CASTING

Now Seeking Submissions - A Thousand Natural Shocks by Jacob Marx Rice

Synopsis:

Kennedy is doing okay. She’s got her depression under control, she’s got a good job and a loving wife, Laurel. They even decided to have a baby! But when the couple slams headfirst into the unforgiving world of IVF, they will have to navigate the chaos of creating life, the inevitability of pain, and the TikTok teen crashing on their couch.

NOTE: Topics touched on in the play include depression, suicide, and pregnancy.

Production Information & Creative Team

What Headwall is about: Headwall supports theatre-makers as they try a role for the first time with the guidance of experienced mentors, and ascend towards nimble, versatile artistry. From our base camp in Queens, we nurture a community where neighbors step into the theatre, and artists step eagerly into each other’s boots.

Project: A Thousand Natural Shocks, a new play by Jacob Marx Rice

Equity Approved Showcase
Venue: The Secret Theatre (10-10 44th Ave, Long Island City, Queens 11101)
Union Status: UNION/NON-UNION

Producers: Headwall Theatre Company, Marianne Goodell, and Josh Lombard
Director: Susan Jane McDonald
Assistant Director: Nim Dhillon
Technical Director: John Orosz
Set Designer: TBD
Lighting Designer: TDB
Sound Designer: TBD

Stipend: $330 total

Audition Dates:
July 6th 6pm – 9pm
July 7th 6pm – 9pm
Callbacks:
July 13th 6pm-9pm
Location for all auditions: The Secret Theatre (10-10 44th Ave, Long Island City, Queens 11101)

1st read through: TBD
Rehearsals: August 28 — Sept 27 (Labor Day Weekend off)
Load In/build: Monday Sept 28 (no actors)
Tech: Tuesday Sept 29 and Wednesday Sept 30 (actors available all day)
Dress: Thursday Oct 1st (actors need to be available starting at noon)

Performances: Friday Oct 2nd – Saturday Oct 10th
8 performances total:
Oct 2nd – Friday at 7:30
Oct 3rd – Saturday at 7:30pm
Oct 4th – Sunday at 2:00pm
Oct 5th – Monday at 7:30pm
Oct 7th – Wednesday at 7:30pm
Oct 8th – Thursday at 7:30pm
Oct 9th – Friday at 7:30pm
Oct 10th – Saturday at 7:30pm

Submission Instructions

Please send your headshot, resume, and acting clips (if you have them), to Susan Jane McDonald at sjmcomic@gmail.com. Video clips should be via Vimeo or YouTube link. 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 14, 2026

Casting Breakdown

Kennedy (Female, 34, Black mixed-race) A bio teacher with major teacher energy: smart, tough, sensible, efficient, and controlling (not in a bad way). Kennedy has struggled with depression most of her life. In the last few years, it’s mostly under control, thanks to medication, therapy and her relationship with Laurel. Beneath the surface, she’s deathly afraid of relapsing.

Jennifer (Female, 17, Chinese) Note: must be at least 18 years of age to audition, but presents like a teenager. She has a know-it-all attitude of someone who has little life experience. She’s sassy, jaded, but smart and thoughtful when engaged. Her exterior belies a sensitivity beneath the surface. To her, most adults are idiots (to be fair, they can be). She was adopted as an infant by Laurel’s closest friends.

Molly (Female, 34, White) Molly’s nickname in college was Mustang Molly. She’s a joyous cyclone of chaos, with a thick Boston accent that she’s proud of.  She had a baby two months ago and is in way over her head. Molly is the life of the party, but beneath the humor and joie de vie, she’s hurting. She’s a loyal friend and a good person.  Please come prepared with a Boston dialect.

Doctor (Female, 47-60, POC) A gifted fertility doctor with a terrible bedside manner. Sharp as a tack, but blunt as a hammer. She’s the best in her field, and knowledgeable about many other things that she doesn’t hold back from expressing.