Playhouse on the Green is holding open call Non-Equity auditions for its upcoming production of "Twelve Angry Jurors" by Reginald Rose. Producing Artistic Director Matt Schicker directs. Auditions take place Wednesday, December 10 and Thursday, December 11 from 5:30PM-8:30PM (sign-in begins 5PM) at Playhouse on the Green, 177 State Street, Bridgeport, CT, 06604.
Please bring photo and resume of stage experience. Please prepare a one-minute dramatic monologue (no Shakespeare or other classical). If no monologue is prepared, sides from the script will be available. Callbacks for "Twelve Angry Jurors" will take place prior to the Christmas holiday.
General rehearsal schedule for "Twelve Angry Jurors" is weeknights after 7PM and weekends during the day beginning January 5, 2009. Performances: February 6-22, 2009 (Thu-Sat @ 8PM, Sun @ 3PM; Saturday, Feb 21 at 3PM).
All rehearsals and performances to take place at Playhouse on the Green at 177 State Street in Bridgeport, CT. One block walk from Metro North station. NOTE: most actors will be called to every rehearsal as all characters appear throughout entire play.
"Twelve Angry Jurors" is the courtroom classic "Twelve Angry Men" as you've never seen it! Playhouse on the Green is pleased to present the officially licensed adaptation of the courtroom drama performed by a mixed cast of men and women! A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. It looks like an open-and-shut case - until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts. Each juror reveals his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined and they must reach a final verdict. Tempers become frayed and arguments grow heated as this riveting drama reaches its climax and the jurors put aside their differences and work together for the sake of justice. The success of the 1954 TV show led to the 1957 film version starring Henry Fonda; it has been produced several times on stage including a 2004 Broadway production at the Roundabout Theatre Company (based on the film version).
Not much background is given in this version of the script on each of the characters' "stories", so there's a search for actors who will relish the chance to create their character's backstory which informs how they act and react under pressure in a claustrophobic jury room. Bold, active, imaginative choices must be made, while staying within the realm of the period (1953 NYC) and believability.
SEEKING:
FOREMAN - male, 30-50
Takes his duties as the jury foreman seriously, tries to do a good job of keeping the conversation on track and moving forward. Wants to avoid any nonsense.
TWO - female, 22-30
Intimidated by the situation of having to express opinions and interact with strangers. When play begins, she is hoping to get out as soon as possible and without saying anything,, but by the end, she has learned that her haste to relieve her personal shyness could have cost a man his life.
THREE - male, plays 50-65
Working class. Agressively opinionated. Used to bossing people around, maybe at a factory. Inwardly insecure, he feels threatened by anyone who he thinks "looks down" on him or is smarter or more sophisticated than him.
FOUR - female, plays 45-60
Wealthy, educated socialite. Has a keen interest in the workings of the judicial system and takes pride in her participation on the jury.
FIVE - male, mid-20s-35
Left the "wrong side of the tracks" and thinks that's all behind him now until the jury deliberations hit a nerve. Quiet and nervous because he feels a bit out of his league with the rest of the jury; others interpret this as shiftiness.
SIX - female, late 20s-40
Mother, works for a living to support her children, perhaps a waitress at a diner. Doesn't say a lot, but isn't afraid to voice her opinion when she feels moved to.
SEVEN - male, 30-50
Sports fan. Not used to being in formal situations. Mostly concerned with his day-to-day life in his borough neighborhood; not accustomed to thinking about "bigger picture" issues of life.
EIGHT - male, late 20s-45
Thoughtful and honest, charismatic. Diplomatic to a point. Torn about the case at hand; doesn't know what the right thing to do is. Has a strong conviction that the jury system is fair and has a deep respect for life, and is impatient with those who don't share that conviction.
NINE - male, plays 75-85
Fragile old gentleman. Feels sense of importance in participating on the jury. Though weak, feels his voice should be heard and respected.
TEN - female, plays 65-75
Hard-bitten woman. Has worked hard all her life. Set in her beliefs and ways. Suspicious of anyone different than herself. Inwardly intimidated by others. May knit (if actor doesn't knit, it will be taught).
ELEVEN - female, 30-50
Of European descent, has accent. Fascinated with U.S. judicial system and does not take it's fairness for granted.
TWELVE - female, plays late 20s-late 30s
High energy young business woman. Sharp and bright, she works hard to compete in a "man's world", but sometimes tends to overcompensate by being brash and pushy, speaking before she thinks.
