AUDITIONS
Present Laughter
by Noel Coward
directed by Jennifer Hargis
Underwritten by Alan Bryant
Auditions June 3 & 4
Full audition information coming soon!
Performances
August 1 - 17
Sunday Matinee August 11 at 2pm
Noël Coward’s Present Laughter follows a self-obsessed actor in the
midst of a mid-life crisis. Juggling his considerable talent, ego and libido,
the theater’s favorite leading man suddenly finds himself caught
between fawning ingénues, crazed playwrights, secret trysts and
unexpected twists. At the center of his own universe sits matinee idol
Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be
having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is
largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he
escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanors is
discovered. And all hell breaks loose.
“Present Laughter” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
by Noel Coward
directed by Jennifer Hargis
Underwritten by Alan Bryant
Auditions June 3 & 4
Full audition information coming soon!
Performances
August 1 - 17
Sunday Matinee August 11 at 2pm
Noël Coward’s Present Laughter follows a self-obsessed actor in the
midst of a mid-life crisis. Juggling his considerable talent, ego and libido,
the theater’s favorite leading man suddenly finds himself caught
between fawning ingénues, crazed playwrights, secret trysts and
unexpected twists. At the center of his own universe sits matinee idol
Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be
having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is
largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he
escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanors is
discovered. And all hell breaks loose.
“Present Laughter” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
This production will be set in London in the late 1930's. All characters but one will use an English accent. Some coaching will be provided during production, but accents should be used during auditions so that the director can determine skill-level. This play is fairly fast-paced and the characters are somewhat over-the top.
Characters
(in order of appearance)
(in order of appearance)
The descriptions below which are in parentheses are how they are described in the script, however, ages and appearances are at the discretion of the director and may be changed to some degree.
Daphne - (pretty young woman of about 23 or 24) - star-struck, completely enamored of Garry Essendine, and feels quite grown up after staying the night at his house
Miss Erikson - (thin, vague-looking Swedish housekeeper) unimpressed, sometimes gruff
Fred - (Garry's valet) slightly lower class, used to work on a cruise ship, often corrected for his grammar
Monica - (Garry's secretary, pleasant, rather austere woman in her early 40's) no nonsense, takes care of business, puts Garry in his place on a regular basis
Garry Essendine - (mid-40's - mid-50's) uses his public persona so often that he no longer knows how to act in private, trying to face middle-age head-on, even though he's well into it
Liz Essendine - (charming-looking woman in her mid-30's) clever, level-headed, problem-solver
Roland Maule - (earnest young man with glasses) very intense, acts like he strongly believes in his own talent, actually has no self-confidence at all
Hugo - (dapper and neat) friend of Garry's
Morris - (younger than Hugo, good-looking) another friend of Garry's
Joanna - (exquisitely gowned, a great deal of self-assurance and charm) seduces Garry with her magnetic energy
Lady Saltburn - (majestic but effusive society woman) Daphne's aunt
Daphne - (pretty young woman of about 23 or 24) - star-struck, completely enamored of Garry Essendine, and feels quite grown up after staying the night at his house
Miss Erikson - (thin, vague-looking Swedish housekeeper) unimpressed, sometimes gruff
Fred - (Garry's valet) slightly lower class, used to work on a cruise ship, often corrected for his grammar
Monica - (Garry's secretary, pleasant, rather austere woman in her early 40's) no nonsense, takes care of business, puts Garry in his place on a regular basis
Garry Essendine - (mid-40's - mid-50's) uses his public persona so often that he no longer knows how to act in private, trying to face middle-age head-on, even though he's well into it
Liz Essendine - (charming-looking woman in her mid-30's) clever, level-headed, problem-solver
Roland Maule - (earnest young man with glasses) very intense, acts like he strongly believes in his own talent, actually has no self-confidence at all
Hugo - (dapper and neat) friend of Garry's
Morris - (younger than Hugo, good-looking) another friend of Garry's
Joanna - (exquisitely gowned, a great deal of self-assurance and charm) seduces Garry with her magnetic energy
Lady Saltburn - (majestic but effusive society woman) Daphne's aunt
Auditioning at StageCenter
First-timers welcome! Auditions are open to everyone and typically consist of two nights of cold reads. Rehearsals are usually Mon - Thu at 7 - 9 pm, with work days 10 am - 2 pm on Saturdays. All volunteer, no cast fees. Cast lists posted on Facebook. Interested in crew? Let us know or come to auditions!