Saturday, August 26th, 10:00 a.m.
at the Blue Hill Town Hall Theater
Auditions for the following one-act plays, to be part of a Director's Festival with performances November 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th:
The Way of All Fish by Elaine May, directed by Nina Robinson-Poole - Auditions 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
A hilarious power game played between a self-absorbed executive and her secretary who walks a line between the blandest normality and seeming psychosis.
The Browning Version by Terrence Rattigan, directed by Erin McCormick - Auditions 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
An unexpected gift to an unpopular and unhappy teacher has him reflecting on his past and confronting his future.
Tinker Autumn by Wil Denson, directed by Dena Sozio - Auditions 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
An unusual alliance between two young people compels a realistic look at human needs.
Casting the following roles:
The Way of All Fish:
Ms. Asquith (mid-fifties to mid-sixties): a wealthy, self-absorbed business woman.
Ms. Riverton (mid-twenties to mid-thirties): her seemingly drab secretary.
The Browning Version:
Andrew Crocker-Harris (50-60): Very much a romantic - he loved the classics and knowledge and wanted to share it with and be loved by young people and his peers. He’d like to be a Greek Hero or Socrates - his initial attraction to his wife was probably because she has that strong romantic side and could have come out of one his books. He wanted to inspire passion, and then found out others can’t see that in him. Because he does not know how to show that side of him, he has become trapped in the role of serious, almost foolish, perfectionist, emasculated husband/ teacher. He looks weak, but is actually honorable, very perceptive, strong willed, honest, deeply kind and easily hurt.
Millie Crocker-Harris (around late 30s): She is a Greek queen dropped in the wrong time and place - venom, passion, intelligence, and tragedy. She wanted a romantic life in which she was the center of someone’s world and had influence, respect, and devoted passion. She didn’t get it, or at least thinks she didn’t get it. Part of her hates her husband because he is like her in his own way. She constantly pretends to be of a higher class than she is and embarks on affairs with men she knows don’t love her to try and play this role. Though she doesn’t see it, she has the same passionate, strong willed, and sensitive heart as her husband, just with a different way of expressing it.
Frank Hunter (30ish): Frank is struggling between being a decent man and playing the role of lover/savior to a woman he doesn’t really have feelings for, as well as being lost as a teacher in trying to be the “popular” teacher versus the genuinely good, respected one. He has chosen the “easy” route in both of these battles, which happens to also be the cowardly, lazy, destructive one, and deep down, he knows it. He acts tough, but feels weak.
John Taplow (about 16): A student of Andrew’s. Immature and precocious, but has the strong romantic and creative streak too and is honest and kind. He is a nice symbol for what all of the above three characters were probably once like when young. Unlike them, he is bold enough to show affection/appreciation without wanting anything back and that is the catalyst of the play.
Dr. Frobeshier: Can be seen as a cowardly and toady bureaucrat or a man stuck in a uncomfortable position who honestly believes he is trying to do right by all parties (though he really doesn’t want to make a mess for himself and he may be interested in Millie, as most men are).
The Gilberts: Extreme versions of the Crocker Harris’s — Mrs. Gilbert- all romantic and seeing everything as lovely and exciting— Mr. Gilbert, ambitious, driven, and serious/formal to the point of being a bit controlling, but he can “play the game” of the social ladder more easily than Andrew ever could.
Tinker Autumn:
Caitlin Moran (Age 12): A tinker’s daughter who has traveled the U.S. back roads from county fair to county fair. She’s changing from carefree, happy child as she heads into adolescence. She’s afraid because she cannot read (she’s never been to school) – she is afraid of being laughed at and is afraid she is ugly.
Peter Crichton (Age 13): Working class and living on the edge of terror. He wears glasses and cleans them endlessly when he’s frightened. He has hidden in a treehouse nearby for several weeks, fleeing the Child Welfare Board.
Sheriff Martin Ramsey (Age 50): Ample, uniformed, aggressive, energetic, formidable to a young adolescent.
Conor Moran (Age 45): A tinker, Caitlin’s father, peripatetic, hint of a brogue, tired. He shines within, something free, something singing. It shows in his eyes, walk and the tilt of his hat. Something tells us we like him.
Alfred Forsythe (Age 40): By the book in his three-piece suit. He works for the Child Welfare Boars.
Margaret Daniels (Mid-thirties): Stern, spare, dried out too soon. Also employed by the Child Welfare Board. She is dressed for the office, not the woods.
Those auditioning will be asked to read from the scripts for each play. Questions? Contact Producing Director Johannah Blackman at johannah@newsurrytheatre.org.
We hope to see you on August 26th!
About NST Auditions
New Surry Theatre holds auditions multiple times each year. Some directors cast their plays directly from the performing arts school, but many hold open auditions for at least some, if not all, of the roles. In the 45th season, NST is increasing opportunities for actors to get onstage. If you are not cast in the role you want at an audition, there will be other opportunities to get involved. The best way to stay up-to-date on all such opportunities is by joining our email list and following us on facebook.