STC Partner Production
a staged reading of a new musical with a live band
The Tide
Songs by The War and Treaty
Book by Cathy Street
Virtual Submissions through May 24, 2026
Commitment: Evenings and Weekends, June 28 - July 11, 2026
Location: The Darkhorse Theater
Directed by Cathy Street
Songs by The War and Treaty
Book by Cathy Street
ABOUT
the tide
Written in 2020, THE TIDE takes place in a town where fear is pervasive, art and creative expression are restricted, interpersonal connections are limited, and activities are monitored and suppressed by the government. A young man, Marcus, has come back from fighting a war overseas and finds his own country has become nearly unrecognizable. His father has been fired from his job as a college professor for defying censorship, his mother hides in fear, and his brother works for the very government that is controlling the community in a test program, The Project. Marcus meets the strong, passionate woman, Faith, who is part of The Movement, an underground group that refuses to give up on the idea of joy, love, and freedom. In the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition, Faith, Marcus, and their revolutionary allies will have to work together to spread their message to others to stop The Project from growing to global power.
This is a staged reading workshop with a live band of a new musical. Actors will be on book for the reading but expected to be very familiar with the material. Actors will be off-book for the songs.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Video auditions will be accepted through May 24th, using the form below.
Please prepare a 32-bar cut in the style of The War and Treaty. A song by The War and Treaty is acceptable. Songs by The War and Treaty for reference: “Beautiful,” “Jeep Cherokee Laredo,” and “Healing Tide.”
Please prepare one of the monologues found using the button below. Please note: it is not required for the monologue to be memorized.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Faith Bradford - A passionate Black woman in her early 30s who has escaped a difficult past with her young daughter.
Moses 'Moe' Bradford - Faith's father. A Black man in his 60's. He was a professor and writer of beautiful, philosophical prose but is no longer allowed to teach.
Pearl Bradford - Moe’s wife, a Black woman in her 60s. She is fearful and doesn’t want anyone to do anything to jeopardize her family's safety.
Marcus Jackson - A Black man in his late 20s/early 30s. He recently returned from a stint overseas in the military and is haunted by his experience there.
Tyrone 'Ty' Jackson - Marcus’ older brother. A Black man in his mid-to-late 30’s, married with one son. An officer who has recently been promoted.
Jennie Jackson - Ty’s wife. She is a teacher and moonlights working at the officers' club. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN PRECAST.
Neville Jackson - 14 years old. Jennie and Ty’s son. He is a cadet-in-training, following in his father's footsteps.
Beatrice 'Bea' Bradford - 8 years old. Faith's daughter. She is creative and playful.
Brock Williams - He is a major player in The Project due to his father, General Williams, being one of the founders. He will do whatever he needs to achieve his goals. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN PRECAST.
Kris - Late Early to mid-40's. She is one of the founders of The Movement. A computer wiz.
Reginald 'Reggie' Harvey - 18/19 years old. He is also a computer wiz, learning under Kris. A sarcastic kid who doesn't understand just how dire everything is.
Josh –Member of The Movement
Officer Reese - A member of The Project
Officer Everett - A member of The Project
Officer Derek Pierce - A member of The Project
General Tripp Williams - The founder of The Project and Brock's father.
ENSEMBLE - All ages and ethnicities
COMPENSATION
All named roles will receive a stipend of $100. Ensemble roles will be volunteer.
LOCATION
Rehearsals and performances will take place at The Darkhorse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209.
