Nomad Theatre Company is committed to inclusive casting and encourages female identifying actors of all races, abilities and sexual orientation to audition.
Complete the audition form:
https://forms.gle/rNr1moF2h5a4xX3i8
Nomad Theatre invites actors to audition for our Detour production of Pop-Up HERstory, an immersive theatrical event celebrating real women from history. The production will take place in March 2026 at the Bloomington and Normal public libraries.
Directed by Kathleen Kirk
Stage Manager: Michelle Steinbacher
Dramaturg: Sarah Hall
Audition Dates:
January 13 & 14, 2026
6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Bloomington Public Library
Because of the collaborative nature of this project, actors will play an essential role in shaping which historical women are featured. Rather than pre-selecting the roster of featured women from history, we’ll curate the list in response to the performers who audition—their strengths, presence, and the stories they feel compelled to embody. Because the writing process unfolds in response to casting, actors should be open to new discoveries and collaborative adjustments. Writers, dramaturg Sarah Hall, and the cast will work together to shape each piece, exploring the most compelling moments and themes in each woman’s story.
During auditions, actors will read from provided materials and may be asked to explore characters through movement or improvisation. The writers and the creative team will be present to observe auditions.
Who We’re Seeking:
We are looking for a dynamic group of actors excited to collaborate, explore history, and help bring powerful real-life stories to the site-specific stage. Pop-Up HERstory has traditionally centered real women from history, either historical or contemporary; this year’s ensemble will continue that tradition.
Based on the collaboration with the BPL, this year’s lineup will include at least one Black woman from the Motown era or Civil Rights Movement
Important Dates:
First Read-Through: February 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Writer/actor/dramaturg collaboration and script development: January–February 2026
Performances: March 21 and 22, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Normal Public Library and March 28 and 29, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Bloomington Public Library.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: Pop-Up HERstory is an immersive theatrical experience spotlighting remarkable women (past and present) through original monologues and scenes created by local artists. Actors are stationed in areas around the libraries and perform their monologue or scene about every 20-30 minutes during the performance time.
Previous featured women include:
Marian Anderson
Nellie Bly
Judy Blume
Maria Callas
Coco Chanel
Ella Fitzgerald
Judy Garland
Katherine Johnson
Shari Lewis
Madeleine L'Engle
Margaret Murie
Kim Phuc Phan Thi
Beatrix Potter
Margaret Sanger
Anne Sullivan
Greta Thunberg
Sojourner Truth
Rose Valland
Cheryl Wagner as Loonette
Elsie de Wolfe
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