Bold statement upfront: this audition notice isn’t just a schedule; it’s a window into a bold, personal storytelling piece that blends intimate family longing with a touch of hope amid loss. But here’s where it gets controversial: the way the production positions emotion and humor in the wake of tragedy may spark debate about how candid art should be when dealing with real grief. If you’re curious about what makes this work resonate—or rattle some audiences—read on.
Overview
New York Theatre Workshop in New York, NY, is casting for MY JOY IS HEAVY, a show described as a deeply personal portrait of a young family seeking connection after a pregnancy loss in rural Vermont. Set against snow-filled landscapes and isolation, the production explores unexpected joys and humor that surface in the wake of sorrow.
Audition and Production Details
- Audition Type: Equity Players’ EPA (Eligible for Equity members)
- Audition Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with a 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM schedule and a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Location: Actors’ Equity New York Audition Center, 165 W 46th St, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036
- Rehearsal Start: January 26, 2026
- First Performance: February 25, 2026
- Closing: April 12, 2026
- Contract: Off Broadway, Weekly minimum $1,229 (Cat. CC), Equity-affiliated
- Equity Monitor: Provided at auditions; Equity contracts prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for diverse performers
What the show is seeking
Two principal roles:
- Abigail (she/her): Singer/songwriter/theater maker. Married to Shaun.
- Shaun (he/him): Singer/songwriter/theater maker. Married to Abigail.
Musicians (six in total) to support the production’s live music:
- Musician One: High-level singer who plays keyboard and accordion
- Musician Two: High-level singer who plays guitar and bass
- Musician Three: High-level singer who plays drums and does live looping
- Musician Four: High-level singer who plays trumpet
- Musician Five: High-level singer who plays tuba and trombone
- Musician Six: High-level singer who plays tenor saxophone, bass saxophone, flute, and clarinet
Preparation and requirements
- Prepare a short song that showcases your voice. A piano accompanist will be provided, but self-accompanied selections are welcome.
- Bring a headshot and resume stapled together.
- Please have your Equity Membership card on hand for the audition.
Creative team
- Artistic Director: Patricia McGregor
- Producer: Audra Labrosse
- Casting Director in Residence: Claire Yenson, CSA
- Director: Rachel Chavkin
- Created and performed by: The Bengsons
- Choreography: Steph Paul
- Expected attendee: Claire Yenson, CSA (Casting Director in Residence)
Notes on experience and accessibility
EPA procedures are in effect for this audition, and Equity emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion across all aspects of casting and employment. Performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, ages, and those with disabilities are encouraged to participate.
Why this might matter to you as a potential performer
This project invites performers who are not only strong vocalists and instrumentalists but who also bring a personal connection to themes of loss, resilience, and healing. If you seek work that blends intimate storytelling with live music in a contemporary Off-Broadway context, this could be a compelling opportunity. The show’s premise suggests room for vulnerability as well as humor, which can be both rewarding and challenging for an audience.
Contemporary angles to consider
- How should art handle real-life grief without becoming performative? Is humor a necessary counterbalance, or could it risk minimizing pain?
- To what extent should productions foreground the creators’ lived experiences when depicting sensitive topics?
- In what ways can a small, intimate setting (like a rural Vermont backdrop) influence staging choices and audience connection?
Discussion prompts for comments
What are your thoughts on balancing grief and humor in modern theater? Do you think this kind of personal storytelling helps or hinders broader conversations about pregnancy loss? Share examples from plays or performances you’ve seen that tackled similar themes—and tell us what resonated or didn’t.
