Tag Archives: Fairfield Footlighters

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

NIGHT WATCH
Directed by Kevin Noll
Monday and Tuesday, Sept 28 & 29 at 6:30
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 to auditions and be prepared to list all conflicts.
•   All roles are available. Color-blind casting, although Helga the cook is German.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Performances:
  November 13-14 & 20-21 at 8PM, November 15 & 22 at 2PM

About the Play
Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler paces the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, troubled by unsettling memories and vague fears. Her husband tries to comfort her, but when he steps away for a moment Elaine screams as she sees (or believes she sees) the body of a dead man in the window across the way. The police are called, but find nothing except an empty chair. Elaine’s terror grows as shortly thereafter, she sees still another body—this time a woman’s—but by now the police are skeptical and pay no heed to her frantic pleas. Her husband, claiming that Elaine may be on the verge of a breakdown, calls in a lady psychiatrist, who agrees with his suggestion that Elaine should commit herself to a sanitarium for treatment. From this point on, the plot moves quickly and grippingly as those involved—Elaine’s old friend and house guest Blanche; the inquisitive and rather sinister man who lives next door; and the nosy German maid Helga—all contribute to the deepening suspense and mystery of the play as it draws towards its riveting and chilling climax.

Role Breakdowns

•  John Wheeler – (30s)  Elaine’s husband, a Wall Street trader and real estate investor, very well off.
•  Elaine Wheeler – (30s) Attractive, an avid art collector. Suffering from insomnia. Recently recovered from a nervous breakdown.
•  Helga – (30s – 50s) Wheeler’s German cook. Fond of Elaine, tolerates John. (Note: A German accent needed for performance)
•  Officer Vanelli – (20s) A young beat-cop who used to work as a guard at an art museum. A little cocky.
•  Curtis Appleby – (40s-60s) The Wheelers’ neighbor. Eccentric to flamboyant busybody, publishes a neighborhood paper.
•  Blanche Cooke – (30s) Elaine’s best friend, living with the Wheelers.
•  Lieutenant Walker – (40s-60s) A no-nonsense homicide detective. Has pretty much seen it all, and more than he would like.
•  Dr. Tracy Lake – (40s-50s)  A psychiatrist brought in to treat Elaine. Matter-of-fact, but sympathetic to her patients.
•  Sam Hoke (40s-60s) Owner of a delicatessen near the Wheelers residence. Gruff, a bit shabby in appearance. (Note: only appears at the end of Act I)

Note: Color-blind casting