Announcing Auditions for The Playboy of the Western World – In a New Version by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle

Silver Spring Stage is holding auditions for The Playboy of the Western World – In a New Version by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle. The production will be directed by Seth Ghitelman and produced by Liz Butterworth.

Performances will be January 24-February 9, 2025.

Audition Dates:

Sunday, October 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, October 14, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Callbacks (by invitation): Thursday, October 17, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

You will be asked to present a contemporary monologue no longer than 90 seconds. Prepared, memorized monologues are preferred. However, actors may bring a copy of a monologue to read, and the Stage will also have printed monologues available.

For the roles of Christopher and Malomo, a monologue in a Nigerian or other African accent is preferred but not required. A monologue in an Irish accent is preferred but not required for all other roles. Walk-ups are permitted, but we will accommodate them only as time allows.

To Schedule an Audition: Please sign up via our SignupGenius here, and download and fill out our audition form here.

If you are unable to attend auditions in person, please email us at playboy@ssstage.org to arrange a video submission.

Audition Location: Silver Spring Stage, 10145 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring MD 20901. Please enter through the front entrance on Colesville Road.

Some Notes About Auditions & Schedules:

Actors will need to fill out an audition form and submit a resume and headshot if available. Access the form here to print it out and complete it before your audition.

Actors must note their conflicts throughout the rehearsal process and run of the show, January 24-February 9, 2025.

Rehearsals will typically be held four times a week, on both weeknights and weekends, depending on cast availability.

Tech and dress rehearsals begin on January 18, 2025.

Performances will run three weekends, January 24-February 9, 2025. Performances will be on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees every weekend at 2:00 p.m.

Brush-up rehearsals may be held on Thursday evenings before Friday performances.

Cast attendance is required at all rehearsals as called by the director and stage manager unless a conflict has been previously indicated. The cast must be available for all tech and dress rehearsals, performances, and brush-ups.

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

Show Synopsis:

A modern version of J.M. Synge’s classic comedy Playboy of the Western World, adapted by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle. Christopher, a young Nigerian, seeks refuge in a Dublin pub after claiming he murdered his father and fled Nigeria. In the world of this organized crime-run pub, Christopher is seen as a hero standing up to his tyrannical father. That is until his father shows up alive. Capturing the morbid comedy of J.M. Synge’s classic, the new version also highlights themes related to identity, race, and immigration in modern Ireland.

Content Advisory:

Playboy of the Western World includes occasional use of offensive language, depictions of violence and injury, descriptions of death, and depictions of racial prejudice.

Setting:

A Dublin pub, modern day.

Characters:

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

Pegeen (young Dublin woman; 25-35): Spunky daughter of Michael. She really runs the pub. Is unhappily betrothed to Sean.

Sean (young Dublin man; 25-35): A mama’s boy. A schlub. Determined to marry Pegeen no matter the cost.

Christopher (young Nigerian man; 25-35): Handsome, mild-mannered guy who finds himself the center of attention in a strange land and enjoys the spotlight until his lie is exposed.

Michael (Pegeen’s dad; publican and gangster; 50-60): Think of the Irish version of Tony Soprano.

Jimmy (Michael’s henchman; 35-50) and Philly (Michael’s henchman; 35-50): Loyal to Michael. They go along for all the advantages of being a henchman which includes drinks and drugs.

Widow Quin (Dublin woman; 40-50): Lives off her reputation of having killed her husband. Sexy and conniving.

Malomo (Christopher’s father; 50-60): Nigerian businessman. He is all business all the time.

Honor (young Dublin girl; 15-21), Sarah (young Dublin girl; l5-21), and Susan (young Dublin girl;15-21): Think of “Derry Girls.”

** Again, if you have any questions, please email us at playboy@ssstage.org **