Actors Needed for "Design for Living" Play Audition
Audition opportunity for the theater production of "Design for Living." Please refer to the details below. About the project: "Design for Living" is a wickedly witty dark romantic comedy by Noel Coward. Initially banned in the UK, this provocative play portrays three amoral, glib, and stylish characters and their hopelessly inescapable, if also unconventional, emotional entanglement. From 1930s bohemian Paris to the dizzying heights of Manhattan society, a tempestuous love triangle unravels between vivacious interior designer Gilda, playwright Leo, and artist Otto—three people unashamedly and passionately in love with each other. They are trapped in what Coward called “a three-sided erotic hodge-podge.” With Coward's trademark piquant style, this lively, funny but also atypical play looks at dazzling, egotistical creatures and their self-destructive dependence on each other. Exploring themes of Polyamory, celebrity, success, and self-obsession, Design for Living is a stylish and scandalous comedy. Additional info: Actors will be asked to read sides from the script. A copy of the script will be available for your perusal at the beginning of November 1st Please see the attachment for details. If you are interested please apply.
10 roles
(Lead) Interior Designer, Gilda is caught in a love triangle, between Leo, and Otto. She is smart, sophisticated, and witty. She is also a social chameleon and able to fit into any society. Throughout the play, she experiences internal turmoil. Intimacy: There are moments of intimacy between the characters of Otto, Leo, and some flirtation with Earnest. This character appears in suggestive clothing, namely pajamas.
(Lead) Artist, Otto is cool, confident, sweet, and wears his emotions and thoughts on his sleeve. He is the life of the party. Time commitment: This character is in 4 of the 6 scenes. As such the Actor should expect to be called to nearly all rehearsals. Intimacy: There are moments of intimacy between Gilda, and Leo. This character appears in suggestive clothing, namely pajamas.
(Lead) Playwright, Leo is smart, sophisticated, and filled with anxiety. There is a certain level of imposter syndrome about him, and there is an impending fear he will be found out. Despite this he enjoys fame. Time commitment: This character is in 4 of the 6 scenes. As such the Actor should expect to be called to nearly all rehearsals. Intimacy: There are moments of intimacy between Gilda and Otto. His character appears in suggestive clothing, namely pajamas.
(Supporting) Successful international art dealer. He has a history with the trio but seems to be particularly fond of Gilda. He is witty, sophisticated, and shrewd. Time commitment: This character is in 3 of the 6 scenes. As such the Actor should expect to attend nearly all rehearsals. While he in not a member of the main 3, and should expect to be called often. Intimacy: There are no specific moments of intimacy mentioned in the play, but additional moments may be considered.
(Featured) Mrs. Hodge serves as Leo’s and Gilda’s maid in London, She is of a lower socio-economic class, but views herself as a moral and upright person. She is careful with words, but her feelings are visible on her face and body. She should have a northern accent. (May double as Grace)
(Featured) A society journalist who interviews Leo. He enjoys his job, and rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. (May double as Mathew and/or Henry Carver)
(Featured) New York Socialite who is a bit of a snob. He is skeptical of Gilda’s business practices. (May double as Birbeck and/or Matthew)
(Featured) Henry’s sweet young wife. She is fascinated by Gilda and her lifestyle. Act 3 only. Intimacy: There are no specific moments of intimacy mentioned in the play, but additional moments may be considered. This will be further discussed within the confines of rehearsal. This process will involve discussing boundaries, and will be consent-based.
(Featured) Extremely wealthy New York socialite and potential client for Gilda. She is excitable and enjoys a bit of gossip. She is always looking for the next trend. (May double as Hodge) Act 3 only. Time Commitment: This character only appears in a single scene, as such this a low time commitment role. Doubling may affect the number of rehearsals the actor will need to attend.
Smart American valet (could double Birbeck/ Henry Carver) Act 3 only. Time Commitment: This character only appears in a single scene, as such this a low time commitment role. Doubling may affect the number of rehearsals the actor will need to attend. Intimacy: There are no specific moments of intimacy mentioned in the play, but additional moments may be considered.
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