November 10th & 12th, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Auditions will consist of a bit of workshopping, some text work, and some exercises. Ideally, come for one of the dates and stay the whole time.
About the play
“Anne Washburn’s imaginative dark comedy – a play with music featuring songs by Washburn and Michael Friedman – propels us forward nearly a century, following a new civilisation stumbling into its future. After the collapse of civilisation, a group of survivors share a campfire and begin to piece together the plot of The Simpsons episode “Cape Feare” entirely from memory. Seven years later, this and other snippets of pop culture (sitcom plots, commercials, jingles, and pop songs) have become the live entertainment of a post-apocalyptic society, sincerely trying to hold onto its past. Seventy-five years later, these are the myths and legends from which new forms of performance are created. A paean to live theater, and the resilience of Bart Simpson through the ages, Mr. Burns is an animated exploration of how the pop culture of one era might evolve into the mythology of another.”
The characters – can be any age
Matt, at the opening of the play, is the newest member to the growing group of post-apocalyptic survivors, hailing originally from New York City. In Act I, he is in the act of telling a story based on the “Cape Feare” episode of The Simpsons.
Jenny, originally from Baltimore, is a no-nonsense character. She is the conservative member of the group, and like Matt knows the “Cape Feare” episode of The Simpsons well enough to contribute to the story.
Maria is the more practical member of the survivors. She is an original resident of the area in which the survivors have made camp. She is familiar with The Simpsons characters, and definitely saw the “Cape Feare” episode, but she doesn’t know it as well as Matt and Jenny.
Sam is the leader of the small group of survivors. He maintains order, calling the shots when necessary, and is happy to sit back and listen to the storytelling. It is unclear how well he knows The Simpsons, but he demonstrates that he is reliably knowledgeable about pop culture.
Colleen, present but silent in Act I, struggles with the loss of her daughter. She remains on the perimeter of the action nursing her dead daughter’s sweatshirt, but in Act II, she plays a much more active role when the group of survivors become a travelling acting troupe.
Gibson, originally from Massachusetts, is an amateur actor with an amazing memory. He does not know the “Cape Feare” episode of The Simpsons, nor is he particularly familiar with the TV show. However, his skill as an actor and singer will help him find a permanent home amongst the survivors of Act I.
Quincy is introduced at the start of Act II. She is an acting protégé, added to the acting troupe that survivors from Act I have created. For someone who is new to the troupe, she holds a good deal of power.
There will also be chances to be part of the ensemble in Acts II and III. Accents will not necessarily be required.
Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 9th December (with two weeks off for Christmas / New Years) – the first week will be a readthrough, probably in a Faversham pub!