Upcoming Auditions:
The Last Yiddish Speaker
By Deborah Zoe Laufer
Directed by Zelda Dean
Produced by Laura Shuler and Scott Ellsworth
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.
Auditions will be done by video submission and sent to ChaiLifeYYC@gmail.com:
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Must be Calgary local
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Please send your resume, headshot, and link to your 2 min. monologue to ChaiLifeyyc@gmail.com by January 6th 2026 at 9:00 PM
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Callbacks (virtual/zoom) to be scheduled: between January 11th - 18th, 2026. Two-minute monologue required.
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Chai Life Productions encourages individuals of all ethnicities, genders and experiences to audition!
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
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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Audition Requirements:
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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.
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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 all amateur/professional experience and drama training. If applicable, include sections Theatre, Film, TV and other media. Include your roles, e.g. lead/supporting/ensemble, production (High School, community, professional), and date.
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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. Video submissions are due by 9:00pm on January 6th, 2026.
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Callbacks: Selected auditionees will be requested to attend a virtual callback to perform their 2 minute monologue and other impromptu reading scheduled between January 11 and 18th
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Schedule Conflicts: You will still be considered for the role even if you cannot make all the rehearsals. Please email us with as many scheduling conflicts as you may know of in advance.
Questions?
Email us at chailifeyyc@gmail.com