Auditions
The Joliet Drama Guild is pleased to announce open auditions for A.R. Gurney's comedy, Sylvia, the first production of its 78th season. Auditions will be held on Monday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 20 at 7pm in the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater, 201 West Jefferson at Bluff Street, Joliet, IL 60435 (in the rear conference room—enter the building at the North Entrance by the river).
Synopsis
Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park – or that has found him – bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog.
Audiences and critics alike have adored this hilarious and touching play since its Off-Broadway debut:
“Dramatic literature is stuffed with with memorable love scenes, but none is as immediately delicious and dizzy as the one that begins the redeeming affair in A.R. Gurney's new comedy, Sylvia.”
--The New York Times
“I can only call it one of the most involving, beautiful, funny, touching and profound plays I have ever seen.”
--The New York Daily News
“Gurney's mad comedy is the most endearing good time to trot down the pike in many a moon. Howlingly funny...”
--BackStage
Roles
• Greg: Male; Financial Trader; late 30’s to mid 50’s
• Kate: Female; High School English Teacher; late 30’s to mid 50’s
• Sylvia: Female; The Dog; late teens to late 20’s; energy, comic timing, and strong movement skills are key
• Tom (Male); Phyllis (Female); Leslie (Ambiguous gender) – These three roles will all be played by the same actor or actress; we are open to casting a talented performer of either gender.
Rehearsal and Performances
Rehearsals will begin in early August. Performances are October 15-17, 22-24.
Production Team
Sylvia will be directed by Allen Pindell, with Frank K. Hattula as Assistant Director and Samantha Piper as Stage Manager.
Additional Information
Head shots and/or resumes are welcome but not required.
For more information or submissions, contact sylvia@mrwhatnot.com
If you are unable to attend the auditions, please email to schedule an appointment.
(photo by carolvinzant, used under a Creative Commons license)
