Description:

Theo is thrilled to be producing a developmental production of Never Better; a new musical from 2023 Jonathan Larson Grant finalist Preston Max Allen who also wrote the off-Broadway fan favorite We Are the Tigers.

Davy, a jaded college sophomore, has been struggling to keep up with her work and social life as she faces an illness she's written off as a cold. As her symptoms escalate, her Tik Tok influencer roommate April and budding "situationship" Carter encourage her to get help. But Davy's hopes for an easy recovery fade when her doctor urgently requests follow-up testing. Unable to face a potentially devastating diagnosis, Davy ignores her doctor's recommendations and soon starts spiraling in this intimate, folk-punk musical about the value of survival in a world weighed down by grief, loneliness, and fears of an uncertain future.

Directed by Landree Fleming; Associate Direction & Musical Staging by J Alan

Character Type/Restrictions:
Theo is committed to casting our productions in a way that reflects our community and therefore encourages performers of all genders, ages (18+), ethnicities and identities to submit! For gender-fluid and non-binary performers, any genders listed in character descriptions are that of the character only, and you are encouraged to submit for any roles you are interested in! Also, genders listed should not be assumed to be cis. If you have any access needs at any point during the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

DAVY: F. 19 years old.
Cynical and guarded yet passionate and deeply imaginative, Davy would rather hide behind a dark, pessimistic sense of humor than reveal any vulnerability. Believing she's already prepared herself for an unfulfilling future in a bleak world, Davy's torn between a driven, desperate fight for survival and numb, apathetic surrender when hope actually seems lost.

APRIL: F. 19 years old.
Davy's roommate and a well-known Tik Tok influencer whose openness about dealing with sexual assault in high school has helped many others find support and community. Her upbeat, confident persona is genuine, but she's struggling with her ability to be a leader while realizing she hasn't completely processed her own experiences.

AYNSLEY: F. Early 30s.
A nurse practitioner at the university clinic. Aynsley is warm, attentive, and dedicated to her patients' well-being to the point of spiraling when she doesn't agree with their decisions. After losing her husband three years ago, Aynsley's still working through her grief by hoping to help others heal.

CARTER: M. 21 years old.
A chill, charming stoner and musician whose only goal is to live a low stakes, easygoing life until his connection with Davy inspires him to work towards a more meaningful future.

DAVY'S DAD/MISC: M. mid-30s - 40s.
Covers multiple roles, foremost Davy's semi-estranged but well-intentioned dad. Instrumentalist (bass, drums or guitar).

BAND: If you are a singer who also plays any of the following instruments-bass, guitar, drums-and are interested in being considered for the band, please tell us when you submit! If you are *only* interested in being considered for the band, just drop us a note with your resume!

Pay Rate: $800
Contact Person Name: Christopher Pazdernik, Casting Director