Actors for Denver Premiere of “Always a Boy”

Contact: Lisa Scheps, Co-Artistic Director, Ground Floor Theatre
E-Mail: lisa@groundfloortheatre.org
Phone: 512-809-0050

Ground Floor Theatre (GFT) & the Mizel Arts and Culture Center (MACC) announce auditions for the 90-minute play,  Always a Boy, by the mother/son team Jo and Jeremy Ivester, to be held on Wednesday, August 5th from 5pm to 10pm at the Denver JCC. Auditions will be by appointment only and will consist of readings from the script. You will receive a complete script when your appointment is confirmed. Auditioners should bring a resume and headshot with them. For an appointment, please send an email to lisa@groundfloortheatre.org.

The play will be directed by Lisa Scheps, Founder and Co-Artistic director of Ground Floor Theatre in Austin, TX, where the play premiered in 2024. GFT and MACC are seeking actors to fill all roles. All positions are paid a $1,000 stipend.

Always a Boy centers on a man named Joshua and his mother, Rachel, as they prepare for a wedding, reminiscing about the time when Joshua began his gender journey alongside that of his sister’s matrimonial one, bringing up some harsh truths that were previously unspoken. The play is honest and hard-hitting, sharing the tough moments as well as the amazing ones. It is inspired by the true journey of Jeremy Ivester, as presented in the memoir, Never a Girl, Always a Boy, by Jo Ivester. It is a story of joy, discovery, and growth, always within the powerful framework of love.

There will be 11 performances, opening on October 9th and running until October 25th, Thursdays through Sundays, with rehearsals beginning on Sunday, September 13th.

Ground Floor Theatre is committed to inclusivity and as such unless specifically called for in the script, we cast without consideration to ability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, size, or shape. Auditioners should bring a resume and headshot with them.

Casting Breakdown

JOSHUA is a self-confident man in his late 20s. Joshua is comfortable in his skin and is determined to do what is necessary to build a stronger, more honest relationship with his mother. The play is his story, told in a conversation with his mother, looking back at his life. Mostly calm, Joshua can be passionate when he believes something is important. Actors of trans experience who identify as transmasculine or nonbinary are strongly encouraged to submit.

COLLEGE JOSHUA is an athletic, androgynous college student. A younger version of Joshua, he goes by the nickname Ash. Self-reflective and afraid of change, he is determined to figure out his best path forward, moving beyond his fears. He bounces back and forth between joy and eagerness on the one hand and being frozen on the other. He loves sports, wears men’s clothes and wants to be like his big brother, Seth. Actors of trans experience who identify as transmasculine or nonbinary are strongly encouraged to submit.

YOUNG JOSHUA is a prepubescent tween. An extension of Joshua, he goes by the nickname, Ash. He excels at all sports. Joyful and excitable, he is transparent in his disappointment when things don’t work out as imagined. He wants to please his parents and older siblings. Actors of trans experience who identify as transmasculine or nonbinary are strongly encouraged to submit.

MOM (Rachel) is a practical woman in her 40s or 50s. Usually in complete control of every situation, she can lose her composure in an instant when it comes to anything hurting one of her kids. She smiles a lot and tries to make everyone comfortable, and is incredibly devoted to her family, even if that requires standing alone to do so.

DAD (Richard) is a solid-as-a-rock man in his 40s or 50s. He generally does not show his emotions yet is able to communicate openly and honestly with his wife and children. He is both logical and supportive, with a tremendous sense of responsibility. He enjoys being silly and has a wonderful sense of humor.

BECCA is in her mid-20s to early 30s. She is Joshua’s older sister, focused more on friends than family. At the same time, she adores her younger siblings and imagines a time when they will be close once again. She cares about what others think but is also fiercely loyal to family, no matter what. Must be able to play mid-teen.

SETH is in his early to late 20s. He is Joshua’s fun-loving older brother. He makes no assumptions about others and speaks honestly about himself. Although sarcastic at times, he truly cares about Joshua’s happiness. Must be able to play young teen.

TUCKER is a college student. Joshua’s childhood friend and football teammate, he has remained close to Joshua after they’ve left home for college. He is a terrific listener, playful, and willing to take risks when it comes to personal relationships. He is gay but doesn’t come out until college.