AUDITION NOTICE:
REASONS TO BE PRETTY
by Neil LaBute (the third in a trilogy by the playwright. The first two were The Shape of Things and Fat Pig)
directed by Rick Holloway of New York
produced by Laura Lindson of Sayreville
WHEN: Sunday and Monday, March 8 and 9, 7 PM. Please plan to arrive and sign in no later than 8 PM; Invited callbacks are 7 PM, Tuesday, March 10.
WHERE: Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.
CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE AND ADULT SITUATIONS
Greg’s tight-knit social circle is thrown into turmoil when his offhand remarks about a female coworker’s pretty face and his own girlfriend Steph’s lack thereof get back to Steph. But that’s just the beginning. Greg’s best buddy, Kent, and Kent’s wife, Carly, also enter into the picture, and the emotional equation becomes exponentially more complicated. As their relationships crumble, the four friends are forced to confront a sea of deceit, infidelity, and betrayed trust in their journey to answer that oh-so-American question: How much is pretty worth?
All three plays address society’s obsession with physical appearance. Reasons to be Pretty concentrates on the tyranny of beauty in the minds of the pretty, in the minds of the not-so-pretty, and in the minds of observers and critics.
Roles being cast are:
- Greg: the classic “everyman,” a nice guy with a tendency to say the wrong thing without being aware of it. He is well read (enjoys classic American literature in an effort to better himself) but remains in his dead end job. Does his best to avoid conflict whenever possible. Works in a warehouse with Kent and Carly.
- Steph: Greg's girlfriend. She has a hair-trigger temper and is argumentative, particularly when she feels emotionally wounded. One of Greg’s unsuspecting remarks causes her to end their relationship. She is close friends with Carly, but doesn't care for Kent.
- Kent: A quintessential jerk. Stereotypical chauvinistic jock who values women only by their appearance. Winning in sports and with beautiful women are his sole focus in life, emphasizing his one-dimensional character. Loves having the ‘trophy wife’ but is not faithful and always on the prowl to prove his manhood. Married to Carly.
- Carly: She knows she’s attractive and not above using it to her advantage; however, also recognizes the burden of being ‘pretty.’ Vulnerable, but can be manipulative if necessary. Only has her job because of how she looks. Works at the same warehouse as Kent and Greg.
All characters are in their late 20s to late 30s.
Sides will be provided. Also, those who audition are invited to perform a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue if they have one prepared, but this is not mandatory.
PERFORMANCE DATES: 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays, June 12-June 27, with a 3 PM matinee on Sunday, June 28.
For more information, email director Rick Holloway at circleplayersnj@gmail.com.
