OPEN AUDITIONS: What the Constitution Means to Me (Readers' Theatre)

What the Constitution Means to Me

By Heidi Schreck

Directed by Robert Leff

Open Auditions: March 9-10

Rehearsal Timeframe: March-April

Evening Performances (7pm): April 11

Matinee Performances (3pm): April 12

Content Label: Rated: PG-13; discussions of violence against women, abortion, mental illness

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.

These auditions are for a Readers’ Theatre production with scripts in hand. Auditions will be held in person. Please note that our Reader’s Theatre shows are only able to accept auditions from actors aged 18 and up. Audition packets will be available at the Majestic Business Office starting on February 5th.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Fifteen year old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. The play ends with Heidi debating a high school debater to keep or abolish the Constitution. The audience votes the winner. [Or, The audience decides the winner.]

FROM THE DIRECTOR, Robert Leff

The style of the play and my production is embedded in the script, in the playwright's own words: “After years of research, I developed large sections of this piece through extemporaneous storytelling, and the style of the written text reflects this. This script is a blueprint for a living encounter, and it is essential that the performer establish a genuine spontaneous connection with the audience.”

I would add that the three actors cannot be shy onstage. Bold is the word. The Debate is exciting.

PREPARATION NOTES

You do NOT need to prepare a monologue or piece. Wear comfortable clothes to audition and be prepared to read excerpts from the script.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

HEIDI

Character Age: 40-50

Character Race: White

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting

Character: Heidi never leaves the stage. She is open, warm-hearted and a questioner with a good sense of humor. Heidi is a bold actor.

LEGIONNAIRE

Character Age: 50-60

Character Race: White

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting

Character: He never leaves the stage. He efficiently runs the contest and debate. He’s a good listener.

DEBATER

Character Age: 17 or 18

Character Race and Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: The role of the teen should be played by a female or non-binary actor. [NOTE: This is from Samuel French Casting Notes.]

Character: The Debater appears in the last 16 pages of the script. The Debater is confident, brilliant, precocious, quick - witted, quick thinker, articulate

People are encouraged to attend both nights of auditions.

For questions, contact director Robert Leff at docral@proaxis.com