COME AUDITION FOR BASEMENT ARTS' 2016 PRODUCTION OF
HAND TO GOD
By Robert Askins
Directed by Jordan Rich
Performances run from December 1st-3rd
Hello fellow thespians,
My name is Jordan Rich and I am a senior acting major. This production of Hand to God will leave everyone culpable. Explicit subject matter (see: puppet sex). Not for the faint of heart. Come and explore!
Auditions
When?
October 10th from 6-11 PM
Callbacks: October 11th from 6-11 PM
If you have conflicts with the audition dates, email Jordan Rich ASAP
jsamrich@umich.edu, and we can find a time to schedule you in.
Where?
Walgreen Drama Center, Room: TBD
What do I prepare?
One-Minute Contemporary Monologue
Be prepared for improv exercises
How do I sign up?
Select one slot on the link below:
http://doodle.com/poll/i54nhnpi7epx9i5f
If none of the slots work for you, EMAIL Jordan Rich at
jsmarich@umich.edu
Who are the Characters?
Jason/Tyrone- 15 or 16. Southern/Texan dialect. Innocent, awkward, meek outcast with a huge heart. Has retrieved to his shell since the death of his father. Goes through severe trauma through the coarse of the show. His alter ego, Tyrone (in puppet form, no accent), is ferocious, crude, blunt and nasty. He wants things now and will get them in the most manipulative manner possible. He manipulates Jason through temptation and false promises. BOTH ROLES PLAYED BY ONE ACTOR.
Margery- Mid 30’s. Southern/Texan dialect. Jason’s mother. Bright personality but still in mourning from the death of her husband. She needs the closure that she has not yet received. Has a wild side. Unsure of what she wants and needs.
Timothy- 16/17. Southern/Texan dialect. Bully with mommy issues. Wants lust and not afraid to tell people about it. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. Ignorant.
Jessica/Jolene- 15 or 16. Southern/Texan dialect. Social justice warrior. Jason’s friend. Total dweeb, but the smartest character in the show. Very intelligent, cute, and witty. Her alter ego, Jolene (in puppet form, no accent), is a sexy, lustful mama-jama who has been around the block.
Pastor Greg- 40’s. Southern/Texan dialect. A small town, Presbyterian pastor. Nice guy with big charisma. Looking for a break—still a bit pathetic. Loves his community, and always seeking to do right by them.
We’re looking for actors with:
Unarmed combat experience
Southern Texas Dialect
Puppetry skills—for some characters
While you do not have to be proficient in these skills, they are certainly advantages!
What’s it About?
The play is set in the devoutly religious, relatively-quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Shortly after the death of her husband, Margery has been given a unique opportunity to teach a puppet ministry course at her Church by the Pastor (who wants “something more” in exchange). Her son, Jason, is her star pupil. He forms a very special bond with his puppet, Tyrone. Other students include our macho-bully, Timothy, and our intelligent, earth-loving wallflower, Jessica. Jason’s complicated relationships with the town pastor, the school bully, the girl next door, and—most especially—his mom are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, starts calling the shots.
HAND TO GOD is a dark comedy exploring the fragile nature of mental health, love, faith, selfishness, right/wrong, seeking help, dealing with the devil, scapegoating, dealing with loss, taking advantage of others, patriarchal society and sexism, ignorance, coming of age, seeking help, and more.
HAND TO GOD conflicts with:
Peter and the Starcatcher, War, A Man of No Importance, The White Snake,
Avenue Q, The Importance of Being Earnest, and possibly others.
If you are unsure about conflicts, or I have left something out, feel free to email Jordan at
jsamrich@umich.edu
Videos
