Auditions

This quirky comedy will delight with jam-packed athleticism full of family interference, chaos, anxieties, rivalries and near-disasters. Join the Wembley family as they cover all their bases negotiating the once-a-year big hitter Thanksgiving festivities.

Auditions: Tuesday, Sept. 3rd & Wednesday, Sept. 4th from 7–8:30pm

Callbacks: Thursday, September 5th from 7–8:30pm

Opening Night: Friday, November 15th, 2024, at 8:00pm

Performance Dates: Fridays thru Sundays, Nov. 15th – Dec. 1st

Please prepare a 30 second monologue.

Characters may be of any race, age, gender, vocal range, or physical ability to play any role. The one thing that is necessary is the willingness to be flexible in range of movement and vocals. Actors need not sing, but must have the ability to “stretch” vocally. Similarly, actors need not turn cartwheels, but must be willing to “stretch” physically within their means. Actors should be comfortable in their own skin, like themselves, and be willing to play.

► Please complete this  online Audition Form

Questions?

Contact the Director, Shelley Nowacek, at [email protected]

There is purposely no physical description (age, gender, race) for each character other than what the author has written (which is minimal). That said, we can certainly use a man to play a woman, and vice-versa. In other words, any character can be played by any gender. It is the movement that is key, not the body who makes the movement, for the work to work.

ANNOUNCER #
In charge of action. Professional talker, fast-paced and leathery. Wearing professional headphones. Ideally, a Howard Cosell look-alike/sound alike.

ANNOUNCER @
In charge of color commentary. Also a professional talker, fast-paced and honey-voiced (optional), also wearing professional headphones. Ideally, a John Madden look-alike/sound alike.

THE FAMILY
In general, the cast should be every possible physical type. A variety of players. Characters may be of any race, age, gender, vocal range, or physical ability to play any role. The one thing that is necessary is the willingness to be flexible in range of movement and vocals. Actors need not sing, but must have the ability to “stretch” vocally. Similarly, actors need not turn cartwheels, but must be willing to “stretch” physically within their means. Actors should be comfortable in their own skin, like themselves, and be willing to play.

SnapDragon: Matriarch. Blind and Ceremonial. Wearing Blu-Blockers.

GrandDada: Patriarch. Deaf and Pragmatic. Wearing giant hearing aids.

Trifle: Oldest daughter. (If The Cherry Orchard was a comedy) Not like Olga.

Cherry Pie: Middle daughter. Not like Masha. (Again, if The Cherry Orchard was a comedy)

THE FAMILY (cont.)

Cheesecake: Youngest daughter. Maybe a little like Irina. (Again…if The Cherry Orchard…you get it)

Fred: Trifle’s husband (see above)

Ed: Cherry Pie’s husband (see above and above)

Ned: Cheesecake’s husband (see above and above and above)

Smilesinger: Daughter of Trifle & Fred

Smilesinger’s husband: Husband of Smilesinger

Brainerd: Son of Trifle & Fred. Absent. This role will not be cast–as they are absent–however, it is possible they will be represented by their names/images on signs that are introduced by the crew.

Brainerd’s wife: Wife of Brainerd. Absent. See above note.

Gumbo: Daughter of Cherry Pie & Ed. Divorced.

The Twins: Sons of Cherry Pie & Ed

Wives of the Twins: Wives of the Twins. Nothing alike.

Runnerman: Son of Cheesecake & Ned. Single Parent.

Republican: Son of Cheesecake & Ned

Republican’s Wife: Wife of Republican. Weirdo ^*.

Trainer: Daughter of Cheesecake & Ned

Trainer’s Partner: Partner of Trainer. A survivalist.

^*This term comes from the play, not current political commentary.

We welcome both experienced performers and newcomers to audition and will make casting decisions based on the show parameters.

Headshots and resumes are strongly encouraged but not required.

Bring your headshot and resume (if you have them), any sheet music for musical auditions, and a list of potential schedule conflicts with you at the determined check-in time. Most auditions are first come first serve. If pre-registration is an option, it will be noted in the description.

Electronic scripts or sides are sometimes available to peruse; these will be listed in the audition details above if available. These will provide you an opportunity to get to know and understand the character(s) that you wish to audition for. We also encourage you to research the show online to learn more about the characters and themes.

Sadly, nobody gets free parking in the Scope Garage. It’s managed by the City of Norfolk and they charge everyone to park — cast, crew, volunteers, and patrons. Sometimes you can find free street parking nearby. If you know of a generous donor or business who might be interested in underwriting parking for a show or season, please let us know at [email protected] and we’d love to speak with them.

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Whenever possible, you’ll find relevant contact information listed in the audition details above. Otherwise, please feel free to email [email protected] with your inquiry. We’ll do our best to respond in a timely manner, but please remember that we’re a volunteer organization and sometimes responses take time.