OPEN READERS' THEATRE AUDITIONS: Cain, a Tragedy
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- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Cain, a Mystery
By the Honorable Lord Byron
Directed by Quincy Danielson
Open Auditions: July 27 & 28
Rehearsal Timeframe: July-August
Evening Performances (7:00pm): August 29
Matinee Performances (3:00pm): August 30
Content Label: PG; Fratricide, religious themes, existentialism
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. These auditions are for a Readers’ Theatre show, performed with scripts in hand. No memorization is necessary. This is an amateur, unpaid performance opportunity.
SHOW SYNOPSIS
In the beginning, after the first sin, yet before the first death: the rebellious Cain breaks away from his family through a cosmic journey led by a master of spirits. Throughout this epic, Cain learns of death, the fate of man, and what he should do in the face of evil.
FROM THE DIRECTOR Quincy Danielson
Director Statement
This production will reexamine and stray from the roots of its creation, much like its main character. Originally designed to be read aloud in small, intimate groups, Cain; A Mystery, proves to be a standout work of theatre. It must be noted that after creating this piece, Byron was smeared as an enemy of the church, yet according to him it was not his intent to write blasphemies. Additionally, Byron relates the scientific world to the spiritual, with the cosmic imagery being influenced by the science of his time. From these contrasting natures, there is a certain newness to the world of the play, one where the same forces and norms we take for granted haven’t come into being.
I picture this re-envisioning of Cain to have the feeling of a folk song. To do so, we shall stage it; creating a theatre not just a “closet play”. Then if we are to be a “reader's theatre,” let us not try to fool our audience and pretend the scripts are not around. We shall treat the script as the holy text with which we are bound to, and yet find a way to change it. Ultimately, this Cain will strive to be like the margin notes found in the texts of yore or the ballad of a guitar. Ideas of authority and one's moral code will be explored. Puppets and music shall be had. Mazel tov!
PREPARATION NOTES
The audition will consist of cold readings from the script. Music stands will be available if you’d like to have your hands free.
The script is primarily in verse and can feel Shakespearean. We encourage those who haven’t done a play in verse to take a peak at the original script and try reading it out loud:
For some readings you might be asked to read for multiple characters in the same scene or use audition props/puppets.
This play is at times funny, creepy, profound, and dense. We encourage you to have fun with it and make bold choices during the audition process.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
General Note: All characters do not have a specified age, race, or ethnic background some are even age/genderless. Gender of characters tends to be more fixed, but it need not match the gender of the actor themselves. We invite a diverse range of actors to audition including but not limited to all ages, races, genders, and creeds.
Special consideration will be given to musical ability particularly vocals and guitar. Please let us know if you play any instrument and list your proficiency, ability to bring said instrument to rehearsal/show, etc.
Experience and interest with acting styles such as masks, puppetry, historical styles, and verse will also be considered.
Characters:
*Likely double casting with other roles
CAIN
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Man, he/him
Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage the entire play. Holding a script and moving furniture. Hugging and possible domestic intimacy with Adah.
Character: A brooding, masculine protagonist. The one sign of rebellion in an otherwise sleeping world. Destined to be the first murderer.
ABEL
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Man, he/him
Ability/movement/intimacy: Preferred music experience in guitar/vocals, but will consider any instruments! Holding a script and moving furniture.
Character: The idealistic brother of Cain. The most missionary-esque of the family. Destined to die.
*SPIRIT
Character Age: Ageless
Character Race: Spirit
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: None
Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage most of the play. Mask work. Differentiating the movement and voice of a spirit (how is it different from the family?) Holding a script and moving furniture.
Character: A cosmic horror and a teacher to Cain. They function as the socratic tour guide that introduces Cain to the concepts of death, existential horror, and more. Strangely charming, yet repulsive.
ADAH
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Woman, she/her
Ability/movement/intimacy: Holding a script and moving furniture. Hugging and possible domestic intimacy with Cain.
Character: Sister-wife of Cain. Smitten for her own brother; for her this is as normal as taking a breath.
*ZILLAH
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Woman, she/her
Ability/movement/intimacy: Preferred music experience in guitar/vocals, but will consider any instruments! Holding a script and moving furniture.
Character: Sister of Cain, Sister-Wife of Abel. Often forgotten. The creator of earthly music.
*ADAM
Character Age: The oldest person ever.
Character Race: A puppet
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Man, he/him
Ability/movement/intimacy: Puppet work.
Character: Father of Cain and patriarch of the family. One of the first sinners.
*EVE
Character Age: The second oldest person ever.
Character Race: A puppet
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Woman, she/her
Ability/movement/intimacy: Puppet work.
Character: Mother of Cain and matriarch of the family. One of the first sinners.
*INNER MONOLOGUE
Character Age: Ageless
Character Race: Spirit
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: None
Ability/movement/intimacy: Holding a script and moving furniture. Mask work.
Character: Cain’s thoughts and immortal part (like a soul).
*SERVANT OF THE LORDE
Character Age: Ageless
Character Race: Spirit
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: None
Ability/movement/intimacy: Mask work. Holding a script and moving furniture.
Character: A spirit that comes to punish Cain for his misdeeds. Representative of the heavens.
