Auditions

The Cottage

Written by Sandy Rustin
Directed by Sarah Ann Celec     

 Sunday, December 6 at 6:30pm 

Monday, December 7 at 6:30pm

At the Old Opera House Theatre in Charles Town, WV

Performance Dates:

Jan. 29, 30, 31, & Feb. 5, 6, 7

Set in the idyllic English countryside in 1923, The Cottage explodes into chaotic hilarity when Sylvia decides to expose her affair to both her husband and her lover’s wife—at the exact same time. Written by Sandy Rustin, this murderous, modern feminist farce takes traditional drawing-room comedy and turns the speed dial up to eleven. Unapologetically silly, stylish, and insanely fast-paced, the show builds relentless comedic momentum as secret affairs unravel, murderous plots are hatched, and a web of eccentric characters collides in a storm of absurd revelations. The Cottage calls fate, identity, and marriage into question in a ridiculously fun—and potentially lethal—romantic comedy.

The director wants to see how you play off other actors, your willingness to take risks, and your instincts for group chemistry. Seeking actors with sharp comedic timing, strong physical comedy skills, vocal stamina for quick-fire banter. A great British accent is a plus. 

CALLBACKS

Callbacks will be held on Tuesday, December 8, at 7pm. Please note that this session will include chemistry reads. We are looking to test collaborative energy, active listening, and character rapport. Please come prepared to take direction and play in the space. These auditions will be held by director invitation. 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

All characters are British, any ethnicity. Ages listed are playing ages and flexible. All characters require a British accent.

Syliva: 30-49, any ethnicity, female - A “lovely and rash romantic”. Feminine, yet strong-willed, she starts the show under the beautiful illusion of true love, but triggers the entire night’s chaos when she decides to expose her affair. 

* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion when touch is not needed.) This role also requires moments of physical violence (slapping).

Beau: 30-49, any ethnicity, male - Sylvia’s lover (and her husband’s brother). He is “Perhaps the best-looking man in Britain” Logical to the point of pessimism. Beau is the type of fellow quite happy with the status quo, no matter what the status quo may be. He is very traditionally British—stiff-upper-lip and vain but hilariously forced to realize the world is changing around him.

* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)

Marjorie: 30-49, any ethnicity, female - Beau’s wife. She is eight months pregnant, deeply pragmatic, salty, judgmental, and a tad spicy. She handles the unfolding chaos with shocking calmness and a love for gossip. * This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)

Clarke: 30-49, any ethnicity, male - Sylvia’s husband (and Beau’s brother) Distinguished gent with a lover’s spirit. Always aiming to please, Clarke's kind-heartedness may lead others to take him for a fool. * This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)

Dierdre: 25-39, any ethnicity, female - Beau’s other mistress. An awfully pretty, sometimes wise, nincompoop. Gullible is Diedre's middle name. She's awfully sweet though, if you like that sort of thing. Surprisingly capable of unexpected clarity and insight. She is a hopeless romantic who leads entirely with her heart, fiercely believing the absurd things she says.

* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.) This role also requires moments of physical violence (falling, slapping, fainting) and handling/use of a prop gun. 

Richard: 30-49, any ethnicity, male - Dierdre’s ex-husband. A “murderous, yet gentle soul.” A mysterious, threatening, yet strangely gentle soul who shows up on a murderous mission to win back his true love. Requires fantastic presence and deadpan delivery. * This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.) This role requires handling/use of a prop gun.

Do you want to be involved in a show but don’t like being on stage? We will also need backstage and tech crews. If you have an interest in helping backstage, please let our Production Manager, Lee Hebb lee@oldoperahouse.org, know. No prior experience is required.

Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested.