Ride the Cyclone

Music, lyrics and book by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell

Director: 郝邦宇 Steven Hao

Choreographer: Madison Arnason

Music Director: Michael Ippolito

Contract runs August 4th, 2025 to October 5th, 2025.

Shifting Ground Collective is seeking non-union performers for their upcoming Fall production of Ride the Cyclone.

Shifting Ground Collective works to support the next generation of Toronto musical theatre. We seek self-identified early-career artists for our productions.

THE STORY

Saskatchewan’s Saint Cassian High School’s Chamber Choir has never won anything, until one fateful day when they ride the Cyclone rollercoaster on an outing following a choir competition – leading to an unfortunate accident that claims all of their lives. 

Finding themselves in an unsettling middle space between life and death, they come across a mysterious fortune-telling machine offering one of them a chance to return to life.

A darkly comedic and deeply poignant musical from Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell of Victoria based Atomic Vaudeville explores what it means to live life to the fullest.

THE PROCESS

Rehearsals begin on August 4th at Lighthouse Immersive (1 Yonge St) and will take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings (5:30pm-10:30pm) and Sundays (10am-6pm). For the first three weeks of rehearsals, there will be no Sunday rehearsals – the first Sunday will take place on August 31st.

Technical Rehearsals will take place September 22nd through 24th, 2025.

Performances will take place from September 24th-October 4th at the Annex Theatre (730 Bathurst St).

If you have additional questions about the specifics of the rehearsal or performance schedule, please reach out. We are more than happy to share additional information with you should you need. 

COMPENSATION

Performers will be guaranteed a $350 honorarium for participating in the production, with an additional revenue share option depending on the net ticket revenue of the production.

More details surrounding the compensation structure are available upon request.

ROLES

Performers of any gender expression, nationality, and physical ability are encouraged to submit. Submissions will be considered for all roles.

OCEAN O’CONNELL ROSENBERG

she/her – 18-25

The leader of the group, relentlessly competitive, sometimes cruel, though she sees herself as a virtuous person; high Broadway mix, with a pop quality; big range.

MISHA BACHINSKI

he/him – 18-25

Adopted from the Ukraine as a teenager; he is obsessed with Gangsta Rap (an enormous fan of the auto-tune phenomena); he has a lot of rage but there is a hidden, soulful romantic side; Baritenor with an ability to sing lyrical folk music as well as rap.

NOEL GRUBER

he/him – 18-25

The only gay kid in Uranium; never had a relationship; obsessed by French New Wave cinema, he has fabulous fantasies of dying a tragic death. Must be a confident mover, comfortable in heels, and able to sing in the style of a French chanteuse.

RICKY POTTS

he/him – 18-25

The new kid in school; previously non-verbal, he is perceived as the social outcast of the class. The foil to Misha’s brash personality; when he comes out of his shell, he is a Freddie Mercury-caliber rock star. Gemini. Baritone rock voice; basic keyboard skills a plus. (May be asked to play an accordion.)

CONSTANCE BLACKWOOD

she/her – 18-25

Will do anything for Ocean’s friendship and allows herself to be used as a doormat; dubbed “the nicest girl in town,” a title she secretly despises. Radiantly personable with very strong comedic skills; alto belt, with a rock range.

JANE DOE

she/her – 18-25

She was decapitated in the accident and no one claimed her body. She reacted in a literal way and largely without emotion; the other contestants are totally freaked out by her. She moves with intense curiosity and wonder. Classically trained soprano with a flexible coloratura upper range, and some grit and mean in the lower register.

The role of Jane Doe has been cast.

ENSEMBLE

All genders and ages

The ensemble takes on many shapes and forms throughout the production, often acting in a narrator capacity. Communicates largely through choral speaking. Strong movement skills required. Performers cast in the ensemble will additionally cover two of the six contestants.

SUBMISSION INFO

Please submit a cut (under 2 mins) of a contemporary song in the style of the show. We also ask that you include a slate stating your name, union status, and city of residence. If you have a dance reel on hand, feel free to submit that as well. (Performers wishing to be considered for the role of Misha should include a demonstration of your rap capabilities in your tape.)

Callbacks will be held in Toronto on July 21st, 2025. Initial callback requests will be sent on July 10th at the latest.

Deadline for submission: Friday, July 4th, 2025 at 11:59PM

Please reach out to Artistic Producer Joshua Kilimnik ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or access needs.