Audition for our fall 2024 production of Or, a historical comedy about the groundbreaking playwright Aphra Behn, 17th-century English poet, playwright, and spy for the throne.

This modern play by American playwright Liz Duffy Adams sparkles with rapid-fire period dialogue, poetry, and physical comedy. The entire, fast-paced 90 minutes is played by three actors. Director Kaitlyn Chantry is looking for three versatile, physical comedians who love language and are ready to play.

HOW TO APPLY

Those auditioning should send their resume and headshot, along with a link to your video audition on a platform like YouTube or Vimeo (please, no attached video files) to auditions@longwoodplayers.org. In the video, please first state your name, then read two of the following sides depending on the role you are auditioning for. Memorization is not needed. Auditions must be submitted no later than August 24th.

Choose two sides from this folder.

Callbacks will be held in person on Sunday, September 1st. If you’re unable to attend these callbacks, please include that conflict within your audition email.

Callbacks, rehearsals, and performances will all take place at Chelsea Theatre Works.

If cast, all actors will receive a $300 stipend to be paid at strike on October 27th. Non-Equity only.

IMPORTANT DATES

Rehearsals: Rehearsals begin on September 8th and will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 7–10pm and Sunday afternoons from 1–5pm. Actors must be available for tech all day on Sunday, October 20th and every night of production week, October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Actors are expected to help with strike after the final matinee on October 27th.

Performances are scheduled for:

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 8pm (Preview Performance)

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 8pm

Saturday, October 26th at 2pm and 8pm

Sunday, October 27th at 2pm

CASTING OVERVIEW

Actors Two and Three will play multiple characters within the play. Actors playing multiple roles must demonstrate versatility in portraying multiple characters and strong comedic ability.

The Longwood Players encourages performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, ages, as well as performers with disabilities to audition.We are actively seeking actors and crew members of diverse backgrounds to include more voices in the world of this experience.

All three roles are open to non-Equity actors only. Each actor will receive a $300 stipend to be paid at strike on October 27th.

Intimacy Notes: The three main characters of the play (Aphra, Nell, and Charles) are all bisexual and flirtatious, and each one has intimate scenes with each of the others. Each character has one scripted kiss with each of the other characters. Charles is also scripted to touch Nell’s breast (through clothing). Other physical touch between the characters is preferred, but not essential. No nudity.

AVAILABLE ROLES

ACTOR 1

Player (Prologue) ………………. Street-clothes actor portraying Aphra

Aphra Behn …..………………… Female-identifying; late twenties to late thirties

The play begins at the tail end of Aphra’s career as Astrea, spy for the King of England. She is fiercely independent and dreams of the same for all women. Her greatest desire is to find success as a poet and playwright so that she might provide her own financial means, living and loving as she sees fit. She’s witty, charming, and a bit of a dreamer and romantic.

ACTOR 2

Charles II ……..………………… Male-identifying; Aphra’s age or up to ten years older

This is the literal king of England, Charles II. He is, in the words of his contemporary John Evelyn, “a prince of many virtues and many great imperfections, debonair, easy of access, not bloody or cruel.” His playful charm and wit quickly wins Aphra’s love and, later, Nell’s. Charles resents the drudgery of politics and treasures his time away from work.

William Scot ………...………..… Male-identifying; Aphra’s age or up to ten years older.

Fellow spy and former lover of Aphra. He is a double agent of the Dutch and the English, presumed dead after he’s seen by the Dutch with “Astrea.” William is determined to improve his own fortunes, having lived in relative poverty after his family was stripped of its lands and titles by Charles. (William’s father was executed by Charles as one of those who conspired to kill Charles’ father, King Charles I.) He is selfish, desperate, and a bit of a drunk.

ACTOR 3

Jailer …………………………….. Any

A cranky, if affable jailer that oversees Aphra’s time in her private cell of the debtor’s prison. Aphra has promised the jailer money upon her release in exchange for supplying her with paper and ink.

Nell Gwynne …………………… Female-identifying; early to mid-twenties

A bawdy, confident, outspoken, cynical actress for The King’s Company. Nell is bisexual and extremely flirtatious, happy to bring to bed Aphra or Charles in equal measure. Like Aphra, Nell is fiercely independent. The “fatherless daughter of a whorehouse keeper,” Aphra has made her own way in life, establishing herself as a talented and well regarded theatrical leading lady.

Maria (pron. muh-RYE-uh) ….… Female-identifying, older; a servant

Maria is described in the script as “an outrageously ill-tempered older female servant.” She is extremely loyal to Aphra, having followed her through jungles, across oceans, and even to debtor’s prison. She speaks her mind and doesn’t stand for nonsense.

Lady Davenant……….…...…… Female-identifying, an aristocrat; older

Lady Davenant is a force. The widow of the late “Lord D,” she owns every room the moment she breezes into it. Her words don’t necessarily come rapid-fire, but they must be spoken without providing the slightest opening for another participant in the conversation. She has made a place for herself taking over her late husband’s theatrical company, believing there to be “nothing much to it.”