Auditions – Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike
By Christopher Durang | Directed by Nino Casisi
WHEN
Open call: Saturday, February 18, 2017 – 1:00-4:00 pm and Sunday, February 19, 2017 – 7:00-10:00 pm.
Call backs (if needed): Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 1:00-4:00 pm by invitation.
WHERE
Olathe Civic Theatre Association
500 E Loula | Olathe, KS
PRODUCTION DATES
April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and May 5, 6, 7, 2017
Fri/Sat at 8 pm | Sun at 2 pm
SIDES
Audition scenes as follows:
Scene 1 – Vanya and Sonia (script pages 7-11)
Scene 2 – Cassandra, Vanya and Sonia (script pages 12-13)
Scene 3 – Vanya, Masha and Nina (script pages 31-33)
Scene 4 – Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (script pages 38-41)
Scene 5 – Masha, Spike, Nina, Sonia, Cassandra, Vanya (script pages 28-31)
Scene 6 – Vanya monologue (script pages 57-58)
ABOUT THE SHOW
The story revolves around the relationships of three middle-aged single siblings, two of whom live together. It takes place during a visit by the third sibling, Masha, who supports them. They discuss their lives and loves, argue, and Masha threatens to sell the house. Some of the show’s elements were derived from works of Anton Chekhov, including several character names. The play’s setting is in a cherry orchard, and the theme is the possible loss of an ancestral home. A weekend of rivalry, regret and raucousness begins…
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Two males
Four females
VANYA (male) – Late 40’s to mid 50’s. A gay man who lives with his step-sister Sonia. He took care of their aging parents over a long time and didn’t do much of what he’d like to have done with his life, but is resigned, more or less. He acts the peacemaker between his two sisters. Seeking a very strong actor, great with language and timing, excellent comedic skills.
SONIA (female) – Late 40’s to mid-50s. Vanya’s step-sister living with him. Discontent, upset, regretful. Never had a romantic life. Volatile, and angry that her pretty sister, Masha, has had a life. Must be a very strong comedic actress with great language skills and wide emotional range. Ability to impersonate Maggie Smith essential.
MASHA (female) – Late 40’s to late 50’s. Vanya’s other sister. Glamorous and successful actress who goes gallivanting around the world. A bit grandiose, but also charming. Has had five failed marriages and has recently taken up with a young actor, Spike. Has been paying everybody’s bills.
SPIKE (male) – Mid-late 20s. An aspiring actor. Masha’s new companion. Sexy, self-absorbed boy-toy. Friendly, charming, always seductive, attractive and is very well built. Seeking a strong comedic actor also good at physical comedy. You may be asked to take off your shirt at auditions.
NINA (female) – Early to late 20s. Lovely, sincere would-be actress, visiting her aunt and uncle next door to Vanya and Sonia. Star-struck and energetic in her enthusiasm. Responds to Vanya and is kind to him.
CASSANDRA (female) – 20-55. Can be any ethnicity. Cleaning lady and soothsayer, she often bursts into prophecy, her diction sounding like Greek tragedy mixed with contemporary thoughts and references. Her seeing the future is somewhat truthful, though not always 100% accurate. She often criticizes her employers Vanya and Sonia, but at the core wants to help them. Verbal dexterity with great comedic skills necessary.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
No monologues are needed (but if you have a comedic monologue, it will be heard). “Warm” readings from script sides will be the formality. You will have time to work scenes with groups before auditioning for the Director. Please be aware that the Director is looking for you to showcase your character, show chemistry with your fellow actors and be creative. Please be familiar with the show and the characters, as there are adult situations and language.
WHAT TO BRING:
Current resume and a complete list of conflicts from March 13-May 7, 2017. Dedication and commitment to OCTA, the director and your fellow actors is of utmost importance, so the fewer conflicts you have, the better your chances of getting a role. Regarding conflicts, please remember vacations and your holiday schedules before auditioning, as these may be a factor in the casting process. Head shots are welcome, but not required.
REHEARSALS:
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, March 13th with a read-through and will run Monday-Friday, with a technical rehearsal with all cast and crew scheduled for Saturday, April 15th (due to Easter being on Sunday, April 16th).
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions, please contact OCTA Production Manager Richard J. Burt at richard.burt@gmail.com.
OCTA celebrates our cultural and intellectual richness and is committed to promoting diversity in all aspects of our organization. Non-traditional and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged.