Nearly Neighbors

Submit by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The Search for Rachel

Could you be our Rachel? We’re searching for an actor-singer to star opposite Jenn Colella in the developmental reading of Nearly Neighbors, a solo-piano chamber musical unfolding across two opposing balconies in Hell’s Kitchen.

Playing age: mid 20s to mid 30s.

Sing the supplied audition cut. Share your video. Send us your details. We’ll guide you through it.

About the reading

Project
Developmental reading of Nearly Neighbors
Reading week
November 16–20, 2026. Exact reading date to be confirmed.
Eligibility
Union and non-union performers are welcome.
Pay & commitment
Compensation and the rehearsal schedule will be shared with selected performers.

Performers of all backgrounds are welcome to submit. For an accommodation or help accessing the materials or submission form, email nearlyneighborsmusical@gmail.com.

About Rachel & the role

Rachel is a recently successful tech founder settling into a new luxury apartment. Smart, exacting, and used to moving faster than everyone around her, she meets her match on the balcony across from hers. We’re looking for sharp comic instincts, emotional specificity, and a strong connection to new work.

Star opposite Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella in the developmental reading.

Start your audition

A message from Jenn

Watch on YouTube.

Learn the song

Audition materials

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You must sing the supplied audition cut of Don't Peak in Your Twenties. Use the learning track to learn the vocal melody, then sing along with the separate piano accompaniment to record your audition.

Open audition cut (PDF) · Download PDF

Learning track (plunk track)

The vocal melody is played prominently on the piano alongside the accompaniment. This is a plunk track for learning the melody; it does not include a sung vocal.

Download learning track (MP3)

Piano accompaniment

The accompaniment track to sing along with when recording your audition.

Download piano accompaniment (MP3)

About the song & how to approach it

Rachel’s world

Rachel is a tech founder whose college thesis project grew into a successful company called Yoggle. Her work became a huge part of her identity.

In “Don’t Peak in Your Twenties,” she imagines giving a talk about life after early success. Behind her sharp humor is a fear: what if her best work is already behind her?

Start with the dream

This cut begins with Rachel remembering the dream that started it all: building something of her own that gave people purpose. Let that memory be personal. She knows the work, sacrifice, and hope that went into making it real.

Let the advice unravel

When she turns to giving advice, explore how she uses wit and showmanship to regain control. Choose an audience and try to make them listen, laugh, or agree. As her warnings grow more extreme, let the frustration underneath become harder to contain.

The comedy comes from how much this matters to Rachel. Allow sincerity, bite, and vulnerability to coexist, and make the journey your own.

Download the materials, then continue for recording instructions. Already recorded? Continue to add your video.

Your audition video

Record yourself singing the supplied “Don’t Peak in Your Twenties” audition cut. Use the piano accompaniment from step 1.

  • Sing the full supplied cut; there is no need to add another song.
  • Start with a short slate: your name and “Rachel.”
  • Portrait or landscape is welcome. Frame from about the chest up, keep the camera steady, and light your face clearly.
  • Record somewhere quiet so we can hear your voice and the accompaniment. If you use headphones, make sure the accompaniment is also captured in the recording.

Share on Instagram or TikTok! Tag @nearlyneighborsmusical and use #TheSearchForRachel. Paste your post link here to complete your submission.

Prefer to keep it private? An accessible unlisted video is welcome.

Paste your Instagram, TikTok, or unlisted video link. Make sure the team can view it; add any password in the notes below.

About you

Your name and the email where we can reach you.

Headshot & resume

Share a viewable folder containing both files, or a casting profile with your headshot and resume, such as Actors Access or Backstage.

Make sure the team can open the link and see both your headshot and resume. Add any password in the optional notes.

Review & submit

Submit by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Check your details and make sure the team can open your links.

Add optional details

Having trouble submitting? Email your materials to the team.