Who's the Tzar? - A Dark Comedy/Satirical Drama Staged Reading Of A New Play (8 Roles)

Seeking Talent From: New York

Union Status: Non-Union

Pay: A $50 stipend is guaranteed, with a possibility of getting up to a $100 stipend (depending on fundraising).

Posted: 10/1/2026 Updated: 10/2/2026 Deadline for Submissions: 10/25/2026

We are looking for female, non-binary, and trans actors for the staged reading of "Who’s the Tzar?" by Katya Yurkovskaya in NYC this November. About the play: In the midst of a Russian battle rap championship, four girls and women are magically body-swapped with elite male rappers. Now, they have to compete for the title of Tzar of Battle Rap while facing the dangers of ambition, fandom, and lust for power.

Casting / Shoot Info

Casting breakdown: Each actor plays a female and a male track, often across vastly different ages. No prior rap experience is necessary. We are looking for female, non-binary, or trans actors between the ages of 18-80. Actors of all races and ethnicities are welcome to apply.

NOTE: Submit your resume to casting notices within the initial 24-hour window. Promptness often translates to increase visibility.

Audition: By submission
Conflict Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScojNIp2_iHiauu1Z-LsaeIrqzzNNte7HLzdS9VkrsC9Q7eiA/viewform
Rehearsal Date: 3-5 rehearsals during the first week of November, based on the cast & team availability. The total time commitment is 20-25 hours.
Staged Reading: 7pm on November 7th, 2026 at The Tank (Studio) in Manhattan.
Location: New York City, NY

Attached Media: Script Reference

Click the role title to submit

Track 1: Tonya & MC Seva Savage |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

1. Tonya, 17, a devoted fan of battle rap and, in particular, MC Seva Savage MC Seva Savage, 32, the most famous Russian rapper whose career has started to decline To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 2: Dasha & MC Bear |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

2. Dasha, 18, Tonya’s friend and a feminist who Just. Wants. To. Battle. MC Bear, 33, Seva’s biggest rival and a new star of battle rap To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 3: Amina & MC Beat Brilliant |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

3. Amina, 21, a housekeeper for Tonya’s family MC Beat Brilliant, known mostly for having a rich dad To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 4: Yaroslava Petrovna & MC Cobalt |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

4. Yaroslava Petrovna, 71, an angry neighbor who hates noise MC Cobalt 25, a forgettable rapper from Latvia To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 5: Valentina & MC Wizzzard |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

5. Valentina, 43, Tonya’s overworked mother MC Wizzzard, 34, the greatest host in battle rap history, according to himself To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 6: Lesya & MC Yin-Yan |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

6. Lesya, 15, Tonya’s sassy little sister MC Yin-Yan, 30, the local gossip To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 8: Zabava & MC Antsy Ant |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

8. Zabava, 7, MC Bear and Nadya’s child. An iPad kid. MC Antsy Ant, 27, the king of freestyle. To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required

Track 7: Nadya & MC Paradoxxx |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–80 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

7. Nadya, 33, MC Bear’s overlooked wife MC Paradoxxx, 35, an old rap legend that nobody takes seriously anymore To apply, please submit a resume and 1-3 videos that best showcase your acting abilities.

Video Reel Required