Chapel Street Players seeks a group of actors for their season opening production of Tracy Letts’ August Osage County. Those auditioning should come prepared for cold readings from the script. Please see character description list below. Additionally, please note that all roles are open. Due to the adult language, themes, violence and intimacy involved all actors will need to be 18 or older.
SHOW SYNOPSIS: A missing father, a pill-popping mother and three sisters harboring dubious little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoma family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling mysteries. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major play that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.
Character Descriptions (Please note that the ages are specified by the playwright. We will be looking for actors that look roughly the ages stated.)
Beverly Weston (age: 60-70's; male-identifying): is the patriarch of the Weston family, a semi-famous poet and alcoholic and given to bouts of bemused melancholy. After hiring Johnna to be his housekeeper, Beverly disappears mysteriously early in the play, which inaugurates the family’s coming together; Drinks alcohol
Violet Weston (age: 60-70's; female-identifying):The matriarch of the Weston family. Undergoing treatment for oral cancer, she is addicted to several prescription drugs, mostly depressants and narcotics. Despite her drug-induced episodes, she is sharp-tongued and shrewd; she is aware of the family's many secrets and not hesitant to reveal them for her own amusement. Belligerent, drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, takes narcotics, has a physical fight with Barb
Barbara Fordham (age: 40-50's; female-identifying): is Beverly and Violet's oldest daughter who lives in Boulder, Colorado with her daughter Jean. She is separated from her husband Bill who is having an affair with one of his students. She may have more in common with her mother than she would like to admit. She is witty and sardonic, but very controlling and angry. Drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, has a physical fight with Violet, kisses Sheriff Gilbeau.
Bill Fordham (age: 40-50's; male-identifying): is Barbara's husband, a university professor who is sleeping with one of his students. He doesn't live with Barb and Jean, but when he hears Beverly is missing he agrees to journey to Oklahoma to be with his family and present a united front. Drinks alcohol
Jean Fordham (age: 14; female-identifying): is Barbara and Bill's 14-year-old daughter. She smokes cigarettes and pot, is a vegetarian, loves old movies, and is confused and angry about her parents' split. Smokes cigarettes and pot, verbally abusive towards her parents. Receives romantic attention from another Steve. The person cast in this role will play a teenager.
Ivy Weston (age: 40's; female-identifying): is the middle child of the Weston sisters, works as a librarian at the local college and is in love with her first cousin Little Charles. Ivy is the sibling who has remained to take care of her parents and she resents Barbara and Karen for leaving her behind. She is determined to escape to New York with Little Charles. Drinks alcohol, kisses Little Charles.
Karen Weston (age: 40's; female-identifying):is the youngest of the Weston daughters. She is insecure and self-centered. She brings Steve, her fiancé, to the family home as they gather to deal with Beverly’s disappearance. Drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, kisses and some romantic physical contact with Steve.
Mattie Fay Aiken (age: 50-60's; female-identifying):is Violet's sister. She is opinionated and combative, and is especially hard on her son Little Charles whom she considers to be unambitious, unmotivated, and a general disappointment. Drinks alcohol, verbally abusive towards Little Charles.
Charlie Aiken (age: 60's; male-identifying):is Mattie Fae's husband, a genial man, was a lifelong friend of Beverly. He struggles to get Mattie Fae to respect their son Little Charles. Drinks alcohol.
Little Charles Aiken (age: 30's; male-identifying):Son of Mattie Fae and Beverly, 37 years old. He is unemployed and socially awkward, and has been worn down by his mother’s unrelenting chastisement. Kisses Ivy
Johnna Monevata (age: 20's; female-identifying;) Ethnicity: Indigenous (preference will be given to Indigenous actors) We are particularly encouraging applications from Indigenous actors for this role, as it is crucial for the character's authenticity and cultural representation. Johnna is the caretaker that Beverly hires early in the play. She is a Cheyenne woman whom Beverly hires as a live-in housekeeper shortly before he disappears. Violet is suspicious of her, but she wins over the other family members with her cooking skills, hard work, and empathy. Johnna is the silent witness to much of the mayhem in the house. Fights with Steve – hits him with a frying pan.
Steve Heidebrecht (age: 50's; male-identifying): Karen's fiancé, age 50. A businessman from Florida whose business may be less than legitimate, and whom Karen considers to be the perfect man. He is inappropriately sexual with Jean throughout the play, smokes pot with her, and attempts to sexually assault her. Smokes cigarettes and pot, drinks alcohol, makes sexual advances to Jean.
Sheriff Deon Gilbeau (age: 40's; male-identifying): A high-school classmate and former boyfriend of Barbara's, age 47, who brings news of Beverly to the family. Kisses Barbara
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