03/11/2026
WANNA PLAY WITH US?
Backyard Renaissance is seeking submissions
from non-AEA and AEA actors
for our upcoming San Diego production of...
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
by Jim Cartwright
directed by Anthony Methvin
Actors of all backgrounds and ethnicities are strongly encouraged to submit.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will be performed at Tenth Avenue Arts Center from June 11 through July 3, 2026. All roles are paid.
Rehearsals will begin on May 12, 2025.
AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD:
Saturday, Mar. 28th
& Sunday, Mar. 29th
Auditions for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will be by invitation from submissions we receive and will take place in person. Video submissions will also be accepted for the audition, if you are not available during audition dates. Additional in-person or zoom callbacks may be required.
If you're interested in being considered for this production, please email a pdf. version of your headshot and resume to [email protected] by FRIDAY, MARCH 20th. Additionally, please fill out the audition form linked here: https://forms.gle/4P1vg3EA1HKVTrgu6
We will follow up with further audition details, sides and appointments as soon as they are available.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Details on the show and available roles are below...
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THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is an engaging fairy tale of despair, love, and ultimately hope. Little Voice has a hidden talent. She can emulate every chanteuse from Judy Garland to Shirley Bassey to Marilyn Monroe. She frequently plunges the dilapidated house she shares with her alcoholic mother into darkness by playing her dead father's records at a volume matched only by the soulful power of her vocal impressions. She hides in her room, crooning and dreaming of love, while her mom mistakes a seedy agent's interest as affection rather than enthusiasm for the gold mine buried in her daughter's throat. With humor, heart and live music, this timeless and iconic tale explores the highs and the lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry, and finding your voice in a noisy world.
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CASTING
We are seeking actors for the following roles:
Little Voice - this role has been cast
Mari- this role has been cast
Ray Say:(male presenting- 40’s to 50’s- any race or ethnicity) Self-confident and tastelessly attired talent agent. Speaks highly of himself, drops names like nobody’s business, but he’s never really had a proper glimpse of success. A charming rogue in a way that used to have an effect on the ladies. Had a one-night stand with Mari and spends the rest of the play regretting it. He can’t believe his luck when he discovers L.V. Finally, he has hope for the success he’s been wanting all his life! He’s sly, self-serving, and manipulative with a determined and desperate heart. Cockney accent.
Sadie: (female presenting- 30’s to 50’s- any race or ethnicity) Mari’s long-suffering sidekick. Doesn’t say much, but that’s only because Mari won’t let her get a word in. Eager to please and help out when needed. Great in a crisis. Feels maternal and protective towards L.V. Shares some unabashed moments of joy with Mari, but also gets a great deal of undeserved teasing from her. She takes it and never speaks up or shows how hurt truly she is by it. She is all emotive heart. Performer must be comfortable with the fact that her size and appearance are commented upon in the text. Northern UK accent.
Billy: (male presenting- early 20’s to early 30’s- any race or ethnicity) Apprentice telephone installer. Gentle, soft-spoken, and kind. A bit of a tech geek, but soon reveals himself as a true appreciator of beauty – especially in his precious lighting displays. An idealist and optimist who will allow his boss to walk all over him if it means not making waves. Maybe the only person who genuinely sees L.V. for who she really is. They are survivors who see themselves in each other’s bruises. Finds confidence and connection in her and returns it. Sweet but never saccharine. Should be good with heights. Northern UK accent.
Phone Man/Mr. Boo: (male presenting- any age- any race or ethnicity) One actor plays both characters. Phone Man installs a lot of phones, which helps him meet a lot of housewives. Mentor figure to Billy. Northern UK accent. Mr. Boo is a club owner and wannabe comic. Fancies himself as a big deal and a shrewd businessman, but he’s quite hapless and barely making ends meet. On pills for his nerves (in the parlance of the time). Loves a pun or a b***y joke – whatever gets him an easy laugh. Doesn’t often get one. Swings from bombastic and self-important to humbled. Northern UK accent.
