Schooled

Casting

Open calls for readings and workshops of Schooled, a new musical by Peter Nilsson.

Pittsburgh · October 2026

Now casting

A one-week engagement for a single performance at an education event, audience of 100+. Hip-hop, pop, Latin, classical, jazz, and spirituals.

Submissions due — extended Monday, September 21, 2026 · 1:00pm ET
Project type
Musical theater developmental staged reading at an education event
Pay
$500 · Equity Single Engagement Agreement · Equity and non-Equity performers may submit
Cast size
12 — 3 principals, 3 supporting, 6 ensemble
Performance
Sunday, October 18, 6:00pm ET
Rehearsals
Sunday, October 11 – Sunday, October 18. Rehearsal times will be scheduled around the availability of the cast.
Preparation
Songs to be prepared in advance of rehearsals. Coaching available.
Creative team
Rebecca Aparicio, director Mike Mackey, music director Peter Nilsson, music, lyrics & book
Musical style

A fusion of styles. The score mixes hip-hop, pop, Latin, classical, jazz, and spirituals.

Actors must be able to navigate contemporary musical theater styles as well as more classical influences. Every role must be able to handle complex rhythm and flow, blending rhythmic dialogue and rap with musical theater.

To audition

Submit a resume, a headshot, and a link to a downloadable video of 90 seconds or less containing:

  1. An excerpt of any song in your most comfortable range
  2. Any rap from — or in the style of — Hamilton or In the Heights

Send your resume, headshot, and a link to the video file to casting [at] schooledthemusical [dot] com

Download the full breakdown (PDF)

Principal roles

3
Marcus Aurelius WashingtonLead · Male · Black or mixed race
18–35ish, to play 14 and 24 · Tenor

Bright-eyed, wildly curious, optimistic, and innocent. His innocence is challenged by tragedy.

Emily WashingtonLead · Female · Black or mixed race
18–35ish, to play 17 and 27 · Soprano

Marcus’s older sister. Driven and bright. Performance-focused to secure a safe future. She begins as a rule-follower.

Sami “Sam” SaffadinLead · Male · Arab-American or MENA
20–35ish, to play 17 and 27 · Baritone/tenor

Civic-minded and passionate. Lost his father, who served in the US army, at a young age. He grows politically active.

Supporting roles

3 Most supporting roles double in other roles
Mrs. Mary NestorSupporting · Female · Open ethnicityTrack 1
30s–50s, to play 40s–50s · Soprano

Head of School. Professional, wise, and savvy. She cares deeply for students. Has her own, private battles to fight.

Mr. Mitchell LyonsSupporting · Male · Open ethnicityTrack 2
20s–30s, to play 23 and 33, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Students, others

History teacher. In Act I he is right out of college; in Act II, married with a newborn.

Ms. Elsie BesantSupporting · Female · Open ethnicityTrack 3
20s–30s, to play 24 and 34, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Students, others

English teacher. In Act I she is right out of college; in Act II, married with a newborn.

Ensemble tracks

6 All ensemble tracks cover multiple roles
Vanderbilt “Van” CarnegieSupporting · Male · Open ethnicityTrack 4
20s, to play 14, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Mr. Emerson, students

Freshman boy. Wealthy, naive, kind. Marcus’s friend and work-study partner.

Jenny LeeSupporting · Female · Open ethnicityTrack 5
20s, to play 14, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Students

Freshman student. Pragmatic, funny, and protective. Friend of Marcus.

Mr. O’BrienSupporting · Male · Open ethnicityTrack 6
20s–30s, to play ~30, and students · Any voice type · Doubles: Students, others

Ethics teacher, provocateur.

ComfortSupporting · Female · Open ethnicityTrack 7
20s, to play 17, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Students, others

Quiet student with different politics from her classmates.

NGSupporting · Male · Open ethnicityTrack 8
20s, to play 17, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Students, others

Grandson of the head of school, carries a burden unknown to others.

DebraSupporting · Female · Open ethnicityTrack 9
20s, to play 17, and others · Any voice type · Doubles: Students, others

Outspoken student, unafraid, great sense of humor.