Casting "Leading Ladies"
As this drawing room farce by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me A Tenor/ Moon Over Buffalo), begins, we meet Leo and Jack, two down-and-out British Shakespearean actors reduced to playing the Moose Lodge Circuit in Pennsylvania's Amish country in the late 1950's. When they learn that Florence Snider, a dying, wealthy old woman in York is seeking to reunite with her long lost English nephews so she can leave them 2/3 of her fortune, they hatch a scheme to pose as the nephews only to discover from Audrey, a Snider family friend, whom they meet on the train to York, that the soon-to-be heirs are not nephews but nieces. To complicate things, Leo falls head-over-heels in love with Florence's niece, Meg, heir to the other 1/3 of the fortune, (and Jack with Audrey), necessitating that they play both the nieces and themselves. What follows is a classic farce full of deceptions, romances, chaos, lots and lots of quick costume changes (think Mrs. Doubtfire / Tootsie) but not so many slamming doors.
Auditions will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 220 E. Main St, Tuckerton, NJ at 7pm on January 7 & 8, 2020.
Auditions will consist of readings of excerpts (sides) from the script. Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions and are provided at the bottom of this page should you choose to read them ahead of time. There may be some cold readings as well.
No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds, ages (over 18), and ethnicities welcome and encouraged to audition! Most actors will be up and down to read multiple times in multiple combinations and scenes. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading for parts you are interested in. You may also be asked to read for other parts you may not be auditioning for.
We’re always on the lookout for new faces. We’re actors too, and we know how nerve-wracking auditions can be. We try to put you at ease and make the audition fun. If you don’t get a part, please come back and try again. We know EXACTLY what it’s like to audition over and over before landing a role.
Tip #1: Read the sides posted here and also try to read the whole script before you audition. You’ll have a better idea of the available roles, and you’ll feel more prepared, which will help you relax and have fun. You do not need to memorize the sides (it’s probably better if you don’t).
Tip #2: Check the preliminary rehearsal schedule in advance and note any conflicts on your audition form. Conflicts for general rehearsals don’t mean you won’t get cast, but they do help the director finalize who rehearses when. Double check that you can be at every rehearsal during tech week and every performance.
Tip #3: Bring a list of shows you’ve been in and roles you've played so you’re ready to fill out the audition form. It’s amazing how one’s mind can go blank when audition nerves kick in.
Rehearsal days and times will be Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm (approximate) plus one other day each week which will be determined shortly after casting based on crew and actor conflicts.
Performance Dates and Times:
Evening Performances: Thurs. Fri. Sat. March 26-28 7:30 pm
Matinee: Sunday March 29 2:00 pm
The ages listed for the characters are those actually stated or suggested in the script, however, actors auditioning for these roles can be younger or older than the stated age. For many of the characters, their age in relation to that of the other characters is more important than any specific chronological age.
If you are auditioning for the roles of Leo, Jack, or Meg, you will be asked to read a Shakespearean monologue (or you can come prepared with a one minute Shakespearean monologue of your choice.) Actors reading for the roles of Leo/Maxine and Jack/Stephanie will be asked to speak in British accents for both their male and female roles and show off their best Shakespearean voice as well.
Thumbnail Role Descriptions (ages are flexible)
Leo Clark / Maxine – (40s) An actor possessing real talent, and a clever, quick-on-his-feet thinker, Leo masterminds the plot to steal Meg’s millions ... until he falls in love with her. As Maxine, she’s a chic and flamboyant diva who commands the stage and all those around her. Must be able to switch between genders and voices constantly.
Jack Gable/ Stephanie – (40s) An actor of some talent as well. A reluctant partner in crime with Leo ... more sincere and not so clever or conniving as Leo. Knows how to push Leo's buttons. As Stephanie, she is shy and demure at first, but eventually grows more comfortable with her feminine side. Requires great comedic timing, physical humor, and a willingness to do anything to win the love of Audrey.
Meg Snider – (20s to early 30s) A bright, vivacious young woman (in line for the other 1/3 of Florence's fortune) who loves the theatre and secretly dreams to experience far more of the world than York can possibly offer, but apparently resigned to settle for less as she has agreed to marry Duncan, an older, stuffy minister. As the author says, “our play is all about Meg,” as she transforms from innocent obedience to self-confident woman.
Duncan Wooley – (60s) A local minister, substantially older than Meg. A good man at heart, set in his ways and anxious to control Meg's inheritance money. He disdains actors and suspects that Leo and Jack are frauds and would like nothing more than to expose them as such. His telephone conversations with the police should demonstrate comedic timing and contrast his mild manner with occasional bursts of temper.
Audrey – (20s or early 30s) An innocent girl that is kind and gullible, but she’s trying to improve herself and her vocabulary. Attractive, very sweet and good natured. She is pursued both by Butch and Jack. Enjoys playing Sebastian in Twelfth Night. Ability to roller skate is a plus but not required.
Doc Meyers – (50s) Florence's country doctor and family friend. He’s a cantankerous, likable curmudgeon that takes no guff from anyone and often spars with Duncan and Florence. Father of Butch. Doc married for love but encourages his son to marry into money. At some point, he misperceives that Stephanie (Jack) is in love with him. He’s the Chief Moose in the local Moose Lodge and plays a “rollicking” Sir Toby Belch in the Twelfth Night scenes.
Butch Meyers – (20s to early 30s) Doc's handsome son who was a high school football star. Butch isn’t the brightest bulb, but he is earnest and sincere, with a good heart. Notwithstanding his dad's advice, is in love with Audrey.. Argues with Doc, but they adore each other. Steals the Twelfth Night scenes as Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
Florence Snider – (70s) The richest woman in York, PA. Kind but crusty old lady with terrible eyesight but a sharp mind and tongue. Must switch quickly between sweetness and anger, life and apparent death.
*LETCO is a non-profit community theatre troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.