Upcoming Auditions:
The Last Yiddish Speaker
By Deborah Zoe Laufer
Directed by Zelda Dean
Produced by Laura Shuler, Scott Ellsworth, and Ari Cohen
In this fast-paced drama with a streak of magical realism, a Jewish father and daughter rely on their wits and powers of deceit to survive when the world has dramatically changed and the slightest divergence from the norm could cost them their lives. When an ancient Yiddish-speaking woman is deposited on their doorstep, Sarah and her father must decide whether to help the woman hide or to save themselves. Though it centers on Judaism and the right for Jews to exist, it has universal appeal to anyone who worries about marginalized groups, and the often-unwitting or uneducated, both well-meaning and vengeful, who group together to persecute them.
Character Breakdown
Sarah: * (female presenting, ages 18-25) called Mary in hiding, a sr. high school student 17 years old.
John: * (male presenting, ages 18- 25) her boyfriend.
Paul: (male presenting, ages 40-55) her father.
Chava: (female presenting, ages 55 - 80) Speaks Yiddish. 1000 year old.
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* Kissing is involved in some scenes
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​Audition & Production Team Requirements: Due by January 6th, 2026
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Auditions for The Last Yiddish Speaker require a headshot, resume, and a link to your video recorded 2 min. monologue submitted to chailifeyyc@gmail.com by January 6th 2026 at 9 PM.
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Must be Calgary local to audition
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Chai Life Productions encourages individuals of all ethnicities, genders and experiences to audition!
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Headshot: If you don't already have a headshot, it can be taken with mobile camera. Black & white/colour are both acceptable. Frame the picture so it includes at least shoulders on up.
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Resume: Please include a standard theatre/drama resume. Need to make one? Include all amateur/professional experience sectioned into Theatre, Film, TV, (etc), formatted by "show", "role", and "company", a section for any Training/Education and an additional Special Talents section.
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Video: Please save the video to one of the following - YouTube, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc - and include a link with the headshot and resume.
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Callbacks: Selected auditionees will be requested to attend a virtual callback to perform their 2 minute monologue and a cold read scheduled between January 11 and 18th.
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Schedule Conflicts: You will still be considered for a role even if you cannot make all the rehearsals. Please email us with as many scheduling conflicts as you may know of in advance.
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Production Team: Not interested in the stage but are looking to be involved behind the scenes? We are looking for a Stage Manager, Costume Designer, Yiddish Language Coach, Props and Set Decor, & Intimacy Coordinator. Please email your resume and indicate the position you are interested in to chailifeyyc@gmail.com by January 6th 2026. ​
Rehearsal Times:
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Saturdays (Temple B'nai Tikvah)| 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Monday & Wednesdays (Temple B'nai Tikvah)| 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Questions?
Email us at chailifeyyc@gmail.com