Wolf at the Door

NOW CASTING!

Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles 

Special attention to Alaska Native and Indigenous performers: We are seeking adult (18+) performers to join us for this exciting world premiere production. All are welcome to apply, whether you have professional, cultural, or casual performance experience in opera, theatre, Tlingit language, traditional Tlingit dance groups, or anything at all. If you think you might want to apply – please do! There are roles in this cast for those of all skill and experience types, and we will be providing training at rehearsals for all involved in the production.

Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles (otherwise known as the Tlingit Opera), is a co-production between Sealaska Heritage Institute and Perseverance Theatre. It is written by Composer Edward Littlefield, Librettist Vera Starbard, Translation by X’unei Lance Twitchell, and Orchestration by Rory Stitt. The Stage Director is Madeline Sayet, and the Music Director is Danielle Jagelski.

The opera will be performed in the Tlingit language and will include a score grounded in Tlingit musical and performing arts traditions and events, some of which were formerly held in natural amphitheaters set in mountain valleys. The libretto will revolve around the relatively unknown history of the 1802 Tlingit-Russian war in Southeast Alaska.

Auditions are being done virtually so that they can be reviewed by all of our creative team members. Please let us know if you would like any assistance in the creation of the audition tape in-person in Juneau – Perseverance Theatre or Sealaska Heritage Institute can have the option to assist in the recording process by providing space and/or recording equipment if requested.

For any questions, or to apply, please email casting@ptalaska.org to receive audition materials and instructions.

Show Information – FYI FAQ

• This is a co-production between Sealaska Heritage Institute and Perseverance Theatre
• The production will rehearse at Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska
• The Production is scheduled to run at the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Auditorium in Juneau, Alaska
• Dates:
  • Rehearsals typically take place in evenings and weekends to accommodate folks with daytime work/conflicts
  • There is a movement workshop scheduled for July 14-19, 2026. We would like as many of our performers present as possible, but it is not required in order to join the production.
  • Principal roles will begin rehearsals on July 21, 2026.
  • Supporting and Ensemble roles will begin rehearsals on August 4, 2026.
  • Late August and early September are pivotal rehearsals that will be difficult to accommodate conflicts within.
  • Performances run September 11-20, 2026
  • Full rehearsal and performance calendar, subject to change, can be found HERE
  • If you are offered a role, we will ask for all known conflicts to be identified and then locked in.
• Local and out-of-town performers are encouraged to apply – out-of-town performers will be accommodated with travel, housing, and local transportation while in residence.
• Only nonunion performer contracts are available.