SWEAT - Lake Worth Playhouse Non Equity Auditions

CALL TO AUDITION

SWEAT BY LYNN NOTTAGE

(A Black Box Series Production)

2017 Pulitzer Prize Winner

Directed by Sabrina Lynn Gore

Stage Manager – Samantha McCue

Audition Dates:

January 11th, 2021 starting at 7pm

January 12th, 2021 starting at 7pm

No appointment needed

Show Dates:

March 11th – March 21st 2021

8 performances total in Stonzek Studio Theatre

About the Play:

Filled with warm humor and tremendous heart, SWEAT tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends find themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight to stay afloat.

Roles:

(Casting note: The most important thing to remember about these characters is that they are “real people”. They are hard-working, blue collar, working class folks trying to survive. Also, all actors must be comfortable with using adult language.)

Cynthia – African American, 40’s-50’s. Chris’s mom, Brucie’s estranged ex. Smart, ambitious, strong but putty in Brucie’s hands. Born and raised in Berks County, PA. Has worked at the factory her entire life. Her friendship with Tracy, and her loyalty to the other workers is tested when she becomes Supervisor.

Tracey – white, American of German Descent, 40’s-50’s, Chris’s mom. Crass, loud, fun-loving, carries an unearned sense of entitlement, unapologetically blue collar. Born and raised in Berks County, PA. Has no real ambition to move up but becomes jealous when Cynthia becomes Supervisor. Their friendship is tested with the promotion of her friend and community members picket the plant.

Chris – African American, early to late 20’s. Cynthia’s son. Grew up with Jason. Works at the plant. Aspirational, cool without trying, funny. He longs to go to college and get out of Berks County and become a teacher. The actor playing this part must be comfortable with fight choreography.

Jason – White American of German Descent, early to late 20’s. Tracey’s son. Grew up with Chris. Works at the plant. Sarcastic, loud, no ambition beyond retiring in Berks County and opening a Dunkin Donuts with his pension. The actor playing this part must be comfortable with wearing white supremist tattoos as part of costume for part of the play and with fight choreography.

Jessie – Italian-American, 40’s. Friends with Tracey and Cynthia, also works in the plant. Fun, sensitive, drinks too much. Joni Mitchell type. She used to be carefree and had plans to leave Berks County and travel the world but got “stuck” working at the plant like a lot of small-town gals.

Stan – White American of German descent, late 40’s-50’s. Bartender. Relatable, funny, wise. Protective of Oscar. Former plant worker until a leg injury forced him into early retirement. The actor playing this part must be comfortable with fight choreography.

Oscar – Columbian-American, 20’s-early 30’s. Works at the bar under the watchful eye of Stan. First generation from immigrant parents. Always present but seems to be mostly ignored by the residents – until he’s not. The actor playing this part must be comfortable with fight choreography.

(The role of Evan and Brucie will be played by the same actor)

Evan – African American, 40’s. Parole officer. Professional, clean cut, educated. He is understanding, but also no nonsense.

Brucie – African American, 40’s. Chris’s dad, Cynthia’s estranged ex. Smooth talker, but years of hard work and hard drinking have taken a toll. He has substance abuse issues. Been locked out of his factory for over a year and has been on the picket lines.

Requirements:

Please prepare two contrasting, contemporary monologues, approx. 2 min each. If called back, please be prepared to read from the script; sides will be provided.