AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT for Governors State University’s Theatre and Performance Studies Fall 2022 production of…
CLOUD 9 by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Patrick Santoro, Ph.D.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
November 3-6, 2022 (four performances) at Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts
ABOUT THE PLAY:
This time-shifting comedy by the author of Top Girls created a sensation in its off-Broadway premiere, directed by Tommy Tune. A hilarious and scathing parody of colonialism and the Victorian Empire, particularly in its rigid attitude toward sex, Cloud 9 explodes conventions and challenges its audience with humor and wit. There is Clive, a British functionary; his wife Betty (played by a man); their daughter Victoria (a rag doll); Clive’s friend Harry, an explorer; Mrs. Saunders, who runs about dressed in a riding habit; Clive’s son Edward, who still plays with dolls (and is played by a woman); and Joshua, an African servant who knows exactly what is really going on. What really is going on is a marvelous sendup and a non-stop round-robin of sexual liaisons. The second act shifts to London in 1980. Though a century has passed, the surviving characters have only aged 25 years. Now played by different actors, the characters have lost their repressed sexual longings, along with the Empire.
The script for Cloud 9 can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptkLx8UJGDiyN8qzMBUUn6Lpx3rauf4B/view?usp=sharing
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:
We welcome all Governors State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as local community members, to audition for Cloud 9. All performers must be fully vaccinated. It is our current intention that all performers will perform without masks for rehearsals and performances.
This is a non-paying production.
CASTING:
Casting a versatile and diverse ensemble of 7 performers (3 women and 4 men, inclusive casting). Each performer will play two different roles; one performer will play three.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
Act 1
• Clive, a colonial administrator
• Betty, his wife, played by a man
• Joshua, his black servant, played by a white actor
• Edward, his son, played by a woman
• Victoria, his daughter, a ventriloquist's dummy
• Maud, his mother-in-law
• Ellen, Edward's governess
• Harry Bagley, an explorer
• Mrs. Saunders, a widow
Act 2
• Betty, now played by a woman
• Edward, her son, now played by a man
• Victoria, her daughter
• Martin, Victoria's husband
• Lin, a lesbian single mother
• Cathy, Lin's daughter, age 5, played by a man
• Gerry, Edward's lover
PREPARATION:
Please prepare a published and memorized 1–2-minute comedic monologue. Something character forward that shows off comic timing is encouraged.
These are small group auditions. Come prepared to play and possibly read from the script.
PLEASE BE PROMPT—latecomers will NOT be seen.
SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:
Auditions will be held at Governors State University’s Sherman Hall (E1530). Nearly the entire campus consists of 7 large, adjoining buildings labeled A-G (the labels are actually very clear from the outside). Easiest option is to enter from the main entrance (D) and make a right from the Hall of Governors toward the E wing, past the cafeteria and bookstore. Keep an eye on the signs. Sherman Hall is located near the art studios, past the elevator and down the ramp.
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