Story Theatre in partnership with BC Black History Awareness Society are proud to announce the casting call for our second collaboration: Living Histories: Mifflin Wistar Gibbs. Set to tour schools, museums, community centres, libraries and more, beginning April 2026.

Synopsis:
Canadian history is Black history! Mifflin W. Gibbs, the first Black person to hold elected office in BC in 1866, and acting deputy mayor of Victoria BC, has returned to welcome students to his time in history, and share his legacy as a little known “father of Confederation”. An interactive solo show that brings history into the contemporary, reminding us to learn from our past to build a better future together.

Directed and Co-created by Adonis Critter King
Historical Interpretation training led by Program Artistic Director and Co-creator Monica Ogden
Historical Research Consultation by members of the BC Black History Awareness Society

Story Theatre is seeking 1-2 Black actors for the workshop phase of Living Histories, who will portray the first Black elected official in BC, Mifflin Wistar Gibbs. Actors will be asked to study and fully embody Mr. Gibbs in scripted and improvisational environments, with the idea that Gibbs has stepped out of his time in history to visit 2026.

The successful applicants will demonstrate
- Strong improvisation skills and ability to adapt
- Comfort and skill performing as the sole performer
- Willingness to memorize monologues of varying lengths for multiple types of audiences (ie. children, adults)
- Strong projection skills to fill spaces of multiple audiences sizes and non-conventional venues
- Strong commitment and experience with anti-oppression, anti-discrimination, and decolonial practice
- Knowledge of professional theatre settings and/or willingness to learn
- Knowledge of educational settings (ie. public/private schools) and/or willingness to learn
- Experiences of teaching and/or facilitation for young people are considered a strong asset
- While not required, prior interest in history, historical interpretation, and Mifflin Gibbs life, is considered a strong asset

Please submit:
1 self-taped monologue intended for young audiences (2 min. max), and 1 monologue set in a specific time period (3 min. max).

Please ensure self-tapes are shared with [email protected] and any information needed to access your audition is made available at time of submission. Successful self-tape applicants will be asked for an in-person callback and will be provided sides.

Please note: Mifflin Gibbs is a real historic figure, and was a Black cisgender man who lived between 1823-1915. Applicants, regardless of gender identity, are welcomed to apply if they are comfortable portraying a cisgender man.

CASTING BREAKDOWN
- Role of Mifflin Gibbs will be portrayed by actors who identify as Black/Person of African Descent
- Priority will be given to dark skinned actors
- All gender identities encouraged and welcomed to apply
- All experiences of disability encouraged and welcomed to apply
- All body types encouraged and welcomed to apply
- Age of actor is flexible to represent a broad spectrum of Mifflin Gibbs lifetime