The Great Gtasby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald, adapted by Simon Levy
Directed by Laura Blackwell
Open Auditions: July 7 & 8, Callback July 9
Rehearsal Timeframe: July-September
Evening Performances (7:30pm): September 26, 27, Oct 3, 4
Matinee Performances (2:30pm): September 28, Oct 5
Content Label: PG-13
This script portrays physical and emotional abuse between spouses/partners, threats of and minor physical assault, adultery, blatant racism/classism/misogyny, murder by vehicle and firearm, and suicide by firearm. The directing team and Majestic staff are deeply committed to making this production from auditions to strike as physically and emotionally safe as possible, while still staying true to the realism of the story and time period. We plan to do this by fostering open dialogue, trained staff to guide and choreograph, and education around the history of the period. The director, Laura Blackwell, has chosen to scale back on a majority of the graphic stage directions and find more artistic and symbolic actions than those written in the text. Please feel free to reach out to her with concerns and questions at
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This theatre is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a welcoming place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.
Auditions will be held in person at the Majestic Theatre.
If you'd like to learn more about the director's vision and experience the script prior to auditions, there will be a table read of the play on Saturday, May 31st from 1:00 - 4:00pm in the Lab space on the second floor of the theatre. Anyone is welcome to come and read or listen!
SHOW SYNOPSIS
Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed and danger. The breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age come to the stage in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, and in Simon Levy’s adaptation, approved by the Fitzgerald Estate.
FROM THE DIRECTOR Laura Blackwell
I have loved The Great Gatsby since reading it in 9th grade. It is a timeless story of misguided love, privilege, and the harsh reality of “The American Dream”. Even though it is set in 1922, the themes are still just as meaningful and prevalent in today’s society. We get to witness the lives of these very real characters through the lens of Daisy’s cousin, Nick, who describes himself as a man “within and without”. Nick, aware of his advantages, aims to make his own way in the world and meets Jay Gatsby, who has worked to improve his situation for the woman he loves only to be literally shot down due to her willful ignorance and privileges. We still see this happening every day from politicians, celebrities, and those one-percenters who own the world. The cover-ups and lies often fall on those who are merely chasing that elusive slice of the pie. What I find fascinating about this story and this very closely adapted script, is the viewpoint we as the audience get to experience. We are guided through this world by a narrator who, because of his own experiences and desires, sees people for how they really are and the heart within them.
I have held onto this script for over five years because I wanted to submit it at the right time. I originally was aiming for 2022, 100 years since the play is set, but due to the pandemic, I held off so I could make sure that it was safe enough to put it on how I have envisioned it. 2025 is the 100 year anniversary since The Great Gatsby was published, so it only made sense for this story to be produced now.
PREPARATION NOTES
Please plan to attend both nights of auditions, callbacks will be by invite only. If you are not invited back for callbacks, that does not mean you have not been cast! (Conversely, please be aware that being invited to callbacks does not guarantee that you will be cast.) If you are unable to attend both nights of auditions, you are still welcome to come out! Please reach out to the director so that she can plan for this.
Plan to partake in a short dance audition- not all characters need to dance, but we want to gauge how well you stay in character for the party scenes and if you can pick up on choreography.
Auditions will consist of games, group choreography, side reads, and monologues (which will be provided the first night and performed on the second night).
Audition sides will be posted two weeks prior to auditions so that you can prepare.
Scripts are available for check out- please reach out to the director, Laura Blackwell, if interested or have any questions:
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You can learn more about the auditions and read the character descriptions here:
https://www.majestic.org/post/open-auditions-the-great-gatsby
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