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Bridgewater State University Theatre Department
Auditions for
Failure: A Love Story
By
Philip Dawkins
Directed by Liam Henderson
Auditions for the Theatre Department at Bridgewater State University’s production of Failure: A Love Story will take place Monday, December 7th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in RSU 026B. Callbacks by invitation will be on Tuesday, December 8th, starting at 6 p.m. in RSU 120.
“I think marriage is a classification for two people who are very, very, very good friends. Forever.”
Failure: A Love Story, Philip Dawkins
Word of Advice:
This piece is fun, fast-paced, and physical. Make big beautiful choices. Try your best to let loose and allow yourself to be led by your instincts. Despite the energy of the piece, try to find the moments of intimacy. This play is written in a way that captures the power of human connection; try to harness that and see where it takes you. This piece should have a strong rhythm. It is hopeful, up-tempo, but not rushed. Find the moments of comedy and sincerity. These characters are together battling against time. I highly recommend reading this piece before auditioning. Try to be as familiar as possible with the words of your chosen materials so you can discover new things in the room. This piece is very physical, so I encourage exploration of movement within the audition.
Rehearsals:
Our rehearsals will be Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. We will be rotating between 026B and 026C. Due to the size of the cast, most nights will require the whole cast to be present. Please inform us of all conflicts, including recurring ones. Listed below is an overview of required tech days, tech rehearsals, performances, and strikes. Please take a look at the schedule.
Work Day:
February 13th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Crew Watch:
February 17th, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
Tech Rehearsals:
Q to Q: February 20th, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. (NOTE – this is a Saturday rehearsal)
Tech Rehearsal/Final Dress/Photo Call: February 22nd, 6 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Performances:
February 24th, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
February 26th, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
February 27th, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
STRIKE: February 28th, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
What to prepare:
Choose one of the provided sides for either Nelly, Jenny June, Gerty, Mortimer, John N, or the Dog (see attached files). You will also need to pick one song from the selection provided. You will perform no more than a minute of your chosen piece* (aim for 30 seconds).
*For anyone nervous about singing: This is not a musical. It’s a play that uses music in innovative ways, and not every character has to sing. Even if you don’t consider yourself a singer, do not see that as a reason not to audition. Once again, this is not a musical.
For an individual audition, you may sign up for one 5-minute slot. A reader will be present to read with you in your audition. We will have printed sides available in the room, but feel free to bring your own printed copies.
If you choose to audition with a partner, you and your partner must sign up for two back-to-back slots. You will perform your side together, and then your songs separately. In your SignUpGenius, please indicate your and your partner's names if you are auditioning together.
Continue below for the audition sign-up link and character breakdown information.
If you cannot make the initial Monday audition, email stage manager Olivia Webb at OWEBB@student.bridgew.edu to submit a video audition. Please submit by 10 p.m. on Monday.
To sign up for an audition slot, follow the QR code or link below. If you’re working with a partner or a group, be sure to list everyone’s names:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AAFA629A1F8C70-66829789-failure
Callbacks:
Callbacks will be by invitation. They will consist of sides, singing, monologue work, and group work. Be prepared to move.
See the Character Breakdown below.
Character Breakdown:
Note: These descriptions are not the be-all and end-all for these characters. Try something out; interpret these words in your body. I encourage you to trust your instincts about these people. Also, most actors will be playing various chorus roles.
Nelly Fail: (female-presenting) The youngest of the Fail sisters, is a partier and fully embraces the pace of the roaring 20s, joyful, confident, optimistic.
Jenny June Fail: (female-presenting) The middle Fail sister, aspires to be a world-class swimmer, driven, calculated, daring.
Gertrude Fail: (female-presenting) The eldest Fail sister, takes care of her sisters and the clock shop all at once, responsible, strong, brave.
John N Fail: (male-presenting) The adopted Fail brother, owns and takes care of several different animals, caring, intellectual, emotionally guarded.
Mortimer Mortimer: (male-presenting) The man who falls in love with each of the Fail sisters, passionate, thoughtful, bold.
Auditions are open to all actors and casting will not discriminate based on race, gender identity, neurodiversity, or sexual orientation. Actors of color are strongly encouraged to audition.
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