HEARTWARMING: Artistic Director Scoured City in Search of Perfect Leading Man, When it Turns Out it Was Him the Entire Time!

by Matt Keeley. @reallymattkeeley.

CHICAGO - In a heartwarming twist of fate that theater critics are calling a "perfect storybook ending," Incitement Theatre Artistic Director Zachary Townshend ended a months’-long search for the perfect leading man after discovering it was him all along.

“We wanted to examine every possible avenue in casting,” explained Townshend, seated by an impressive pile of headshots and resumes, with his own lying conspicuously on the top. “We held weeks of equity principal auditions in three different cities, fielded online submissions from all across the country, and even conducted targeted outreach programs to actors from underrepresented communities. In the end, though, casting myself just… fit! I can’t thank our casting department’s efforts enough.”

With the long-discussed role finally assigned, members of the production staff could finally celebrate that their perfect lead had been there the whole time…they just had to know where to look.

“Sometimes it can feel like an impossible task: finding a male-identifying professional actor available during the production's run,” admitted casting associate Alexander Davidson, recalling sifting through potential leads numbering in the quadruple digits. “But sometimes life can surprise you. After all, who better to fulfil the theater’s artistic vision than Zachary? Especially since he’s directing as well.”

Following suit, Incite Theatre’s board members thought it a good idea to streamline their cast’s feedback system and not overlook the simple fixes right in front of them.

“We want to be as transparent and supportive as possible. For example, if any member of the cast has an issue with Zachary as an actor, we encourage them to speak to him one on one to resolve it first. But if they don’t feel comfortable addressing him directly, they can instead talk with Zachary as the director. Or if it goes beyond that, they may even take their concerns straight to our Artistic Director. Also Zachary.”

And while still in previews, Incite Theatre was delighted to share their production receiving a glowing recommendation from local theatre critic Zachary Townshend.