PERFORMANCE DATES:

• October 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:00 PM
• October 11 & 18 at 2:00 pm

Location: Rehearsals & Performances will take place at the STG Studio (180 NW Oldham Pkwy Lee’s Summit, MO 64081)

Rehearsals Begin: September 7, 2026

Tech/Load-in: October 3 & 4, 1:00 PM–10:00 PM

AUDITION INFORMATION:

General Auditions

• Date: Saturday, August 1, 1:00–5:00 PM
• Location: Ellis Glen: 110 SW Market Suite 104 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

Callbacks

• Date: Sunday August 2, 7:00–10:00 PM (by invitation only)
• Location: STG Studio: 180 NW Oldham Pkwy Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

What to Prepare

• Please complete the AUDITION GOOGLE FORM HERE
• Monologue or scene from the play: AUDITION SIDES & SCRIPT PERUSAL
• Headshot and resume (or recent photo if not available)

Video Auditions: Accepted through August 1, 11 AM

Questions? Contact:

• Ryan Bernsten, Director: ryan.bernsten@gmail.com
• Assistant Director: ivanvalentinocalderon@gmail.com
• Stage Manager: rhodes.amandajane@gmail.com

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Dream Ticket / Bad Press is a two-act political satire of a Republican and Democratic primary. Dream Ticket follows two rival Republican senators—a moderate technocrat and a faith-and-family firebrand—as they team up on a doomed campaign for President and Vice President. In Bad Press, a Democratic power couple manipulates the system to retake control by recruiting a washed-up pornographer-turned-populist to disrupt the primary. Featuring news anchors, media pundits, scheming aides, and a cast of fringe lunatics, this fast-paced ensemble comedy exposes the deranged circus of American democracy.

“With comedy like “Veep”, drama like “Scandal” and Sorkin-esque wisdom and sensibility, Dream Ticket by Ryan Bernsten is an aptly timed political play.” – Theatre in the Now

ROLES AVAILABLE

Note: We are seeking a diverse ensemble of bold, comedic actors with strong timing and transformational ability. All roles are open to actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and body types. Ages listed are approximate. Some ensemble members may play multiple roles across acts. Transformational performers are encouraged to lean into absurdity and satire. Double casting is the goal!

LESLIE SUGARMAN (30s–50s, male-presenting): A data-obsessed senator from New York, a spiraling technocrat trying to stay human in a political bloodbath. Sharp, funny, and emotionally explosive.

BECKY ROBERTS (30s–50s, female-presenting): An Oklahoma senator with televangelist flair and steel beneath the smile. Uses scripture like a scalpel. Radiates dangerous charm and strategic folksiness.

PATTY BAXTER (30s–50s, female-presenting): A no-nonsense campaign manager with a dry wit. Cynical, deadpan, fiercely loyal. The rare grown-up in the room, until the room sets fire.

DARLA FINGER (30s–60s, female-presenting): Alt-right radio demagogue with the allure of a slow-motion car crash. Think conspiracy queen meets drag show. Fearless and delightfully unhinged.

WANDA PUFFIN (30s–50s, female-presenting): A wide-eyed Becky superfan from the Midwest who speaks with sincerity. A simple woman with sudden flashes of truth.

TY CHADWICK (20s–30s, male-presenting): Sugarman’s fratty foot soldier with big podcast bro energy. Somehow both endearing and infuriating.

THOMAS STEVENSON (40s–60s, male-presenting): Cable news anchor trying to sell gravitas with coastal elite smirk. Must embody the absurd calm of a man reading headlines during the apocalypse.

REX HERMAN (30s–50s, male-presenting): A crass, spectacle-loving campaign manager with no filter. Think Talladega Nights meets Roger Stone.

BAD PRESS CHARACTERS

DIANE BAILEY CAINE (50s–60s, female-presenting): The brilliant, brutal former President pulling all the strings. Commands every room and scene. Think Lady Macbeth in a pantsuit.

WALTER CAINE (50s–60s, male-presenting): Diane’s soft-spoken husband and ex-First Gentleman, drafted back into the game. Gentle, well-meaning, and utterly outmatched.

DEE PLATT (20s–30s, female-presenting): An idealistic staffer to Diane who is utterly devoted to her. Torn between idealism and loyalty, her love for Diane may cost her everything.

RUDY HUGHES (40s–60s, male-presenting): A former porn mogul turned political wrecking ball. Vulgar, weirdly inspiring, and completely shameless. Think Florida Man runs for President.

KAYLEE WALSH (20s–30s, female-presenting): Social-climbing journalist with an eye for scandal and a hunger for screen time. Perky, ruthless, Bravo sensibility.