Audition Notice:
MEN ON BOATS
by Jaclyn Backhaus
directed by Rachel Solomon
AUDITIONS: Sunday, July 19th from 5-7pm
CALLBACKS: Monday, July 20th from 6-9pm
***BLACKFRIARS’ MISSION IS TO HIRE LOCAL ACTORS ONLY; WE DO NOT PROVIDE MEALS, TRANSPORTATION, OR HOUSING***
*Please email info@blackfriars.org no later than Friday, July 17th at 12pm to sign up for an audition slot. Scroll to bottom of listing for video submission information if you cannot be present on July 19th.
THE AUDITION:
Initial auditions will take place in one-hour groups and will consist of cold reads from the script with other artists in your audition group. You can familiarize yourself with the show using the script link at the bottom of this page. Please bring a headshot or up-to-date photo, your resume, and your calendar with you to list any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. If you are not available for callbacks, please let us know at the time of your audition.
THE SYNOPSIS:
Men on Boats follows a one-armed captain, John Powell, and his band of loyal explorers as they set out to chart the course of the Colorado River in 1869. All characters are played by female-identifying actors.
THE PROCESS:
Rehearsals: rehearsals begin as early as September 13th
Tech: October 17-21 (NO WEEKEND/EVENING CONFLICTS)
Performances: Oct 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, Nov 1 (NO CONFLICTS)
*Hold date for added performances 2pm Saturday, Oct 24th (NO CONFLICTS)
CASTING: 10 female-identifying actors of various ages, body types & ethnicities. One-time honorarium of $500.00 for each role.
POWELL - Confident, charismatic, one-armed leader of the expedition, fiery temper and excitable soul, loves adventure.
DUNN - A hunter and trapper, wears beaver skin always. Has a close but competitive friendship with Powell.
SUMNER - A former soldier, current explorer, adventurous and maybe a little cocky, the Bear Grylls of the 1860s.
OLD SHADY - Powell’s older brother, oldest in the crew, Civil War vet, still, quiet, observant, but when he speaks, it’s the truth. Sings and does not like people, “a tree in the breeze”.
BRADLEY - 19 years old, youngest in the crew, lieutenant, manic with youth, genuinely loves people, never stops talking, like an excited puppy dog.
O.G. HOWLAND - Printer and hunter, calm, protective of his brother. Must be non-white.
SENECA HOWLAND - O.G.’s quiet little brother, has a temper, protective of his brother. Must be non-white.
GOODMAN - British, so excited. Not an explorer, just here for fun. British accent required.
HALL - Mapmaker, old soul, on the “party boat” with Hawkins
HAWKINS - The cook and the “fun” one on the “party boat”, impulsively brave
***THIS SCRIPT REQUIRES DOUBLING:
TSAUWIAT—a Ute chief (doubles with OG HOWLAND).
THE BISHOP—Tsauwiat’s wife (doubles with SENECA HOWLAND).
MR. ASA—a desert settler (doubles with GOODMAN).
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Blackfriars practices color-conscious and body-positive casting. There can be no conflicts during tech week or performances. If you are involved in another show that overlaps with any part of this process, please email us the conflicts at info@blackfriars.org prior to submitting for auditions. Auditions will take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main St, Rochester 14605.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: Video submissions must be submitted to info@blackfriars.org no later than Friday, July 17th at 12pm. The office is closed Saturday through Monday, so late requests may not be seen prior to auditions. Please include two (2) scenes of one minute or less from the script; they may be two readings for one character or one separate reading each for two different characters; frame should be tight enough to see emotions; you must choose a monologue or have another person reading lines with you off camera (please do not read a two-person scene by yourself).
QUESTIONS? Visit our AUDITION FAQs page! If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for please email info@blackfriars.org.