Death Tax

Ways and Means Theatre is seeking non-equity actors for a paid staged reading of Death Tax by Lucas Hnath.

Compensation: $125 for one rehearsal and one reading (same week).

DEATH TAX by LUCAS HNATH

Synopsis: It’s December 2010. Maxine, a wealthy, bedridden nursing home patient, is convinced her daughter is paying Nurse Tina to nudge her into the grave before new estate tax laws take effect on January 1. When Maxine makes a counter-offer, a wickedly suspenseful chain of deals, betrayals, and ethical dilemmas unfolds at the intersection of America’s two inevitables: death and taxes.

ROLES:

NURSE TINA | Female, 30s–40s. CAST. SEEKING REPLACEMENTS ONLY. A Haitian immigrant nurse caught between her patient’s accusations and a morally compromising offer. Hardworking and principled, but desperate—fighting a custody battle back home. Actress should be comfortable with a Haitian Creole accent.

TODD | Male, 30s–40s. CAST. SEEKING REPLACEMENTS ONLY. Tina’s supervisor at the nursing home. Outwardly pleasant and professional, he reveals a vicious streak when challenged or rejected.

MAXINE | Female, 50s+. A wealthy, cantankerous elderly woman, bedridden in a nursing home. Bitter, manipulative, and deeply wounded. A formidable negotiator who weaponizes her money and her will to survive.

MAXINE’S DAUGHTER | Female, 30s-40s. Maxine’s daughter.

REHEARSAL: Tuesday May 5, 2026 6-9pm. Location TBD.

READING DATE: Friday May 8, 2026 at 7pm.

READING LOCATION: Little Studio Theatre in the Fine Arts Building of Chicago, located at 410 S. Michigan Ave Room 732 Chicago, IL 6065

Ways and Means Theatre Company values Empathy, Inclusion, Openness, Collaboration & Innovation. We encourage artists of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and presentations to audition. Committed to ongoing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism work, we welcome and include everyone. We are respectfully curious about others. We meet people where they are. We are committed to creating a more inclusive American Theatre for all.

We encourage all actors, regardless of identity, to apply for roles for which they view themselves as most fit.