IN THE NEXT ROOM - The Theatre Group at SBCC Non Equity Auditions

THE THEATRE GROUP AT SBCC

announces auditions for

In the Next Room, or the vibrator play

By Sarah Ruhl

Directed by Rick Mokler

Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Cast: 3m, 4f

Time: The dawn of the age of electricity; and after the Civil War; circa 1880’s.

Place: A prosperous spa town outside of New York City, perhaps Saratoga Springs.

Synopsis:

In a seemingly perfect, well-to-do Victorian home, proper gentleman and scientist Dr. Givings has innocently invented an extraordinary new device for treating hysteria in women (and occasionally men): the vibrator. Adjacent to the in-home doctor's laboratory, his young and energetic wife tries to tend to their newborn daughter—and wonders exactly what is going on in the next room. When a new hysterical patient and her husband bring a wet nurse and their own complicated relationship into the doctor's home, Dr. and Mrs. Givings must examine the nature of their own marriage, and what it truly means to love someone.

Available roles

Dr. Givings – early 40’s. Dr. Givings treats patients for “hysteria,” using what he calls “therapeutic electrical massage”, meaning the vibrator. He is, above all else, a man of science, detached and clinical, both with his patients and his wife.

Catherine Givings – Dr. Givings’ wife, in her late 20’s. While she appears to be spontaneous and carefree, she is actually lonely and depressed. Must have a natural charm and innocence.

Mrs. Sabrina Daldry – Dr. Givings’ patient; early 30’s. Dr. Givings treats her with the vibrator for “hysteria”, which manifests itself in her as depression and listlessness. The actress who plays Mrs. Daldry must capture the newness of the orgasmic experience and express it in a way that is surprising and funny without crossing over into slapstick. Ideally, she can also play the piano a little, although this is not essential.

Mr. Dick Daldry – Sabrina’s husband; a man in his 40’s or 50’s; a dominant husband typical of the time with clear expectations as to how his wife should behave.

Leo Irving – Dr. Givings’ other patient; an Englishman in his 20’s or 30’s; a handsome, free-spirited artist. He has come to Dr. Givings because he is depressed after having been dumped by his fiancée. The actor who plays Leo should have a good British accent and lots of charisma.

Annie – A woman in her late 30’s; Dr. Givings’ midwife/assistant. Unmarried, quiet and unassuming, she is a perfect compliment to Dr. Givings. She helps undress and dress the patients and performs manual stimulation on Mrs. Daldry when Dr. Givings’ electric therapy is unsuccessful.

The role listed below has been cast.

Elizabeth – An African American woman in her early 30’s; a wet nurse by default.

APPOINTMENTS WILL BE TAKEN BEGINNING:
Monday, November 16th, 10 to 4pm