“I’ll be directing Rumors in the fall and after directing a string of heavy dramas, I’m looking forward to some farce and frenzy. I’m looking for actors who love to play big and bold physically and emotionally.” — Julie Ahasay
It’s a farce. It’s a mystery. It’s the worst party ever.
- “Light, frothy and fun.” – NY Post
- “Not only side splitting, but front and back splitting.” – NBC-TV
- “Has nothing on its mind except making the audience laugh.” – The New York Times
Skills for acting in a farce:
- An instinct for comic timing
- Stamina for the demanding physical elements
- A willingness to make—and the ability to justify—big choices
- An understanding of how to raise the stakes for your character
- Emotional honesty
- A spirit of cooperation–farce requires detailed ensemble work
CASTING: FOUR COUPLES, TWO COPS
KEN GORMAN A well-to-do lawyer. Wealthy, but by no means pretentious. Takes charge of the situation. Halfway through the show, a gunshot causes his temporary deafness.
CHRIS GORMAN –Another lawyer, married to Ken. Frantically tries to maintain normalcy at the party. Has recently quit smoking, which makes her more easily flustered and in need of a strong drink.
LENNY GANZ –– A wealthy accountant, distraught over the recent destruction of his new BMW. Starts the show with an extreme case of whiplash. Intolerant of the gossipy-lifestyle that he is often involved in.
CLAIRE GANZ– Lenny’s wife. Very concerned with appearances (hers and others’). Starts the play with a swollen lip. Likes to gossip.
ERNIE CUSACK– a psychiatrist. Affable, smokes a pipe. Loves his wife very much. Tries to be as helpful as possible cooking the evening’s dinner.
COOKIE CUSACK –– has her own cooking show. Suffers from extreme back spasms. Loves her husband very much. A bit scattered and absent-minded at times.
GLENN COOPER –running for State Senate. Worried about his own reputation. Struggles with placating his wife, who is convinced he is having an affair (which he may or may not be).
CASSIE COOPER –. Obsesses over her husbands’ relationships with other women. Quick to anger. Must rub her quartz crystal to calm herself down.
OFFICER WELCH (M or F) –– A city police officer having a rough night. Does not tolerate lying. Sees through the “classy” façade that these high-society types put up.
OFFICER PUDNEY (F)– Welch’s partner. A strong but silent type.
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Auditions for Rumors are May 20, 20117!
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Callbacks: Sunday, May 21, 2017
Callback Times: TBD
PREPARE: Read the script, especially if you are interested in a particular role.