Audition Information for
Sweat by Lynn Nottage

Silver Spring Stage is holding auditions for Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama, Sweat, to be directed by Matthew J. Bannister and produced by Alika Codispoti.

Auditions will be held at Silver Spring Stage (10145 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD) Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28 from 7:30pm-10:30pm. Callbacks, if needed, will be held on the evening of Sunday, September 1. Casting will be for 6 men, 3 women (breakdown below). All roles are open and unpaid.

To audition, actors need to Sign-Up HERE for a one-hour slot. Be prepared to stay for the full hour. If slots fill up, please email sweat@ssstage.org.  Walk-ups will be accommodated if time permits.

Actors should prepare a one-minute dramatic monologue to perform at auditions. They will then be asked to read from the script. Sides will be provided.

Actors will need to fill out an audition form and submit a resume and headshot if available. The form may be downloaded HERE to print and fill out. Actors will need to note conflicts for the rehearsal process and run of the show, September 2 – November 24.

Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week on both weeknights and weekends, depending on cast availability. Sweat will run for 4 weekends from November 1 – 23, 2019. Performances will be Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm and two Sunday matinees at 2pm on November 10 and 17. Brush up rehearsals will be held Thursday evenings before Friday performances.

** If you have any questions, please email us at sweat@ssstage.org **

SHOW SYNOPSIS
In one of the poorest cities in America, Reading, Pennsylvania, a group of down-and-out factory workers struggles to keep their present lives in balance, ignorant of the financial devastation looming in their near futures. The action is split between 2000 and 2008, the powerful crux of this new play is knowing the fate of the characters long before it’s even in their sights, Sweat is a topical reflection of the present and poignant outcome of America’s economic decline.

CHARACTERS
Ethnicities are as described by Lynn Nottage in the script.

Dual ages represent the time change between 2000 and 2008.

CYNTHIA – African-American (45/53)
Starting at the plant as a teenager, she and Tracey have been best friends ever since. She applies for a promotion and escapes the line and becomes a floor manager testing her loyalty to her friends and co-workers.

TRACEY – White American of German descent (45/53)
Started at the plant straight out of high school and her life is the factory. Her friendship with Cynthia is fractured and her underlying prejudices exposed as she loses control of her life.

JASON – White American of German descent (21/29)
Son of Tracey. A blue-collar worker who believes he can achieve his goals at the plant.
NOTE: For scenes in 2008, the role of JASON will require wearing makeup indicating white-supremacist face tattoos.

CHRIS – African-American (21/29)
Son of Cynthia. Has ambition to further his education and his horizons.

STAN – White American of German descent (50s)
Former plant worker who was injured on the job. Bartender at the workers’ favorite bar.

OSCAR – Colombian American (22/30)
Busboy at the bar. Hard worker striving for the opportunity of a better life.

JESSIE – Italian-American (40s)
Factory worker who is disillusioned at the path her life has taken and frequently drowns her sorrows.

BRUCIE – African-American (40s)
Estranged husband of Cynthia. Former factory worker struggling with addiction.

EVAN – African-American (40s)
Parole officer of Jason and Chris. Weary, but still trying to make a difference.

All characters were born in Berks County, Pennsylvania

Actors do not need to be the actual age of characters.

The roles of JASON, CHRIS, OSCAR, STAN, and TRACEY require participation in a physical struggle. Choreography will be designed around the abilities of the actors. Strong movement and/or stage combat skills are a plus but not required. Please come prepared with a knowledge and understanding of your own personal boundaries regarding physicality and contact.

If you have any questions, please email us at sweat@ssstage.org.

Silver Spring Stage is an all-volunteer community theatre. All roles are open and unpaid.

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