Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture is now accepting audition appointments for its upcoming production of Dante 360, an immersive theatrical experience returning to the Historic Main Stage this November.
As one of Athenaeum Center’s signature original works, Dante 360 blends classical storytelling with contemporary performance, bringing Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy to life through theater, visual art, and music. Performed in the Historic Main Stage, a space rooted in over a century of artistic and cultural history, the production invites both artists and audiences into a visually and spiritually rich theatrical experience.
Auditions are open to Chicago-based performers and will be held by appointment at Athenaeum Center. Performers should be prepared to engage with heightened language, movement, and ensemble-driven storytelling in a collaborative environment.
Auditions will be held on the following dates:
- April 24, 25, 26
- May 1, 2, 3
Spots are limited, so performers are encouraged to sign up and secure their audition time as soon as possible.
About Dante 360
Dante 360 brings Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy to life through a multi-dimensional performance that blends theater, visual art, and music into a fully immersive experience. Audiences are guided through the realms of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, encountering the souls, stories, and moral questions that define one of the most influential works in Western literature. Through movement, language, and striking visual design, the production invites reflection on themes of human and divine love, justice, redemption, and the eternal search for meaning.
Rooted in both classical tradition and contemporary theatrical innovation, Dante 360 transforms the stage into a living journey. The experience is at once intimate and expansive, drawing audiences into a world that is visually dynamic and spiritually resonant. Each moment is designed to engage the senses while remaining faithful to the depth and poetry of Dante’s original text.
Now in its fifth iteration, this original Athenaeum Center production introduces new energy, innovative design, and fresh talent. With each revival, the work continues to evolve, offering new interpretations and deeper layers of meaning. Performers will join a collaborative ensemble that brings this timeless story to life, contributing to a production that is both artistically ambitious and deeply rooted in the mission of Athenaeum Center.
Roles Available for Dante 360 Auditions
Casting is open to Chicago-based performers across a wide range of roles, including principal characters and ensemble.
Principal roles include:
- Dante Alighieri
- Narrator / Elder Dante
- Beatrice
- St. Bernard
- St. Peter
- Art Historian
Ensemble roles include characters from The Divine Comedy, such as:
- Francesca da Rimini
- Paolo Malatesta
- Count Ugolino
- Bonconte da Montefeltro
- Pia de’ Tolomei
- Omberto Aldobrandesco
- Oderisi d’Agobbio
- Piccarda Donati
This is an opportunity to collaborate on a production that connects classical storytelling with contemporary performance.
Performance Timeline
Rehearsals begin in October and take place on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Performances run November 13 through November 15, 2026 on the Historic Main Stage at Athenaeum Center.
Take the Next Step
If you are ready to be part of a visually striking and thought-provoking production, now is the time to act.
Sign up today to reserve your audition slot and begin the journey.
