Auditions for "The Suppliants" Project at Philly Fringe 2026

CASTING CALL: The Suppliants

Adapted and Directed by Sydney Marie Hughes
Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2026 (Cannonball Hub) 

Seeking 4–6 performers for a new adaptation of The Suppliants, premiering as part of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Inspired by one of the oldest surviving plays in the Western canon, this ensemble-driven adaptation reimagines Aeschylus' The Suppliants through Appalachian folklore and storytelling traditions. The piece centers a chorus of women seeking refuge, weaving together ancient text, collective storytelling and movement.

This production is being developed through a collaborative rehearsal process. While the existing adaptation provides a foundation of text, performers will help shape the final production through ensemble work, storytelling exercises, movement exploration, and discussion. Interested performers should be excited by collaborative creation and comfortable working within a chorus-driven ensemble.

Performance Information

Venue: Asian Arts Initiative (Third Floor)

Tech Rehearsal

• September 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Performances

• September 10, 2026 | 8:45 PM
• September 15, 2026 | 8:45 PM
• September 23, 2026 | 7:15 PM

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will take place throughout August - September 10, and will be scheduled primarily during evenings and weekends based on cast availability. 

Who We're Looking For

Seeking performers of all experience levels, ages, and gender expressions. This piece primarily centers women and femme voices, though performers of any gender expression are welcome to submit.

We strongly encourage submissions from:

• Women and femme performers
• Appalachian and Southern artists
• LGBTQIA+ artists
• BIPOC artists
• Disabled artists
• First-time Fringe performers

Experience with movement, dance, singing, choral work, devised theatre, or ensemble creation is a plus, but not required.  

Content Advisory

This production may explore themes including forced marriage, migration and displacement, bodily autonomy, political conflict, religious imagery, and stylized violence.

Audition Submission

Audition are submitted by video only, through this Google Form. Callbacks TBD, as needed. 

Please prepare:

• One monologue (up to 1 minute): Heightened language, classical text, poetry, folklore, or lyrical/rhythmic text is encouraged, though not required. 
• Optional (up to 1 additional minute): Share something that helps us get to know you as an artist. We are particularly interested in:
• Singing
• Playing an instrument
• Movement or dance
• Storytelling
• Dialect work
• Any special skill you'd like us to see

Appalachian accent is a plus, but not required. We are particularly interested in performers who have a connection to storytelling traditions, music, movement, or ensemble-based performance.