Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre is excited to announce its production of Present Laughter, by Noël Coward which will open September 21. The production will be directed by Melissa Strickland and will run through October 8.
Auditions for the Present Laughter will be held Sunday, June 25, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Monday, June 26, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Way Off Broadway Theatre in the Cultural Arts Building at 203 West 4th Street in Prattville. Callbacks will be held on Tuesday, June 27, if needed.
There are parts for adult actors of all ages, with parts cast for approximate ages so that actors can play characters older or younger. Auditions will include cold readings. No monologues are needed.
Present Laughter is presented with special permission from Concord Theatricals.
Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre
Audition Information — Present Laughter
Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre and director Melissa Strickland are proud to announce auditions for the upcoming performance of Present Laughter, written by Noel Coward.
SYNOPSIS: Actor Garry Essendine is the star of the London theatrical scene at the height of his fame and adored by legions of admirers–perhaps a little too much. Fans regularly throw themselves at Garry’s feet, drawn in by his charm and charisma, throwing his household into chaos. In the week before Garry is set to embark on an African tour, he is forced to juggle a young woman with stars in her eyes, an unhinged young playwright obsessed with being in Garry’s presence, his best friend’s wife who is determined to seduce him, his manager, his producer, his secretary, his estranged ex-wife, and an impending mid-life crisis.
NOTE: Rehearsals will begin week of July 24. Show runs for three weekends: September 21 -October 8
Auditions Dates/Times Location
Sunday, June 25, from 5:00 – 7:00 WOBT Prattville
Monday, June 26, from 6:30 – 8:30 WOBT Prattville
Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 – 7:30 (CALLBACKS, only if needed) WOBT Prattville
COLD READINGS – no need to prepare monologues
If you can do a British accent, please brush up so you can demonstrate at auditions.
Not necessarily required.
Actors Needed
All ages and ethnicities; parts will be cast for approximate ages (actors can play older or
younger)
Garry Essendine — (early 40s) He’s a witty, refined, cynical, sophisticated, utterly self[1]absorbed super star of the London stage. Classically trained, talented and keenly aware of it.
Fond of dressing gowns. Prone to dramatic speeches. Women plot to seduce him. His resistance often falters. Men are slack jawed admirers. Requires the actor playing the part to play someone frequently accused of over acting in life – without actually overacting in this production. The lead role.
Liz Essendine – (30-40) A charming-looking woman in her thirties. Garry’s divorced wife. Still a friend and member of the theatrical team. Owns every room she walks into. Can stand up to Garry and anyone who threatens his success. She’s a level headed, smart and resourceful problem solver. Flatly faces the truth. Sees people for what they truly are. A good friend. A very significant role.
Daphne Stillington – Pretty girl, 21. Enthralled with Garry. She relentlessly pursues Garry and sleeps with him. She’s a naïve but scheming debutante. Smaller supporting role in 3 scenes.
Miss Erikson – (35-65) Thin, vague-looking (possibly Swedish?) housekeeper. Nonplussed by all the nonsense. Mystical and spiritual. Strong character actress with “a tranquil madness.” Supporting role. On and off stage often.
Fred – (30-60) Garry’s valet. A pleasure-seeker in fine clothes. Supporting role. Often quickly on and off stage throughout the play. Working class but aspires to be a true “upper class” butler. Jovial, uncomplicated view of life.
Monica Reed – (30-50) Garry’s secretary. She is a pleasant, rather austere woman in her early forties. Level headed stabilizing force in Garry’s life. Is not drawn in by Garry’s drama. Supporting role. On and off stage often.
Roland Maule – (20-30) An earnest young man with glasses. Aspiring playwright. A naïve, foolish, exuberant, star struck admirer of Garry. Brashly inserts himself into Garry’s life. Significant role. Four scenes.
Morris Dixon – (40-50) Tall, good-looking, a little grey at the temples. Having an affair with Joanna. A bit panicky. Self-involved, passionate, creative and romantic. In the theater business with Garry and Hubert. Significant role.
Hugo Lyppiatt – (40-50). Dapper and neat. Unaware of the affair between Morris and Joanna. Has had his own conquests. Smaller significant role.
Joanna Lyppiatt – (30-40). She has a great deal of assurance and considerable charm. Extremely alluring. She has an extensive list of sexual conquests. Artfully seduces Garry. Significant role.
Lady Saltburn – (50-80) Daphne’s aunt. A majestic but rather effusive society woman. One scene. Small part.
Way Off Broadway Theatre — 203 West 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067.
Cultural Arts Office — 334-595-085
For more information, contact the Cultural Arts Office of the City of Prattville at 334-595-0851 or email Barbara.simpson@prattvilleal.gov
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