THE NERD
Directed by Mark Lunsford
Produced by Anna & Nicholas Brown
- Monday December 1st – 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Tuesday December 2nd – 6:30pm-8:30pm
Auditionees should prepare a 1 minute comedic monologue and come prepared to be asked to read from the script if deemed necessary. Auditionees should come prepared with a headshot, resume, and complete list of conflicts from January 1st through February 15th.
There is potential for a cast read through the week of December 8th, pending cast availability.
Rehearsal Info –
Monday-Thursday from 6:30pm-9:00pm
Production Dates
- February 13th & 14th @ 7:30pm
- February 14th & 15th @ 2:00pm
Show Description
Now an aspiring young architect in Terre Haute, Indiana, Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was wounded in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd” —a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising “twist” ending of the play.
Roles
- Axel Hammond (M) (Late 20s – Early 30s) – Axel Hammond is a theatre critic, who also happens to be Willum’s best friend. He’s a bit pretentious, especially when he’s had a drink or two. Always armed with a sarcastic comment, Axel injects a dose of cynicism into the play.
- Tansy McGinnis (F) (Late 20s-Early 30s) – Tansy McGinnis, a smart and successful woman, plays a crucial role in the drama of The Nerd. She grapples with the allure of her dream job as a television weather forecaster in Washington, D.C., though it might draw her away from Willum. Idealistic and upbeat, Tansy brings a refreshing energy to the play. Her internal conflict highlights the delicate balance between personal aspirations and romantic entanglements.
- William Cubbert (M) (30s) – Willum Cubbert stands at the center of the narrative. He is an architect deep in his latest project, designing a hotel for the overbearing Mr. Waldgrave. Kind and intelligent (though something of a pushover), Willum struggles with a lack of assertiveness. His character serves as the heart around which the comedic chaos unfolds.
- Warnock Waldgrave (M) (Early-Mid 30s) – Mr. Waldgrave is an overbearing businessman with eight hotels under his ownership. His lack of a smile and brash demeanor contrast the more amicable characters surrounding him.
- Clelia Waldgrave (F) (Early-Mid 30s) – Right beside Mr. Waldgrave stands Clelia, his high-strung and put-upon wife. Suppressing her emotions, Clelia finds solace in breaking “something small” to release her stress.
- Thor Waldgrave (M) (Stage age of 8-11yrs) – Completing the Waldgrave family is Thor, the chaos-inducing son. Axel calls him the “poster child for Planned Parenthood,” and it’s clear to see why. Thor’s antics, often involving hiding in closets or bedrooms, contribute to the farcical nature of the play.
- Rick Steadman (M) (Late 20s-Early 30s) – Rick Steadman, the titular ‘nerd,’ takes center stage as the root of the play’s absurdity. Oblivious to insults and lacking manners, Rick adds an element of chaos to the otherwise mundane lives of the characters. Rick’s quirks become a source of frustration and amusement for those around him—and ultimately, a catalyst for change.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 