HANDICAPPED PEOPLE IN THEIR FORMAL ATTIRE **Updated** Equity Principal Auditions - Premiere Stages Auditions

Preparation:
Sides will be provided at the audition (except for Monsignor Cooke; see below).

Please bring a photo and resume, stapled back-to-back.

Those auditioning for the role of Raymond will speak/voice their sides, and sign them if possible. Those auditioning for this role may have the assistance of an ASL interpreter (see below) at the EPA.

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Seeking (all roles are available unless otherwise specified):

Note: All Premiere Stages facilities are accessible and actors with disabilities are strongly encouraged to audition.

Agnes—(Female, Late 30s-Early 40s) A vibrant and strong willed woman coping with Cerebral Palsy in 1968 Delaware. She has virtually no use of her legs and limited use of her arms and hands. She uses a non-motorized wheelchair, getting around with the help of others but never shows up without her makeup, nails done and a knock-dead smile. Determined, incredibly charismatic, and an uncompromising optimist. Beneath the upbeat face she presents to the world, Agnes is struggling both with her health and her fierce desire to remain as independent as possible.

Theresa (Female, Late 30s-Early 40s) Agnes’ cousin, an able-bodied mother of six children. Before she started having babies, she was a hot tomato, a swell gal at a party and an up and comer in women’s retail, but motherhood, marital and financial struggles have given her an edge. Warm, boisterous, funny, and unafraid to speak her mind. Beneath her life of the party persona she is vulnerable and coming close to her breaking point.

Raymond (Male 35-50) Deaf (could hear as a child). A good dancer, snappy dresser, and Agnes's constant companion. Although he can read lips, he uses a pad, gestures and intermittent voicings to communicate with the non-deaf world. Signs with Agnes. Charming, sophisticated, and effortlessly graceful and elegant. He is in no way hindered by his loss of hearing. Actor familiarity with ASL is a plus. Actor will need to be able to sign and speak/voice. Character of Raymond has some lines in the play (auditioning actors will speak/voice their sides, and sign them if possible). Actor doesn't need to speak/voice well (the other characters have difficulty understanding Raymond at times). Note: An ASL interpreter will be provided at the EPA from 2 PM - 5:30 PM only. Those who wish to use the interpreter's services may request an audition time in advance by e-mailing
auditionrequest@actorsequity.org.

Eddie (Male 40-50). A veteran of the Korean War. Agnes’ right hand man and business partner in her insurance firm. Has two prosthetic arms (may be disabled in some other way than the loss of one or both limbs; Little people, people who do not have the use of an arm or leg, etc.). Eddie is a stand-up guy and fiercely loyal to Agnes. Dependable and good natured with a “can-do” attitude. Genial, but a bit of a choir boy.

Reverend Biggs (Male, African-American 50-60) Agnes' driver and a minister of a small church he founded in a storefront. Equal parts gravitas and mischief. The Reverend is gifted speaker and a consummate performer. He is also a man of warmth, strength and principal. Must have great comic timing.

Monsignor Cooke -- CAST. Auditioning performers will be considered as possible (emergency) replacements, should any become necessary. (Male, 60s-70s) The principal of St. Aloysius, the high school where both Agnes and Theresa went to school. He is now in line to become Arch Bishop of Wilmington. Inwardly rebelling after decades of keeping up appearances. Supercilious, funny, but also capable of compassion and fighting to right his past mistakes. No sides will be provided for this role. Prepare a monologue, 2 minutes or less.

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Premiere Stages at Kean University is located in Union, NJ, 30 minutes from Manhattan. There is a train that stops at the Kean campus (from Penn Station).