Audition: WIT’s new fall project “Stumped”
WIT is pleased to announce auditions for a fall Directors Series show, Stumped, a spin-off of the winter 2026 show “A Democracy Debacle”.
**SIGN-UP DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 5 AT 11:59 PM (EDT). THIS FORM WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE AT THAT TIME.**
About the Project
As mid-term election season goes into high gear Sam Sanders and Chris Olinger are co-creating “Stumped”, a modification of their hit pilot “A Democracy Debacle” from February 2026. Several players from the pilot will remain with the show, and we are looking for several more improvisers for an expanded fall run. The initial run followed a new congressperson and their attempts to pass their first bill, facing competing measures, lobbyists with money, inexperienced staff members, and more. The February 1 and February 22 show videos are available on WIT’s YouTube channel.
Although the basic structure will remain (long-form improv punctuated by two to four short form games), we will modify the story arc to follow a candidate or two and their staff through their mid-term campaign. Accordingly, we are seeking improvisers interested in collaborating on this show, so performers should expect the format to grow and change between the first rehearsal and the show’s debut. In addition, the show has several opportunities for audience suggestions and interaction throughout, so players should be comfortable quickly incorporating their ideas.
Stumped touches on politics, but also focuses on systemic flaws in our political system. Satirical targets in Democracy Debacle included: money’s role in politics, bill naming and marketing, congressional gridlock, and political media/attack ads. Please only sign up if you are comfortable playing with similar themes.
Audition Schedule
Auditions will be held during the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, June 10, from 7:15-9:15 PM (Latin American Youth Center, LAYC)
- Sunday, June 14, from 10 AM – 8 PM (Studio Theater – Milton Theater)
- Monday, June 15, from 7:15-9:15 PM (LAYC)
Audition Eligibility Requirements
Before signing up, please review the following eligibility requirements for auditioning. We are seeking improvisers who have at least one year of experience on stage and/or have completed Level 5 Harold (or equivalent at another theater). This project aims to include a wide range of diverse voices, including both seasoned players and those newer to WIT’s stage. Casting will reflect these goals.
**SIGN-UP DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 5 AT 11:59 PM (EDT). THIS FORM WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE AT THAT TIME.**
Audition Requirements
Performers who have completed Level 5 Harold at WIT (or equivalent at another theater) with at least one year of improv performance experience.
What skills are we looking for?
- making clear, agreeable, playful choices
- immediately developing a character point-of-view or “deal”
- ability to quickly adjust the character deal and/or narrative in response to an audience suggestion
- making support moves as background characters
- emotional range and vulnerability
- interesting narrative choices
- sharing focus in scenes and throughout the show
- comfortable with short-form improv games
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday evenings (time and location to be announced soon) and will begin early- to mid-July. There may be one or two weekend practices in July and August due to venue availability. Performers should be able to attend at least 70% of rehearsals, a minimum of 1 dress rehearsal, and 60% of performance weekends (see dates below).
We will practice on Wednesdays; the tentative dates (subject to venue availability) are July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; August 5, 12, 26 (with a break for Improvapalooza) and one or two weekend practices TBD; September 2, 9, 16. Dress/tech rehearsals are planned for Saturday, September 12, and Thursday September 17 (subject to change). We are currently planning on running practices the first few weeks after the beginning of the run: September 23 and 30, and October 7.
Show Schedule
Stumped will run Friday and/or Saturday evenings during WIT’s five week fall run, September 18-October 17.
COVID-19 Policy
All auditioners should be vaccinated with at least one booster against COVID-19. Auditioners can remain masked or unmasked, per their preference. Note: your safety and comfort are of paramount importance; your audition will not be impacted based on whether you choose to wear a mask. If you do not feel well on the day of your audition, we encourage you to please stay home, and we will see if we can reschedule you.
Questions? Please email Chris Olinger at colinger112@gmail.com or Sam Sanders at samtsanders1117@gmail.com.
Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us!