What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seeking Actors and Stage Manager for a Staged Reading of a New Play (PAID) position at Who's the Tzar?
DESCRIPTION
We are looking for female, non-binary, and trans actors and a stage manager for the staged reading of Who’s the Tzar? by Katya Yurkovskaya in NYC this November.
Details:
The staged reading will take place at 7 PM on November 7, 2026 at The Tank (Studio) in Manhattan.
There will be 3-5 rehearsals during the first week of November, based on the cast & team availability.
The total time commitment is 20-25 hours.
Compensation:
A $50 stipend is guaranteed, with a possibility of getting up to a $100 stipend (depending on fundraising).
About the play:
In the midst of a Russian battle rap championship, four girls and women are magically body-swapped with elite male rappers. Now, they have to compete for the title of Tzar of Battle Rap while facing the dangers of ambition, fandom, and lust for power.
Casting breakdown:
Each actor plays a female and a male track, often across vastly different ages. No prior rap experience is necessary. We are looking for female, non-binary, or trans actors between the ages of 18-80. Actors of all races and ethnicities are welcome to apply.
The tracks are:
1. TONYA, 17, a devoted fan of battle rap and, in particular, MC Seva Savage
MC SEVA SAVAGE, 32, the most famous Russian rapper whose career has started to decline
2. DASHA, 18, Tonya’s friend and a feminist who Just. Wants. To. Battle.
MC BEAR, 33, Seva’s biggest rival and a new star of battle rap
3. AMINA, 21, a housekeeper for Tonya’s family
MC BEAT BRILLIANT, known mostly for having a rich dad
4. YAROSLAVA PETROVNA, 71, an angry neighbor who hates noise
MC COBALT, 25, a forgettable rapper from Latvia
5. VALENTINA, 43, Tonya’s overworked mother
MC WIZZZARD, 34, the greatest host in battle rap history, according to himself
6. LESYA, 15, Tonya’s sassy little sister
MC YIN-YAN, 30, the local gossip
7. NADYA, 33, MC Bear’s overlooked wife
MC PARADOXXX, 35, an old rap legend that nobody takes seriously anymore
8. ZABAVA, 7, MC Bear and Nadya’s child. An iPad kid.
MC ANTSY ANT, 27, the king of freestyle.
You can read the current version of the full play here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QL39kGMAOV5pzmdv8YsCkKuVrSzu4kAT?usp=sharing
ACTORS: To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.
STAGE MANAGERS: To apply, please submit a resume. Note that you will be asked to read the stage directions in rehearsal and during the staged reading in addition to your regular SM responsibilities.
APPLY HERE: https://forms.gle/3BHBnyKtLT5Drxw8A
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Katya Yurkovskaya, [email protected]
DURATION
Nov 1, 2026 - Nov 7, 2026
SALARY
$50 - $100 Per Gig
- NON-UNION