Auditions for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE by Christopher Durang
Directed by Lisa Spielman
Elmwood Playhouse
10 Park St
Nyack NY 10960
phone 845-353-1313
www.elmwoodplayhouse.com
Auditions June 6th and 7th at 7:30pm. Callbacks by invitation only June 10th at 7:30pm.
Performances September 7th through 29th – Fridays through Sundays, additional weekday performances possible.
Please note: All roles are open to actors of any ethnicity – actors of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Ages are listed as a guideline and refer to how you read on stage.
Chekhov is alive and well in Bucks County PA, where adult siblings VANYA and SONIA reside in their old family home, mourning their lost dreams and missed opportunities. Their cleaning woman CASSANDRA, like her namesake, is prone to making dire prophecies that no one believes. The sudden arrival of their movie star sister, MASHA; with her sexy young boy toy, SPIKE; and their encounter with beautiful, young neighbor NINA results in a hilarious and poignant weekend of wit, absurdity, and a lot of broken mugs.
Character Breakdown:
VANYA
Identifies as Male, 50's, any ethnicity. Lives with his sister SONIA, together they cared for their aged parents until they died. Dry, sardonic, highly intelligent, plays peacemaker between his two sisters SONIA and MASHA. He is resigned to this sort of lonely humdrum life, at least compared to SONIA. Actor must possess strong comedic and language skills as well as excellent timing.
SONIA
Identifies as Female, 50's, any ethnicity. Adopted sister of MASHA and VANYA, living with him in Bucks County. Considered plain, jealous of MASHA. She is lonely, very emotional, fragile, and full of regret, but tentatively ready to discover if there is more to life. Calls for strong comedic timing, authenticity, and a British dialect to resemble Maggie Smith.
MASHA
Identifies as Female, late 40’s to 50's, any ethnicity. VANYA and SONIA's sister. An international film star who is glamorous and successful. Has little to no responsibilities and seems blissfully unaware of the impact she has on her siblings (or really anyone else) as she is gallivanting around the world. Flamboyant, bit of a diva, very insecure about aging, softens in the end. Actor’s body type is less important than true star quality.
SPIKE
Identifies as Male, late 20’s to 30's, any ethnicity. MASHA's new companion. Aspiring actor, sexy and self-absorbed, who strips to his underwear frequently. Very good physical condition, flirtatious with male and females, fully aware of his strengths, not particularly bright. Requires excellent comedic timing. Must be comfortable appearing in underwear.
NINA
Identifies as Female, 20's, any ethnicity. Visiting her aunt and uncle, neighbors to VANYA and SONIA. Naive, aspiring actress who befriends VANYA. Lovely, sincere, star-struck and energetic. Nina is the character most like her counterpart from Chekov’s The Seagull.
CASSANDRA
Identifies as Female, any age, any ethnicity. Housekeeper/soothsayer who is occasionally correct. Overly dramatic, sassy, firm believer in voodoo; like her Greek namesake, her prophecies are not believed. Strong physical comedian with excellent timing.
Please have some familiarity with the play. Head shot and resume appreciated but not necessary. Be prepared to list ALL scheduling conflicts at the audition. Sides will be provided.
Questions, concerns, or to schedule an audition if these times don’t work: please call Lisa Spielman at 845 893 8283.
Sides from the script will be made available at the audition. All roles available. Casting is open to all. Ethnicities, races, and newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the event. For more information or directions, call 845-353-1313 or visit
http://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/auditions
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