuesdays off.
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Tech begins: November 9
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Performances: November 13 & 14
COMPENSATION & ELIGIBILITY
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This is an unpaid, non-Equity role.
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Non-Equity actors are welcome to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested actors should complete the Google Form linked below to express interest and audition.
DURATION
Oct 15, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
- NON-UNION