OPEN AUDITIONS—The Shape of Things

The Shape of Things

By Neil LaBute

Directed by Tate Heywood

Open Auditions: June 16, 17 at 7pm

Rehearsal Timeframe: June-July

Evening Performances (7pm): July 19 

Matinee Performances (3pm): July 20 

Content Label: R; adult language, sexual content, abusive relationship dynamics

This theatre is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a welcoming place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are 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. 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. Auditions are only open to actors who are 18 and up.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

How far would you go for love? For art? What concessions would you make? What price would you be willing to pay? Such are the painful questions explored by Neil LaBute in The Shape of Things. A modern day retelling of the fall of man. After a chance meeting in a museum, Evelyn, a sexy, aggressive artist, and Adam, a shy, insecure student, become embroiled in an intense affair. Before long, it veers into the kind of dangerous, seductive territory that LaBute does best, as Adam, under Evelyn's steady influence, goes to unimaginable lengths to improve his appearance and character. Only in the final and shocking exhibition, which challenges our most deeply entrenched ideas about art and love, does Evelyn reveal her true intentions.

FROM THE DIRECTOR Tate Heywood

I chose The Shape of Things because I wanted a piece that provokes thought and invites conversation.

This play compels both performers and audiences to confront the often-blurred boundaries between art and manipulation, love and control, authenticity and performance. It is an intimate exploration of human behavior and emotional complexity—

By presenting this production in a Readers' Theatre format, I hope to strip away distractions and bring the focus entirely to the language, the relationships, and tension between characters. This choice allows the audience to feel closely connected to the performers—almost as if they’re inside the conversation themselves.

PREPARATION NOTES:

You do NOT need to prepare a monologue or piece. 

Wear comfortable clothes to audition; sides will be provided at auditions. Be prepared to move.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

The characters do not have a specific race or ethnic background; we're excited to see a diverse pool of actors audition for all roles. The ages below are approximate. Only actors who are 18 and over are eligible to audition.

ADAM 

Character Age: Early 20’s

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Character Gender: Male

Desired Actor Gender: Male presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: romantic moments with both Evelyn and Jenny. The role involves onstage kisses with both characters and participation in an implied intimacy scene.

Character Description: Adam is shy, intellectual, indecisive English major who works part time in the museum; transforms under Evelyn's influence.

EVELYN

Character Age: Early 20’s

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Character Gender: Female

Desired Actor Gender: Female presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: romantic moments with Adam. The role involves onstage kisses  and participation in an implied intimacy scene.

Character Description: Evelyn is an art student; she's described as sophisticated and charismatic. She preys on Adam both emotionally and sexually. 

JENNY

Character Age: Early 20’s

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Character Gender: Female

Desired Actor Gender: Female presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: romantic moments with Adam and Phillip. The role involves onstage kisses 

Character Description: Jenny is a happy-going, vulnerable, and confused young woman. She is slightly intimidated by Evelyn. She is engaged to Phillip.

PHILLIP

Character Age: Early 20’s

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Character Gender: Male

Desired Actor Gender: Male presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: romantic moments with both Jenny, minimal physical contact. 

Character Description: Phillip is Quick-witted, aggressive, amiable. He's a good friend of Adam's. He's engaged to Jenny.