Open audition notice for THE WOMAN IN BLACK,
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, by Susan Hill
Auditions will be held Sun & Mon, Oct 13 & 14, 2024, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: Nov 29-Dec 15, 2024
The Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philip TheatreScape
430 Wayne Ave, Dayton OH, 45410
937-278-5993
Directed by David Shough
Produced by Rick Flynn
THE PLAY: Two men — Kipps and a young actor he hires — rehearse a theatrical telling of the story of Kipps’ visit to Eel Marsh House and the mystery and horrors he discovers there. In acting out the story, the Actor plays Kipps, and Kipps plays the other characters he encountered in his visit. The story is performed on a simple bare stage with few props; the two men, and the Woman, feed the audience’s imagination.
In the words of the playwright: “The intent of the show is to frighten – so if it doesn’t it’s nothing. The fear is not on a visual or visceral level, but an imaginative one.”
Casting Requirements:
Seeking 2 men and 1 woman. Race is not relevant to any role. All races & ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
- Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
- Please bring a résumé
- A headshot is not required but is appreciated.
- Please provide a list of all known conflicts between Oct 15 & Dec 15, 2024.
You need only attend one night, but are welcome at both. If you cannot attend either audition date, contact the director at davids@pbstudios.com or 937-626-2674, and we will make time or permit a video audition.
Rehearsals will generally be Monday through Thursday evenings, subject to cast schedules.
NOTE: the show opens the day after Thanksgiving. We will have the holiday off but will rehearse Monday through Wednesday of that week.
- Actor:
Younger than middle age; could be 25-40, depending on the apparent age of the actor playing Kipps. Self-assured professional actor, hired by Kipps to help him present his story of his encounter with the woman in black at Eel Marsh House. He professional, well-trained, aware of his talent, but in no way arrogant or pompous. Standard British accent.
- Kipps:
“Middle-aged,” which could be anything from 45 to 65. He is a man in pain, looking for release by telling the story of the woman in black. As himself, he is a middle-class solicitor in London with a standard British accent. Kipps also portrays five other diverse characters during the story, each with his own mannerism, voice and different British accent.
- The Woman:
Tall, thin, she appears in a long black dress and veil. She has no lines on stage, though there are a few recorded lines in a British accent. Must move well; she should appear almost to float in her long black dress. Her rehearsal time will be limited
We will audition briefly for The Woman first each night, reading a few lines and then some simple movement exercises.
Men will audition second with readings from the play. Sides will be made available online in mid- September, and familiarity with them is encouraged.
British accents are required for all actors. Those auditioning for Kipps are encouraged to be prepared to show several different class or regional dialects.
For more information please contact:
Director David Shough at davids@pbstudios.com or 937-626-2674
Dayton Theatre Guild is a community theatre that values community representation, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion on and off stage. People of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate and will be given full consideration in casting and all volunteer opportunities. Unless explicitly specified by the playwright in the text of the play, all roles will be open to all performers.
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