BEAR
Playing age: ageless
A stuffed bear. The softest of the inhabitants, literally and figuratively. Kind, accepting, good natured. Constantly pondering. Looking for meaning. Spends most of the day in their own head.
The Factory Theater
The Machine
Audition · Chicago
Apply by
Virtual Submissions are due by 6:00 PM on Monday, October 5th
How to auditionEmail
The role
Who they’re looking for
We are seeking actors of all sizes, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities to submit. All roles are ageless, genderless, and are not race specific.
DOLL
Playing age: ageless
A film spin-off doll. The newest in the machine. Strong, articulated, hungry for knowledge. Ever curious. Something is off about her, but that is not a flaw.
SHARK
Playing age: ageless
A stuffed shark wearing an eyepatch. Greaser vibes. Tough and mouthy. Walls are always up, but belies a deeply flawed personality that craves attachment. If they owned a leather jacket, they would wear it everywhere.
DOG
Playing age: ageless
A stuffed hound dog. The oldest in the machine. The keeper of memories. Respected and grizzled. Hunched from age. Basically if Ben Franklin was a youth pastor.
MONKEY
Playing age: ageless
A sock monkey. Affable and conflict avoidant. Hasn’t had too many thoughts beyond the confines of the machine. Kind to a fault.
GIRAFFE
Playing age: ageless
A stuffed giraffe. A nervous wreck. Anything beyond the plexiglas walls scares them to their core. Quick witted and easy to make friends with. A bit of a doormat.
Understudy roles · Understudy
Playing age: ageless
Actors are sought for understudy roles.
Playing age, Equity, understudy… what do these mean?
Playing age is how old a character appears, which may differ from your own age. Equity is the actors’ union; check each theatre’s eligibility rules. An understudy learns a role to perform when the main actor is unavailable.
The commitment
What does it pay?
$200 for both principals and understudies
Dates & location
The full schedule hasn’t been listed. Check rehearsal and performance dates with the theatre before committing.
Access and accommodations: We are seeking actors of all sizes, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities to submit.
Get ready
What to prepare
Help with headshots, résumés, and self-tapes
A headshot is a clear photo of you. An acting résumé lists your performance experience and training. A self-tape is a recorded audition video. Sides are the short script excerpts the theatre asks you to perform. Follow this theatre’s specific instructions.
Your next step
How to apply
Please send your headshot and resume labeled as your name (one file is preferred but two is fine as long as they’re labeled with your name) to casting@thefactorytheater.com and sides/directives will be provided.
Go to the application page →Opens another website. You’ll complete your application with the theatre.
Application email: casting@thefactorytheater.com
Full posting and updates
Doll is dropped into a claw machine inhabited by five stuffed animals who plan to escape. The production uses puppetry and includes a guaranteed understudy performance.
We last checked the posting on Sep 24, 2026. The theatre may have updated it since.