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Auditions: The Real Thing
December 1, 2022 - December 4, 2022
We are delighted to announce our Easter 2023 production in the York Theatre Royal Studio will be Tom Stoppard’s brilliantly witty play, The Real Thing, directed by Jacob Ward. There are seven fantastic roles up for grabs and we’ll be holding auditions at Southlands Methodist Church on 1, 3 and 4 December. Our auditions are open to all, regardless of whether you’re a YSCP member or have acted in one of our productions before.
About the play
Henry is married to Charlotte. Max is married to Annie. Henry – possibly the sharpest playwright of his generation – has written a play about a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. Charlotte and Max, his leading couple, are about to find out that sometimes life imitates art…
Hilarious and thought-provoking, this thrilling exploration of love and infidelity has many twists and turns. With sharp, quick-witted dialogue and seven brilliantly formed characters, the relationships in this play shine and every part is a gem to play. All funny in their own right, all with their own beliefs to defend, each one is an integral part of the puzzle…what is The Real Thing…?
Characters
- Henry (35-40ish, male) – quick-witted playwright. Sure of self and views, will speak his mind. Banterous. Can take care of himself. A romantic. Married to Charlotte, father to Debbie, has an affair with Annie. Must be ok with kissing and romantic physical contact. This part has a significant number of lines to learn and is a great opportunity for an actor looking to take on a large, leading role.
- Annie (25-30ish, female) – bright-eyed, vivacious actress. Cheeky, sensual and provocative. Activist. Motivated, independent, driven by morals and emotions. Must be ok with kissing and romantic physical contact. This part has a significant number of lines to learn and is a great opportunity for an actor looking to take on a large, leading role.
- Charlotte (35-40ish, female) – friendly but sharp; actress. A mix of Annie and Henry – was like Annie in the past but life has made her wiser; able to take care of herself and independent; an equal match for Henry’s wit and banter. Can be dry and ruthless. Can be soft and vulnerable. A force to be reckoned with but you would want her as a friend. Married to Henry, mother to Debbie. Has had a few secret affairs.
- Max (35-40ish, male) – kind and friendly, keeps the peace, wears his heart on sleeve. Actor. Married to Annie.
- Billy (22ish, male/female, certain lines Scottish accent) – young, cheeky actor with little inhibition. Must be ok with kissing and romantic physical contact.
- Debbie (17, female) – just finished school and is off travelling. Liberal and open attitude on sex, love and life. Affectionately cuts through Henry’s wit and makes him question his views with her new generation of thinking. Independent and intelligent; energetic and defiant. Please note: this character only appears in one scene so would be perfect for an actor looking for a small but significant part.
- Brodie (25, male/female, Scottish accent) – soldier in the army who has been in prison for 3 years. Against everything, wanting to cause an uprising against all the powers that control them. Not intelligent but forceful and driven in their own beliefs. Loud and unlikable and intimidating in some way (doesn’t have to be physical, just the way they talk) but covering up a vulnerability. Self-congratulating and an aversion to saying ‘thank you’. Please note: this character only appears in one scene so would be perfect for an actor looking for a small but significant part.
NB// All kissing and contact will be choreographed and planned in a controlled environment using Intimacy Coordination.
Unless specified in the character breakdowns above, please use your own accent.
About the director
Jacob Ward has studied acting, and been an actor and director for over 10 years. He hopes to use this opportunity to develop his idea of directing from an actor’s point of view, giving each actor source material from which they will be able to build from. Various acting tools will be used/taught during rehearsals. Direction will be fast-paced and interactive, and so he hopes then that this will be fun for all, but also an exciting opportunity for those interested in learning more or for actors practising their craft.
Audition information
Auditions will take place at Southlands Methodist Church on:
- Thursday 1 Dec: 7pm – 9.30pm
- Saturday 3 Dec: 2pm – 5.30pm
- Sunday 4 Dec: 2pm – 5.30pm
You do not need to prepare a monologue. We’ll ask you to perform a duologue from the play with a partner, which will be supplied in advance. Please prepare this scene as best you can; there is no need to learn the material off by heart but be as familiar with the text as you can to allow you more freedom during the audition. The audition time slots will be half an hour long.
To register your interest, please email yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com with your name, which part/parts you are interested in, a brief overview of your previous acting experience, and any commitments that would make you unavailable during the rehearsal and performance times (see below for more details). Please also specify if you are unable to make any of the audition dates.
Rehearsals and performances
Rehearsals will run from the beginning of February 2023, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend. There will be 8 performances in the York Theatre Royal Studio. The production weeks are w/c 3 April to w/c 10 April. Please note: there will be no performances from 7-10 April due to the Easter weekend. You will need to join York Settlement Community Players in order to be part of the cast.
We look forward to hearing from you!