Salem, NY | Fort Salem Theater announces auditions for its upcoming production of “The Laramie Project,” directed by Michael Nichols-Pate. Performances will run June 12–21, 2026, in Salem, New York.
Auditions will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, from 7:00PM–10:00PM, with callbacks by invitation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The first rehearsal is tentatively scheduled for May 4, 2026. Actors may sign up and view audition sides at FortSalem.com/auditions.
Constructed from hundreds of interviews conducted in the aftermath of Matthew Shepard’s murder in Laramie, Wyoming, “The Laramie Project” is a groundbreaking documentary play that explores community, justice, grief, and resilience. True to its journalistic roots, the script is composed of verbatim testimony from residents of Laramie, making it a deeply human and ensemble-driven theatrical experience.
The production will feature an ensemble of nine actors, with all roles named and shared among the cast. Performers will portray multiple characters of varying genders, ages, and identities. The stage age range spans teens through 70s. One role, Zubaida Ula, will be offered exclusively to a BIPOC performer.
For auditions, actors are asked to select any monologue from the provided audition sides. Memorization is not required. Performers may be asked to read additional sides or scenes during the audition.
Rehearsals are typically held Sundays from 6:00PM–10:00PM and Monday through Thursday from 7:00PM–10:00PM, though the final schedule will be determined based on cast and director availability. A complete rehearsal calendar will be provided at the first rehearsal.
Each actor will receive a minimum of two complimentary tickets. Actors who participate in 2025 productions will also receive a complimentary 12-month invitation to opening weekends for all MainStage productions. At this time, housing, travel, and performance stipends are not available.
In honoring the integrity and authenticity of the original script, the production includes explicit language, including homophobic slurs and other offensive terms. Fort Salem Theater approaches this material with care, sensitivity, and a firm commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive rehearsal environment.
The production is led by Director Michael Nichols-Pate. Nichols-Pate is a director, producer, and performer based in the Capital Region. He made his Fort Salem Theatre debut as Bert in “Mary Poppins” in 2023, later returning to the FST stage in “The Drowsy Chaperone” (Robert) and “Snow Business”! He recently completed his term as Artistic Director of Bunbury Players and continues to be an active creative force throughout the region.
As a performer, his recent credits include “Company” (Bobby) at Dorset Players, earning a BroadwayWorld nomination for Best Lead Performance in a Musical; “Cabaret” (Emcee) at Broadway Upstate; “Seussical” (Cat in the Hat) at Schuylerville Community Theater; “A Man Of No Importance” (Robbie Fay) at Bunbury Players; “A Shayna Maidel: Staged Reading” (Duvid Pechenik) at Temple Sinai Cultural; “Brigadoon in Concert” (Charles Dalrymple) at Homemade Theatre; “Cinderella” (The Herald) at Schuylerville Community Theater; and “Solstice” (originating the role of Danny Romero) at Company of Curiosities.
As a director, Michael recently helmed “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” at Schuylerville Community Theater and “Rabbit Hole” for Bunbury Players, both to critical acclaim. By day, Michael serves as a Senior Career Resource Specialist at Adirondack Health Institute.
The creative team also includes Stage Manager Alex Cox, Costume Designer Lawrence Nichols, Lighting Designer Courtnie Harrington, Scenic Designer Charles J.I. Krawczyk, and Producer Kyle West.
Fort Salem Theater continues its commitment to producing meaningful, community-centered work that sparks conversation and fosters connection.
Fort Salem Theater’s full 2026 season includes “Ripcord” (March 6-15), “The Bridges of Madison County” (April 24-May 3), “The Laramie Project” (June 12-21), “Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill” (July 17-August 2), “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” (August 7-9), “To Kill a Mockingbird” (September 18-27), “Lizzie | The Lizzie Borden Musical” (October 23-November 1), and “Snow Business” (December 11-13).
Tickets and audition information are available now at FortSalem.com or calling 518-854.9200.