Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ play is now casting and hiring actors to work on the upcoming Netflix production.
Jim Carnahan Casting is seeking a talented male actor to portray the character of Bob Newby in the upcoming live stage production “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” set to debut on Broadway in 2025. This is a lead role that requires an actor capable of bringing depth, humor, and a sense of authenticity to a beloved character from the Stranger Things universe.
To audition for a role on Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, check out the casting call breakdown below.
Casting for Lead Role of Bob Newby in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”
Job Description: Jim Carnahan Casting is seeking a talented male actor to portray the character of Bob Newby in the upcoming live stage production “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” set to debut on Broadway in 2025. This is a lead role that requires an actor capable of bringing depth, humor, and a sense of authenticity to a beloved character from the Stranger Things universe.
Job Responsibilities:
- Portray Bob Newby, a 17-18-year-old male, in a live stage production.
- Deliver a performance that captures Bob’s essence as a smart, sheltered teenager with a natural earnestness and naivety, especially around girls.
- Convey Bob’s enthusiasm, passion for being a DJ, and his strong comedic instincts.
- Work closely with the director and other cast members to bring the story to life on stage.
- Participate in rehearsals, blocking, and other preparations as required for the role.
Requirements:
- Male actor aged 16-23, who can believably play a 17-18-year-old character.
- White, with a height between 5’5″ and 5’9″.
- Must have a strong sense of comedic timing and the ability to portray a character who is both endearing and earnest.
- Prior stage acting experience is preferred, particularly in leading roles.
- Must be available for the entire rehearsal and performance schedule, leading up to the Broadway debut in 2025.
- Candidates should submit a recent photo or headshot, a resume (if available), and their location.
Compensation Details:
- Compensation will be in line with industry standards for lead roles on Broadway.
- The opportunity to perform in a high-profile production on one of the most prestigious stages in the world.
- Potential for significant exposure and career growth in the theater industry.
Exploring the New Stranger Things Play: The First Shadow – A Prequel Unveiled
For all you Stranger Things fans out there, the small town of Hawkins is about to get a lot more interesting. In a new and thrilling twist, the world of Stranger Things is expanding from our TV screens to the live stage with a brand-new play titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow. This prequel, set in 1959, offers a fresh look at Hawkins, Indiana, long before the Upside Down wreaked havoc on the town. The play, which premiered on London’s West End at the Phoenix Theatre on December 14, 2023, has already been extended into 2025 due to popular demand. So, what’s this new chapter in the Stranger Things universe all about? Let’s dive in!
The Duffer Brothers’ Magic Touch
If you’re wondering whether the masterminds behind the original Stranger Things series had a hand in this play, the answer is a resounding yes. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is based on an original story crafted by the Duffer brothers themselves, along with Kate Trefry and Jack Thorne. Trefry, who has been a writer for the Stranger Things series, took on the challenge of penning the play, ensuring that the story remains true to the essence of the show we all know and love.
The play is directed by none other than Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry, known for his work on The Crown and Billy Elliot. Co-directing alongside Daldry is Justin Martin, and the production is brought to life by Netflix in collaboration with Sonia Friedman Productions. The Duffer brothers continue their involvement as creative producers, with 21 Laps Entertainment also playing a role as an associate producer. This team of heavy hitters in the entertainment industry promises to deliver a live experience that will resonate with fans of the series.
Is This Play Canon to the Stranger Things Universe?
Absolutely! Stranger Things: The First Shadow is firmly rooted in the lore of the Stranger Things universe. This play isn’t just a side story or a spin-off; it serves as an origin story that ties directly into the events of the TV series. The play takes us back to 1959, a time when Hawkins was just another sleepy Midwestern town. But beneath the surface, something sinister was beginning to take shape.
The story revolves around the arrival of the Creel family in Hawkins, seeking a fresh start. Little do they know that their presence in this seemingly ordinary town will set off a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the terrifying occurrences we see in the Stranger Things series. The play not only explores the early days of Hawkins but also delves into the backstories of characters we’ve come to know, including a young Joyce Byers, Jim Hopper, and Bob Newby.
A Peek at the Characters
Stranger Things: The First Shadow brings back some familiar faces from the series, but in a whole new light. Fans will get to see younger versions of Joyce Byers, played by Isabella Pappas, and Jim Hopper, portrayed by Oscar Lloyd. We’ll also meet a young Bob Newby (Christopher Buckley) and one of the most intriguing characters of all, Henry Creel, played by Louis McCartney.
Henry Creel, a character whose backstory wasn’t fully explored in the TV series, takes center stage in this prequel. Ross Duffer mentioned at the play’s premiere that this was their chance to dive deep into Henry’s past, something they couldn’t do in the show. And as a bonus for fans of the 1950s, this play serves as a nostalgic trip back to that era, offering a different vibe from the 1980s setting we’re used to.
Other characters making an appearance include Dr. Brenner (Patrick Vaill), Victor and Virginia Creel (Michael Jibson and Lauren Ward), and even some of the parents of our beloved Hawkins kids, such as Ted Wheeler and Karen Childress, and Lonnie Byers. The play also introduces us to Lucas and Erica Sinclair’s parents, Charles Sinclair and Sue Anderson, as well as Dustin’s mother, Claudia Yount. These characters add depth to the story, showing us what life was like for the previous generation in Hawkins.
Why You Should Watch Stranger Things: The First Shadow
If you’re a die-hard Stranger Things fan, this play is a must-see. Not only does it offer new insights into the origins of the supernatural events in Hawkins, but it also connects the past with the present and future of the series. The play’s narrative may even hold clues about what’s to come in future seasons of Stranger Things, making it essential viewing for those who can’t get enough of this eerie world.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is more than just a play; it’s a new dimension in the ever-expanding Stranger Things universe. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the mystery, or the chance to see beloved characters in a new light, this prequel promises to deliver on all fronts. So, if you find yourself in London, make sure to grab a ticket and witness the origins of the Stranger Things saga unfold before your eyes.
The world of Hawkins awaits you — and who knows, this play might just hold the key to what comes next!
