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The Chinese Lady
Directed by Shinshin Yuder Tsai
Artistic Director: Oánh Nguyễn
Casting Director: Shinshin Yuder Tsai
In 1834, 16-year-old Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to set foot in America, sailed into New York Harbor to be featured in a museum. She sees herself as a representative of China, here to educate and entertain. Or, in the eyes of the paying public, is she merely a mesmerizing display? Moving and sharply funny, this play follows the idealistic Moy as she travels through America as a living exhibit for decades. Over the course of her travels, Moy shares her impressions of a young country struggling to define itself. Inspired by a true story, Lloyd Suh’s critically acclaimed play is a poetic, whimsical tale that paints a unique portrait of the United States as seen through the eyes of this remarkable young Chinese woman.
Auditions are on February 17 & 18 from 7PM-11PM.
Open Call starts at 7PM.
Appointments are determined by invitation after submission.
Callbacks:
Location:
Submission:
By appointment: Submit to Airtable
Submissions are also being accepted via Actor’s Access.
Appointments will be requested up till February 18, 2025.
If you do not receive an appointment, you are welcome to attend open call.
Open Call: Starting 7PM. Bring headshot and resume.
Please check back here for Sides.
At Chance Theater, Anaheim, CA
Beginning Monday, April 14, 2025. Weekday evenings and Weekends.
At Chance Theater, on the Cripe Stage
May 16 – June 8, 2025
Friday 8PM, Saturday 3PM and 8PM. and Sunday 3PM.
NOTE: There will be a special performance on Sunday, May 18 at 7PM.
$16.50/hour for rehearsals and performances for 10-25 hours per week. No minimum.
Note: All roles are non-union. All actors must be local to the Los Angeles/Orange County area. No travel or housing is provided.
The production will rehearse and be performed in-person, following all local, state, CDC, and OSHA health & safety guidelines. The latest protocols can be found [ COVID Guidelines ].
Character Breakdown:
Afong Moy:
Female, 20s – 40s, Asian
Afong Moy is “The Chinese Lady,” the first documented Chinese woman in America, displayed for public curiosity at the Carnes Brothers’ circus. Throughout the play, she grows from a bright, curious teenager to a reflective elder grappling with the complexities of identity, performance, and captivity. She balances humor, passion, grace, and poise with moments of indulgence, temper, eagerness, and profound care for others, even as she wrestles with the emotional toll of being seen only as a spectacle. No Chinese language knowledge is necessary; must be capable of memorizing substantial text.
Atung:
Male, 30s – 60s, Asian
Atung serves as Afong’s translator, caretaker, and companion, shifting between the roles of older brother, father, jailer, and confidant. His stoic, obedient demeanor hides a sharp wit, poetic grace, and a showman’s precision, used to sell products and navigate societal expectations. Beneath this facade lies a deeper yearning for freedom and connection, constrained by his role and the era’s limitations. No Chinese language knowledge is necessary.
GENERAL IN-PERSON AUDITION GUIDELINES:
- When: February 17 & 18, 2025 from 7PM-11PM.
- Location: Chance Theater (5522 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim CA 92807)
- By appointment: Submit to Airtable
- Submissions are also being accepted via Actor’s Access. Appointments will be requested up till February 18, 2025. If you do not receive an appointment, you are welcome to attend open call.
- Open Call: Starting 7PM. Bring headshot, resume, and prepare the side. Check above for more info.
- Slate with your name, pronouns, interested role(s), and go directly into the side.