Audition
DOUBT AUDITION NOTICE
Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at Dundas Little Theatre
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 7:30 p.m at Dundas Little Theatre
“Change comes at the moment of Doubt”… so writes John Patrick Shanley in his edifying preface to his Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
And Dundas Little Theatre has elected to choose this most timely piece for this present Pandemic Pause to open their 2021-22 season.
It will be produced by Brenda Ewing and directed by Dia Frid, who both are eagerly anticipating actors who will relish the creative collaboration that is necessary to mount this challenging and thought-provoking play.
A digital copy of the script can be obtained from Brenda Ewing, email brenda.ewing18@gmail.com
CAST OF CHARACTERS
It is important to note that the play takes place in 1964, when racial prejudices and terminology were openly expressed.
While this is not a play about accents, it is helpful to voice the lines according to the suggestions proposed by the playwright. The play takes place in the Bronx, New York.
Sister Aloysius Beauvier (suggested age – over 50). She is watchful, reserved, unsentimental.
Sister James (suggested age – between 25-35). There is a bit of sunshine in her heart, though she’s reserved as well.
Father Brendan Flynn (suggested age – over 40). He is working class, from the Northeast.
Mrs. Muller (suggested age – 35-45). The mother of Donald, the student in question. She is African-American and on red alert.
Audition Preparation
1) Please read the preface of the play and savour the wealth of information that Mr. Shanley communicates to us as to how he wishes his script to be interpreted.
2) Please look at the first monologue on Page 13 that begins “What do you do when you’re not sure” and ends “Amen”. I know that it’s spoken by Father Flynn, but I’d like everyone auditioning – no matter for which role – to know this monologue.
Memorization is up to you. I’m interested in your approach to text and acting choices – and casting this play depends on how we bring out the creative best in each other to best serve this play during a brief rehearsal process. I also think that this first monologue of the play reminds us that the full title of the play is DOUBT – A PARABLE.
In this production, we hope to ensure that the audience never forgets the complete title.
3) You may also be asked to cold-read a scene with another actor.
Performance Dates (all 2022): January 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, February 3, 4, 5, 6. (January 30 and February 6 are matinees.)
Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. They will begin – in person at Dundas Little Theatre – on Tuesday November 2.
If bad weather ensues, thanks to our ZOOM education, we will not jeopardize our lives by being on the road but remain in the safety of our homes and rehearsals will continue.
There will be a week off for Christmas.
