THE NERD
Directed by James C. Davis
Monday and Tuesday, January 4 & 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Auditions will be held in the Classroom on the 2nd floor of the Arts Center
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Cold readings from the script.
- Bring your calendar and be prepared to list all conflicts.
- All roles are available. Color-blind casting.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Performances: February 19-20 & 26-27 at 8PM, February 21 & 28 at 2PM
About the Play
One of the funniest plays ever written, this extraordinarily inventive, side-splitting comedy was first presented by the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, then produced in Great Britain, then went on to Broadway. The action centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam—the visitor turning out to be an incredibly inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd” who outstays his welcome with a vengeance. “Shue delivers a neatly crafted package that uses some classic comic forms to bring the audience to its knees, laughing.” —The Milwaukee Journal. “…the audience almost never stops laughing—handkerchiefs wiping away tears of merriment…” —Variety. “…a spring tonic of side-bruising laughter…” —The Milwaukee Tribune.
Role Breakdowns
- Willum Cubbert (age: 30’s): Willum is an architect, currently designing a hotel for Mr. Waldgrave, and a pushover. He’s kind and intelligent, but Tansy says he “could use a little gumption.” He lacks the backbone to stand up for himself. He rents two rooms in his house to Tansy and Axel.
- Thor Waldgrave (age: able to look 11 or younger): The Waldgraves’ terror of a son. “Poster child for planned parenthood,” as Axel calls him. Spends most of the play hiding in a closet or bedroom.
- Clelia Waldgrave (age: 40’s): Mr. Waldgrave’s high-strung, put-upon wife. She holds back all of her emotions, and only releases her stress when she can break “something small.”
- Warnock Waldgrave (age: 40-50’s): A boisterous, slightly dim businessman, owner of eight hotels, with no creativity and no tact. He never smiles.
- Rick Steadman (age: 30-40’s): The titular “nerd.” He’s oblivious to insult and lacks manners or sensitivity. He tells Willum that he works as an inspector at a chalk factory in Wisconsin.
- Axel Hammond (age: 30-40’s): Willum’s best friend and Tansy’s ex. He’s a pretentious, often-inebriated drama critic, always ready with a sarcastic comment.
- Tansy McGinnis (age: 25-30s): A smart woman who is as attracted to Willum as he is to her, but who has been offered her dream job as a television weather forecaster in Washington, D.C., and feels guilty for leaving Willum behind. Idealistic, perky, and just as kind as Willum.
Note: Color-blind casting
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 