frikiNation Concert Edition Auditions

frikiNation

frikiNation is a historical, bilingual, Cuban punk rock jukebox musical that tells the true story of young punks in Cuba in the early 1990s who took extreme measures to rig the communist system in their favor. In an attempt to access a higher quality of life within the government sanctioned HIV sanitariums, punks across the island started injecting themselves with HIV-positive blood. Using a 2003 album by Cuban punk band EsKoria, frikiNation tells this powerful history by following a pregnant rebel, her new skeptical lover, and a band of misfit friends as they fight to survive and create music in a society that pushes them to the margins. With the help of Maria, a cultural programs director determined to educate and protect them, they navigate love, freedom, and a dangerous plan to secure a better life—no matter the cost.

Written by Krystal Ortiz

Music and Lyrics by EsKoria

Music Directed by Alan Mendez

Characters

• NENE - (he/him, Latine) baritone/tenor; must be comfortable rapping and singing punk in Spanish

  • He really indulges in yelling when he can. Constantly smoking a cigarette. He aches for ease and freedom. He is incredibly sensitive so he usually overcompensates by acting like he doesn’t take anything seriously. Not yet 20.

• ROCÍO - (she/her, Latine) alto/mezzo-soprano; must be comfortable singing punk in Spanish

  • The most enthusiastic and loyal groupie you will ever meet. She does everything she can to help those she loves. She is playful and longs for connection. She’s five months pregnant. Early to mid 20s.

• MARIA - (she/her, Latine) non-singing track

  • She’s the assistant director of cultural programming at the Casa Communal de la Cultura Roberto Branly. She is a fierce advocate and knows how to communicate with savvy. 45 years old.

Dates & Locations

• First Rehearsal: Sept 19, 2025

• Tech Starts: Sept 30, 2025

• Performance: October 1, 2025

• Rehearsals will take place at: Virtual & Chicago Cultural Center

• Performances will take place at: Chicago Cultural Center

Compensation

• $600 for musicians/singers, $500 for non-musician track

Audition Material & Instructions

We strongly urge those submitting to listen to these original tracks and familiarize themselves with the style of the music: https://eskoriacuba.bandcamp.com/album/al-fin-por-fin

• NENE

  • Please prepare the first verse and chorus of “No te metas en mi vida” (measures 21 thru 40). You can sing the “Ey, no!”s that the Policía sings, but you do not have to if you need more time to breathe (but please do sing the “Ey”s and “No”s assigned to Nene!).

    • No te metas en mi vida (audition cut).pdf

    • No te metas en mi vida (audition cut) - plunk.mp3

    • No te metas en mi vida (audition cut) - accompaniment.mp3

  • Please prepare the chorus of “Indeseable” (measures 31-54).

    • Indeseable (audition cut).pdf

    • Indeseable (audition cut) - plunk.mp3

    • Indeseable (audition cut) - accompaniment.mp3

• ROCÍO

  • Please prepare the verse and chorus of “Asquerosa canción de amor” (measures 118-end).

    • Asquerosa canción de amor (audition cut).pdf

    • Asquerosa canción de amor (audition cut) - plunk.mp3

    • Asquerosa canción de amor (audition cut) - accompaniment.mp3

• MARIA

  • Please prepare the below side for Maria

    • Maria side.pdf

Complete the info form and submit your headshot, resume, and audition tape HERE by 10am on Thursday, August 28, 2025 for consideration.