ROE
By Lisa Loomer
Directed by Maxine Agather
Auditions: Monday, December 12th and Tuesday, December 13th 6 - 9 pm
Call Backs: Wednesday, December 14th
Performances: February 24th - March 5th
Content Label: Restricted
The Majestic Theatre (a division of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation department) is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a safe place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are particularly eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. The Majestic Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.
Auditions will be held in person at the Majestic Theatre.
A headshot will be requested to be posted with the cast list.
All underage performers will need the permission of parent / guardian before submitting their audition. A headshot will be requested to be posted with the cast list, so if you have one please attach it with your audition video and form.
SHOW SYNOPSIS
Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that saw the federal legalization of abortion, is still being fiercely debated nearly fifty years after its initial passing. First written in 2019, and then updated again in 2022, ROE tells the compelling personal stories of Sarah Weddington and Norma McCorvey, the unlikely lawyer-and-plaintiff duo who won the Roe v. Wade case, and details what came in the years following that fateful decision. In turns shocking, humorous, and poignant, ROE reflects the polarization that we see in America today while also shining a light on the heart and passion that each side has for its cause.
CONTENT WARNING:
This material is potentially sensitive. ROE deals with strong emotions, viewpoints, and themes surrounding the landmark Roe v Wade case and abortion. It also contains descriptions of sexual assault/rape, mentions of drug use, mentions of suicide. This play is intended for mature audiences, all cast and volunteers will need to be 18 years and older.
SHOW TYPE
The performances will take place in-person onstage.
FROM THE DIRECTOR, Maxine Agather
It is no question that ROE is a special show, and a show that will require a cast like no other. Not inherently a cast of supreme talent or skill, but a cast of HEART, of BRAVERY, and of ACCEPTANCE. To dive into a 127-page script that looks at nearly every angle of the abortion debate will not always be easy, especially when you then take that script and perform it in front of an audience that will likely have their own (very strong) opinions on the matter. We are going to prioritize trust, communication, and the cultivation of brave spaces above all else. And, obviously, will bring all these elements together with costuming and stage lighting to create a great show!! I thank you all for being willing to undertake this journey with me, and I cannot wait to see where it will take us.
PREPARATION NOTES
You do NOT need to prepare a monologue or piece. Wear comfortable clothes to audition. Be ready to move (within your comfortable ability to do so), collaborate with others, and make bold choices. Please email RoetheShow2023@gmail.com if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to request any audition accommodations.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
SARAH WEDDINGTON: 20’s in Act One, 40’s in Act Two, a few scenes in her
70’s. A feminist, a great l awyer, charming, brill iant, private, funny in her own
way, and quite composed. In real life, blonde and beautiful with big hair.
Texan.
NORMA McCORVEY: 20’s in Act One, 40’s in Act Two, a few scenes in her 70’s. A
funny, angry, hard drinking and drugging, irreverent l esbian Texan, with a hole in
her heart. In real life, short, and they called her “Pixie.”
CONNIE GONZALEZ: 40’s in Act One, 60’s in Act Two. An even-handed Tex Mex
dyke and true Christian. Loyal, loving, non judgemental, and maybe even wise.
FLIP BENHAM: 40’s, the head of Operation Rescue. Passionate, folksy, fiery,
earnest and persuasive, a good-looking guy and quite a preacher.
LINDA COFFEE: Late 20’s, a shy, bright, socially awkward, and dedicated lawyer.
RON WEDDINGTON: 30’s, a bright, ambitious, open and optimistic lawyer.
HENRY McCLUSKEY: 30’s, an adoption lawyer, sensitive and compassionate,
closeted gay.
JAY FLOYD: 40’s, a lawyer in Wade’s office, quite affable and effusive, if not
brilliant.
ROBERT FLOWERS: 40’s, a lawyer in Wade’s office, smarter than Floyd,
passionately pro-life.
RONDA MACKEY: 30’s, pretty, warm, fair, a true believer.
EMILY: 7, Ronda Mackey’s daughter, a feisty angel.
ROXANNE MILLER-RODRIGUEZ: 20, an Afro-Latinx college student, working class,
bright, emotional, a truth seeker.
AILEEN: 30’s, down to earth, working class, African American lesbian nurse.
NORMA’S DOCTOR: 60’s, brusque and superior.
ABORTION DOCTOR: 40’s, played by a white actor, sometimes with a strange
foreign accent.
JUDY: 20’s, an early second-wave feminist, strong.
HELEN: 20’s, a budding feminist, eager to get it right.
BARBARA: 20’s or 30’s, African American, well educated, no nonsense, wry
feminist.
MOLLY: 50’s, Texan, upper middle class, flirting with feminism.
MARY: 50’s, Norma’s mother, poor, tawdry, and a real mean drunk.
OFELIA: 40’s, a housekeeper, Mexican. (Played by the actress who plays Connie.)
Majestic COVID-19 Precautions: Masks Recommended. Masks may be removed while actively drinking or eating in designated areas. Please stay home if you feel unwell! Precautions subject to change at any time.
The Majestic Theatre (a division of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation department) is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a safe place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are particularly eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. The Majestic Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability,
religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.