The Clerk

SYNOPSIS

Ayn Rand’s Night of January 16th is a courtroom drama centered on Karen Andre, who stands accused of murdering her former employer and lover, powerful businessman Bjorn Faulkner. As witnesses take the stand, conflicting accounts reveal a complicated story of ambition, loyalty, love, and betrayal. In a unique theatrical twist, twelve audience members serve as the jury each night, and their verdict determines the ending of the play.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Ruth Stage presents Ayn Rand’s Night of January 16th in a heightened, expressionistic reimagining of the courtroom drama. The production creates a theatrical world that blends the immediacy of Our Town with the unsettling atmosphere of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Twelve audience members are selected at each performance to serve as the jury and ultimately determine the verdict—and the ending of the play.

CREATIVE TEAM

Playwright: Ayn Rand
Producer / Creative Director: Matt de Rogatis
Director: Theo Devaney
Lighting & Scenic Designer: Christian Specht
Costume Designer: Alex Rose
Sound Designer: Tomas Correa

REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

First rehearsal: September 28, 2026
Rehearsals: September 28–October 6, 2026
Typical rehearsal hours: Approximately 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
First preview: October 7, 2026
Opening: October 11, 2026
Closing: October 18, 2026
No performances on Mondays or Tuesdays

TRAVEL & HOUSING

Housing and travel are not provided by the production. Performers must be able to work locally in the New York City area for the rehearsal and performance period.

SEEKING

[THE CLERK] Any gender, 20s–50s. Seeking a Little Person / actor of short stature, approximately 4'10" or under. We welcome performers who may identify with any of these terms and encourage submissions from actors of all backgrounds, identities, and ethnicities. Seeking a strong character actor with excellent presence and specificity who is comfortable working within the heightened, expressionistic world of the production. The Clerk is an official presence within the courtroom and an integral part of its distinctive theatrical atmosphere. Looking for a performer who brings individuality, confidence, and their own unique presence to the role.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a headshot, résumé, and reel to info@ruthstage.org. Selected performers may be asked to submit a self-tape. Local New York actors are strongly encouraged to submit.

Note on casting: Ruth Stage is committed to inclusive casting and encourages submissions from performers of all backgrounds and identities who meet the requirements of the role.

DURATION
Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026
HOW TO APPLY
APPLY BY EMAIL
info@ruthstage.org