Corpus Christi

By Terrance McNally

Directed by: Shawn D. Padley
Assistant Directed by: Jasmine Ridler

This controversial retelling of the story of Jesus as a gay man living in modern-day Texas explores his teachings of both love and acceptance through a new look at the new testament. Follow Joshua as he grows up as a gay man in the 1950s, gains his 12 apostles, and is ultimately persecuted.

Show is 18+ - explorations of religious persecution with themes of violence

Produced by StageQ at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: March 20 - April 4, 2026

Performance Times: TBA

Ticket Prices: Suggested: $30 Accessible: $10 Discounted: $20 Superstar: $40 Legend: $50

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

1/20/2026
1/21/2026

StageQ, Inc. will be holding auditions for Corpus Christi 1/20 and 1/21, with callbacks being 1/22, from 6:30-9:00pm in the Drury at the Bartell Theatre

Show is 18+ - explorations of religious persecution with themes of violence

What to Prepare:
come prepared to tell a 1-2 minute story of your choosing, real or fiction. We will provide sides beyond that. Auditions are open to anyone 18+
For virtual auditions, there will be an online audition form, please attach an acting resume if you have one, and film yourself telling a story, as mentioned above.

Characters:
Please note: all characters except Joshua and Judas play various other characters throughout. We are hoping to cast all characters within 15 years of each other.
Joshua, our reluctant protagonist
John, a writer, brother to James
James, a teacher
Peter, a young man who sells fish
Andrew, a masseur
Philip, a hustler
Bartholomew, a doctor and James's lover
Judas Iscariot, a restaurateur
Matthew, a lawyer
Thomas, an actor
James the Less, an architect
Simon, a singer
Thaddeus, a hairdresser