Auditions for the fall DAC Stage production of Sylvia by A.R. Gurney are being held on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the DAC Weatherstone Studio.
Photo from Darien Arts Center
Casting call from Darien Arts Center
If callbacks are necessary they will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.
— an announcement from Darien Arts Center
Four adults, ages 18 and older, need to be cast for the production, which will run on weekends from Nov. 3 through 11.
The plot of Sylvia involves Greg and Kate, who have moved to Manhattan after 22 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 just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog.
The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.
Those auditioning should perform a short comedic monologue or they may read from the script, and provide a photo and resume if possible. Preparing a monologue from the play is recommended. Selections from the script will be provided at the auditions. Parts to be cast are:
GREG: Male, Adult, Late 40s to 60s, New York or New England accent. Greg is a man heading towards middle age. A man coming to the natural conclusion of his career and struggling to cope with the changes in his world and in himself.
KATE: Female, Adult, Late 40s to 60s, New York or East Coast accent. A woman coming into her own in her career and in herself; hers and Greg’s last child has gone to college. Kate is a high school teacher whose career recognition and opportunities are opening up for her.
SYLVIA: Female, Young Adult, 20s – 30s, New York or Standard American accent. Sylvia is a dog, an adorable labra-doodle. Must be fit and agile, the role is physically demanding.
TOM/PHYLLIS/LESLIE: One actor plays all three roles:
TOM: Male, Adult, 30s – 40s, New York accent. Tom is a friendly man, who enjoys taking his dog Bowser to play in the park. He befriends Greg in the park.
PHYLLIS: Female, Adult, 40s – 60s, American accent — East Coast, WASP. Phyllis is a wealthy New York City socialite, and old school friend of Kate’s.
LESLIE: Male or Female, Adult, 30s – 60s, Standard American or New York accent. Leslie is a therapist and marriage counselor.
The DAC Weatherstone Studio is located at 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820, behind Darien Town Hall. For more information, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683.
Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community.
The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, as well as special events and live community theatre produced by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit darienarts.org.