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Cellar Stage — Open Call

Night of
the Living
Dead

Auditions Aug 17 & 18 · 6:00–7:45 PM · Sign up below

Synopsis

A group of strangers barricade themselves inside a remote farmhouse as the recently dead begin returning to life with a hunger for the living. Trapped together with dwindling supplies and no rescue in sight, the survivors turn on each other almost as fast as the dead close in outside. What starts as a fight to survive the night becomes a study in what people do to each other when the world stops making sense.

This is a lean, tension-driven ensemble piece built for an intimate black box space — the audience is inches from the boarded windows.

Characters

Ben
Lead
Resourceful and level-headed under pressure, but increasingly at odds with Harry over how to survive the night. Carries most of the show's physical action.
Barbra
Lead
Enters in shock after a traumatic opening and moves through the play in a slow return to herself. Demands strong emotional range and stillness.
Harry Cooper
Supporting
Controlling, fear-driven, and quick to turn the group against itself. The house's most dangerous person, and it isn't the ones outside.
Helen Cooper
Supporting
Married to Harry, exhausted by him. Quietly the most clear-eyed person in the house.
Tom
Supporting
Young, earnest, trying to keep the peace between Ben and Harry. Believable chemistry with Judy is key.
Judy
Supporting
Devoted to Tom, frightened but game to help. Her arc turns on one pivotal, physically demanding scene.
Karen Cooper
Featured
Harry and Helen's daughter, ill from the start and worsening. A demanding featured role — age-appropriate or adult actor who can play young.
Sheriff McClelland
Featured
County law enforcement. Seen via television broadcast and at the play's conclusion.
Radio Announcer
Voice Only
Delivers emergency civil defense broadcasts. Voice performance only.
TV Commentator
Voice / Video
Delivers the television news broadcast. Voice/video performance only.
Reporter
Voice / Video
Interviews Sheriff McClelland during the broadcast. Voice/video performance only.
The Dead
Ensemble
Non-speaking ensemble. The reanimated corpses attacking the farmhouse throughout the play. Open to any actor interested in physical performance — we'll teach the walk.

Production Info

Director
Jim Dove
Production Coordinator
Jen Dove
Auditions
Cold reads from the script
Rehearsals Begin
September 8, 2026
Rehearsal Schedule
Sunday–Thursday, 6:30–9:30 PM
Please Note

Due to the graphic violence and themes of death, grief, and bodily horror, this show is not recommended for actors under the age of 18.

This is a "Splatter Zone" show, and blood will shoot out into the audience.

Questions or concerns? Email info@cellarstage.com.

Reserve Your Audition