Audition dates are tentative and subject to change!

Players by the Sea announces an OPEN CASTING CALL for its upcoming production of…

TROUBLE IN MIND
Written by Alice Childress
Directed by Zach Rivera

IN-PERSON AUDITIONS: Saturday, February 10 at 11:00am

PLEASE NOTE — If you have scheduling conflicts OR if you are unable to attend the auditions but would like to be considered, please contact auditions@playersbythesea.org.

— PRODUCTION DATES —

Friday, May 10 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 11 at 8:00pm
Friday, May 17 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 18 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 19 at 2:00pm
Friday, May 24 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 25 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 26 at 2:00pm

— ABOUT THE PLAY —
A talented and experienced Black actress has been cast in Chaos in Belleville, an anti-lynching play set to open on Broadway. She’s paid her dues throughout the years, playing stereotypical supporting roles in second-rate shows, and is ready for her star turn. Chaos in Belleville, written by a white playwright, might not be quite as enlightened a piece as she’s been hoping for — but that doesn’t mean it won’t sell out. And selling out is the question at the heart of Alice Childress’s comedy-drama. A cast of multigenerational Black actors rehearse under the purview of a white director and stage manager, and as the rehearsal process unfolds, theatre conventions and racial politics collide, resulting in a surprisingly funny yet deeply piercing look at the entertainment industry.

— PREPARATIONS —

  • ​You are welcome to prepare a 2-3 minute comedic monologue from a published play.
  • In lieu of a monologue, you may participate in cold readings from the script.
  • Please bring a headshot and resume. (A selfie is okay in lieu of a professional headshot!)
  • ​​Please bring ALL known conflicts from FEBRUARY 10 – MAY 26. The rehearsal schedule will be based on conflicts submitted by cast members.

— AVAILABLE ROLES —

* Non-equity only *

WILETTA MAYER 
Female Identifying, 40-50, African-American, our hero, an actress scorned by the theatre industry and its subsequent racial inequities. One of the leads in our play within a play, Wiletta struggles to relate to her character written and directed by a white playwright and director, and struggles even more so to not say anything about it. Jaded.

HENRY
Male Identifying, 60-80, Irish-American, the theatre’s doorman, kind-hearted ally to Wiletta from beginning to end. Sweet.

JOHN NEVINS
Male Identifying, 20-30, African-American, a young and incredibly idealistic actor making his Broadway debut. Skeptical of the advice given to him by the more experienced actors in the cast. Impressionable.

MILLIE DAVIS
Female Identifying, 30-40, African-American, experienced actress who is unhappy about the roles she’s had to play. Does not need to work and is well taken care of. Quick-Witted.

JUDY SEARS
Female Identifying, 20-30, Caucasian, naive actress acting in her first job. Unaware at times to her own privilege. Emotional.

SHELDON FORRESTER
Male Identifying, 60-80, African-American, wise and ready to impart his wisdom on the younger members of the cast (so everybody). Non-confrontational, yet protectively so. Careful.

AL MANNERS
Male Identifying, 40-60, Caucasian, the erratic director of the play within a play. Burns inspiringly hot, but dangerously as well. Wiletta’s foil. Glad there is someone like him to direct “Chaos in Belleville”. Dominating.

EDDIE FENTON
Male Identifying, Any age, Caucasian, the keeper of the flow of rehearsals. The stage manager. The unseen hand who is verbally abused by Manners when a mistake is made. Tired.

BILL O’WRAY
Male Identifying, 30-50, Caucasian, greatly experienced actor. Refuses to eat with the other members of the cast. Typically anxious. Cannot see the underlying implications of his words and actions. How can he be sexist when he calls all women “Gal”? Short-sighted.

​To peruse a copy of the script, please email auditions@playersbythesea.org.

Audition information coming soon!