Ivanov Auditions, Spring 2026
New American Ensemble is thrilled to bring Ivanov, Chekhov’s rarely explored first full-length play, back to New York City at the West End Theatre. A devastating, shocking and often darkly hilarious examination of depression, unfiltered needs and the confounding loss of identity, Ivanov is the fervent early work of a genius, giving us a play that viscerally contends with the personal and social fallouts of losing your sense of self in a community where that loss cannot be supported.
PLEASE NOTE: Any submission received after 7:00pm on Thursday, September 18th will not be viewed. Likewise, any submissions without adjoining reel cannot be considered.
SUBMISSION: Please submit headshot, resume, and reel of a 1 - 2 minute monologue from any Chekhov play of your choice. In the body of your email, please list the roles you are interested in submitting for.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Contract: Equity LOA - LORT. $680 Weekly Min.
Project Venue: The West End Theatre, 263 W 86th Street, New York, NY
Director: Michael DeFilippis
Producer: Gianna Kiehl
Company: New American Ensemble
DATES
Rehearsals Begin: 01/26/2026
Previews Begin: 03/11/2026
Run: 03/18/2026 - 04/12/2026
Role Breakdowns:
NIKOLÁI IVANOV: 32 - 40
Despairing, newly short tempered, guilt-ridden and unsure why. County councilman and leader of a “scientific farming” initiative. For years known as an iconoclastic, idealistic and charismatic young man with boundless energy. He has suddenly lost all motivation, become steeped in debt, can’t remember his ideals and fears he has fallen out of love with his wife who sacrificed everything to be with him. Unhappy at home and unhappy outside the home. He is suffering from clinical depression but doesn’t have that word.
ANNA PETROVNA (SARAH): 25 - 35
Jewish. Intelligent, mercurial, contemplative but wishes to be in action. An enormous capacity for love and play. Converted from Judaism to Christianity to marry Nikolai and was subsequently disowned by her parents - faces consistent casual antisemitism in her new community. Confronting - or trying not to - the realization that Nikolai may be falling out of love with her, and the terrifying consequences if that is true. Dying of tuberculosis and doesn’t know. PLEASE NOTE: Actors of Jewish heritage encouraged to apply for this role.
MÍSHA BÓRKIN: 27 - 38
Quick, direct, bursting with cunning and presence. Nikolai’s cousin and property manager on the estate. Always seeking intelligent ways to advance in the world, he feels restrained by Nikolai’s unwillingness to try his ideas. Despite this, he is loyal. Depending on who you ask, his reputation ranges from opportunistic cheat to sturdy young man with vision. A constant search for reinvention.
YEVGÉNY LVOV: 23 - 30
Intensely moral, pensive, confrontational and pathologically honest. Young doctor put in charge of managing Anna’s health. He is disturbed by Nikolai’s behavior and considers it his duty to dismantle the hypocrisy he feels around him. Has gotten extremely close to Anna during her care.
MATVÉY SHABÉLSKY: 55 - 68
Playful, Misanthropic, biting and wounded. Nikolai’s widower uncle, who now lives with the Ivanov’s in order to keep Anna company. Lately his jokes and humor all quickly turn to sharp critiques and can be lacerating. Dying for some joy and autonomy. Holds the title of baron but has no money. Outwardly madcap but inwardly conflicted by the growing suggestion that he should marry Martha.
PÁVEL LÉBEDEV: 55 - 68
Sweet, congenial, deferential and completely confused by everyone around him. Chairman of the county council and a high functioning alcoholic. Yearns for a time that he remembers so clearly where things and people were simple - has no clue what he’s “supposed to do” in this strange age. Along with his wife, Zina, he has amassed a small fortune. Wants people to be happy.
ZINAÍDA SÁVISHNA: 50 - 60
Sharp, shrewd, protective and vigilant. Manages the household fortune amassed by her and her husband, Pavel; lives in fear for their financial situation despite their seeming stability. She is deeply wary of Nikolai and currently at odds with him due to an extreme debt he owes her that he will not pay back. Both seeks and avoids confrontation, and enjoys the social power she holds.
SÁSHA: 19 - 25
Dissatisfied, ardent, totally determined. Daughter of Zinaída and Pável. Has been in love with Nikolai since she was twelve and has carried it with her painfully through his marriage. Sees an opportunity for both of them to be happy again and won’t let this opportunity be missed; believes her love is exactly what Nikolai needs. At odds with the boredom and toxic spirit that she feels exists in her community.
MARTHA BABÁKINA: 23 - 30
Proud, nervous, somehow both graceful and brash at the same time. Young widow and inheritor of two fortunes. At the suggestion from Bórkin, becomes obsessed by the idea that if she marries Shabélsky she will become a Baroness. Wants the wooing to be sincere though, and come from him.
AVDÓTYA NAZÁROVNA: 60 - 70
straightforward, loving, mischievous and playful. Facing social irrelevance. Matchmaker and card player in the community. Would be more than happy finding her third husband but believes that may no longer be a reality.
DMÍTRY KÓSYKH: 22 - 27
Affable, preoccupied, constantly on 'the edge of glory'. Member of the tax council and gambling addict. Is completely obsessed with card playing despite his constant ineptitude for it. A friend to all, often so preoccupied with his own situations that he becomes oblivious to the situations of those around him.