THE MINUTES AND OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS - Carpenter Square Theatre Non Equity Auditions

AUDITIONS FOR TWO PLAYS!

THE MINUTES DIRECTED BY RHONDA CLARK AND OVER THE RIVER

AND THROUGH THE WOODS DIRECTED BY BILLIE THRASH

When: 2:30-5:00 pm Saturday, August 29, 2026 – Readings from the script. Plan to arrive no later than 3:30 pm. If needed, callbacks will be held at a time to be determined. If you have any questions, email artistic@carpentersquare.com.

Where: At the theatre, located at 1009 W. Reno. Parking is free on the street. Do not use the parking lot for The Horn Trader on the northeast corner of Western & Reno. You may park on ramps in front of garage doors on Reno.

What: Bring a recent photo and theatrical résumé. Be prepared to list any definite or possible conflicts on your audition form from September 8 through the run of the play November 1, 2026 (The Minutes) and October 19 through the run of the play December 13, 2026 (Over the River).

Please read the script(s) before auditions! Hard copy perusal scripts are available to check out. Call CST at 405-232-6500 or email business@carpentersquare.com to make arrangements to check out a script. Call or contact us in the office before dropping by.

Office Hours: Closed Mondays. Open Tuesdays through Fridays 1-6:00 pm. Again, please call CST at 405-232-6500 or text/call Rhonda Clark at 405-205-2446 before coming by.

The Minutes performance dates: October 16-November 1, 2026.

Specific dates are: 10 performances over 3 weekends: Oct 16-17, 22-25, and Oct 29- Nov 1, 26. There will be a brush-up rehearsal and archive photos on Oct 15. Most rehearsals are scheduled Mon-Fri at 7 p.m. with Saturday or Sunday rehearsals scheduled only if needed to accommodate week-night conflicts. 1st tech is the afternoon/early evening of Sunday, October 11.

Over the River… performance dates: November 27-December 13, 2026.

Specific dates are Nov 27-28, Dec 3-6, and Dec 10-13, 2026. There will be a brush-up rehearsal and archival photos on Dec 2. Most rehearsals are scheduled Mon-Fri evenings with Saturday or Sunday rehearsals scheduled only if needed to accommodate week-night conflicts.

THE MINUTES CAST OVERVIEW: 8 MEN, 3 WOMEN; ACTORS OF ALL ETHNICITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION. THIS IS A TRUE ENSEMBLE PIECE. The ensemble cast collectively embodies the satire of small-town politics, tradition, and the dangers of unexamined history. The play’s humor and tension arise from their interactions, revealing the absurdity and moral compromises of civic life.

Mr. Peel – The newest member of the Big Cherry city council, returning after missing meetings due to his mother’s illness. Initially naive and curious, Peel serves as the audience’s entry point into the town’s political machinations. His outsider perspective allows him to question the council’s decisions and uncover hidden truths.

Mayor Superba – The presiding officer of the council meetings, Superba is a manipulative and authoritative figure. He fiercely defends the town’s traditions, even when they are based on falsehoods. His charisma masks a ruthless pursuit of power, and he is complicit in covering up the town’s shady past.

Mr. Carp – A council member whose sudden removal from the council is the inciting incident. His disappearance from the last meeting’s minutes sets in motion Peel’s investigation, revealing deeper corruption and secrets within the town.

Ms. Johnson – The council clerk tasked with documenting proceedings, characterized by fastidious attention to detail amid the meeting's disruptions.

Mr. Blake – A seasoned councilman adept at political maneuvering and rhetorical persuasion within the group's deliberations.

Mr. Hanratty – A truculent councilman exemplifying the group's entrenched, combative dynamics.

Mr. Breeding – An opinionated ally to the mayor, contributing slick commentary that reinforces established power structures.

Mr. Assalone – A council member whose presence adds to the farcical and satirical elements of the play. One of the oldest members of the city council. Age 60s-70s.

Ms. Innes – A council member whose interactions with others reveal the town’s underlying tensions. Another older council member. Age 50s+.

Ms. Matz – A council member whose role contributes to the ensemble’s comedic and satirical tone.

Mr. Oldfield – The longest-serving member with 39 years on the council, known for a disagreeable temperament and tangential interjections that derail focus. Age 60s-70s.

Synopsis: Set at a city council meeting, this scathing new comedy, about small-town politics and real-world power, from Letts, a native Oklahoman and the author of August: Osage County and Bug, exposes the ugliness behind some of our most closely-held American narratives while asking each of us what we would do to keep from becoming history’s losers.

OVER THE RIVER CAST OVERVIEW: 3 MEN, 3 WOMEN.

Nick – A 29-year-old marketing professional living in New York. He’s torn between his career ambitions and family obligations. He is caring but often frustrated by his grandparents' attempts to meddle in his love life.

The Grandparents: Frank, Aida, Nunzio, and Emma. Italian immigrants who are deeply connected to their family traditions.

Frank: The patriarch, often humorous and nostalgic about the past.

Aida: The matriarch, nurturing and protective, often worrying about Nick's future.

Nunzio: A lively character who enjoys storytelling and reminiscing.

Emma: The most outspoken, often providing comic relief with her bluntness.

Caitlin - Age 20s-early 30s. A young Irish woman invited to dinner by Nick's grandparents. Kind and open-minded, she becomes a focal point for Nick's romantic interests, adding tension and humor to the family dynamics. Irish dialect not called for.

Synopsis: Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida, but that doesn’t mean his family isn’t still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he’s been offered a dream job. The job he’s been waiting for – marketing executive – would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn’t sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around.