Audition Announcement: MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY
By Anne Washburn
Directed by Zach Neiditch
First Rehearsal: January 9, 2023
Performances: February 17-26, 2023
Audition Information:
Generals: Wednesday, October 12, 5:30 - 10:30 in Pao Hall 2154 with Rich Rand. Please sign-up for an audition time on the callboard outside 2165.
Callbacks: Saturday, October 22, 1:00p – 5:00p in Pao Hall 2154 with Zack Neiditch. Actors will be notified of a callback via email.NOTE: All actors are required to bring a picture of themselves or a headshot and a completed audition form to the general audition. Audition forms are available on the callboard outside 2165. Be sure to read the script before you audition!
Purdue Department of Theatre Acting Graduate Students, Undergraduate Acting Major, Concentration or Certificate Students (required to audition):
Purdue Department of Theatre Majors, Theatre Minors, Theatre Design and Production Major or Concentration and Non-Theatre Majors:
The monologue does not need to be memorized; however, it’s best if actors are very familiar with it. You are encouraged to choose your own or options will be available on the callboard.
Scripts: For a perusal copy, limited script copies of MR. BURNS are available for check out in the Theatre Office or in the Purdue University Library.
A Note on Singing: All cast members will be required to sing.
A Note on Movement: All actors will be asked to perform choreography based on their ability and comfort.
Actors will be given 3 minutes to audition. Please prepare 1 or 2 monologues not to exceed 2 minutes, and be prepared to sing.
[Note: You do not need to be a trained singer to be cast in MR. BURNS, but you do need to be able to carry a tune. Be ready to sing 30 seconds of your favorite song (a cappella), if asked.]
Actors will be given 3 minutes to audition. Please prepare 1 or 2 monologues not to exceed 2 minutes, and be prepared to sing.
[Note: You do not need to be a trained singer to be cast in MR. BURNS, but you do need to be able to carry a tune. Be ready to sing 30 seconds of your favorite song (a capella), if asked.]
A Note on Staged Intimacy: There will be no intimate contact, however characters may touch each other, stand near each other, or use each other for comfort. This will be staged with the consent and comfort of the actors. A section of the play parodies the oversexualization of television commercials, with actors performing in revealing costumes. How revealing the costumes will be is to be determined with the Costume Designer based on comfort/input from performers.
A Note on Staged Violence: There will be stylized violence as part of Act 3. Undergraduates must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible to be cast.
Enrollment Requirement: Student actors cast in this production must register for 2-3 credits of THTR 536 Rehearsal and Performance in the Fall semester.
ROLES OPEN FOR CASTING: All are available to any gender presentation.
MATT Handsome, confident man used to dominating the conversation in whatever room he is in. He seems to be a traditional leading man, but over the years will realize his true potential working off the stage.
MARIA Lived an outdoorsy life before all of this. Deep and soulful, she wants to work with her hands and create something beautiful.
JENNY A middle child in the group. There is an energy and a lightness about her, as if trying to create a return to the ease and humor of life from before.
SAM A quiet, burly man. Loveable teddy bear-type. There is a sadness about him. He will eventually take on a fatherly, security guard role within the troupe.
COLLEEN Youngest of the group but has seen the worst. Quiet and traumatized when we first meet her but will eventually grow into her role as the Director of the troupe. (Strong singer preferred.)
GIBSON Bearded, rough-looking man who has had a tough few months, hardened by what he has seen on the road. However, there is a seed of a theatre kid deep in his heart, which we will get to watch blossom. (Strong singer preferred.)
QUINCY A newer addition to the group, an actress from the traveling theatre circuits who has joined our troupe. Takes her craft very seriously and will defend it.
2 – 4 Understudies