Summer Test Kitchen 2025
This is an excellent opportunity to work with professional artists from Seattle and LA, gain experience developing new works, and get paid for your work!
Western students can apply by May 12 for the Summer Test Kitchen collaboration with Seattle Children's Theatre. Theatre professionals, students, and faculty members will work together to develop two projects.
Our two projects for the summer of 2025 will be an adaptation by Idris Goodwin of his novel "King of the Neuro Verse," and a feature film - "Hotshots" - by Western alum Jeremy Urann and his sister Sherri Bylenga.
King of the Neuro Verse - July 14 through 17
A powerful, joyful novel in verse about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and "On the Come Up."
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, though: he’s battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernell’s ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isn’t as forgiving. Pernell’s English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
The company will meet for six hours per day (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m.) for four days to workshop the development of this new stage adaptation of "King of the Neuro Verse." The play is not written yet - our work will be to assist the playwright to generate his first full-draft.
We will conclude our development workshop with an “in progress” staged reading, open to the public, on July 17. Rich Brown will be acting, Evan Mueller directing, and Christina Gutierrez-Dennehy dramaturging.
Company opportunities for King of the Neuro Verse
We're looking for a three to six person student ensemble good with language and rhythmic verse and a stage manager. Students, including those graduating this spring, can submit an application for the acting or stage management position.
Acting positions include a $400 stipend; the stage manager position receives a $500 stipend for additional time and work required.
Development of the feature film Hotshots - July 21 through 25
When her oppressive workplace goes up in flames, bikini barista June enlists the help of sexy stranger Joe to rally a crew and open the queer coffee shop of her dreams. "Hotshots" celebrates three queer love stories over the course of one hot summer, using comedy to explore the tension between objectification and empowerment in the sexy world of bikini coffee stands. While it tantalizes and entertains, it ultimately delivers a message of love, self-acceptance, and the importance of found family. As our pansexual protagonist June liberates herself, she catalyzes something larger in her community.
Principal photography is scheduled for Summer 2026. Talent selected for Test Kitchen will be considered for casting in the feature film.
The company will meet for six hours per day (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m.) for five days to develop the fourth draft of their screenplay.
We will conclude our development workshop with an “in progress” reading, open to the public, on July 25. Students, including those graduating this spring, can submit an application for the stage manager position and the ten acting positions.
Self-tape auditions are required for the acting positions. Rich Brown, Evan Mueller, and Eva Gil are acting; Kamarie Chapman is dramaturging and acting. The acting positions include a $500 stipend; the stage manager position includes a $600 stipend.
Hotshots audition instructions
Hello! We are so excited to see your submissions for "Hotshots."
Audition for the character you relate to most and you will be considered for all roles.
Recording on your phone is great just make sure you film horizontally (mid-torso to top of head) in a space where we can see and hear you clearly. We highly encourage using an off screen reader and neutral background. Your audition will consist of two parts, your slate and your scenes.
For your slate, speak directly to camera and tell us
- your name
- your height
- the character you’re auditioning for
- and your relationship to the queer community.
For your scenes, you are welcome to submit up to two takes - the first as written and the second with your own spin, improv welcome! Please use a reader and have your eye line just past the camera!
Audition sides are here and labeled by character.
How to submit your reel
- Please combine all clips into one video
- label YourName_HOTSHOTS_Character
- send via WeTransfer.com to UrannJ@gmail.com
If you have any questions, concerns or are unable to find a reader, please reach out to us at that same email. When submitting, additional materials such as acting reels/websites are welcomed, but not required. Auditions will be considered on a rolling basis. Submission Deadline is 5/12 but early submissions are welcome!
Wardrobe note
As scripted, many of the Baristas wear bikinis, speedos and lingerie outfits.
For the purposes of the Test Kitchen workshop, however, actors are not required to dress down. If we do implement costuming, it will only be with full consent from the actor at their comfort level.
For auditions, please remain fully clothed.
