AUDITION NOTICE:
TALK RADIO
by Eric Bogosian
WHEN: Monday, August 1st and Tuesday, August 2nd at 7:30pm.
WHERE: The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave.
Production dates are September 30 thru October 15, 2016 with rehearsals to begin mid-August. Michael Hegarty directs.
Barry Champlain, Cleveland’s most controversial radio host, is on the air doing what he does best: insulting the pathetic souls who call in the middle of the night to sound off. Tomorrow, Barry's show is going into national syndication and his producer is afraid that Barry will say something that will offend the sponsors. This, of course, makes Barry even more outrageous.
Funny and moving, off beat, outrageous and totally entrancing, Talk Radio had a long run at New York's Public Theatre starring the author, Eric Bogosian. It was adapted into a 1988 film by director Oliver Stone and premiered on Broadway in 2007 with Liev Schreiber as Barry.
"Imagine Lenny Bruce at the height of his notoriety becoming a popular talk show host and you may begin to have an idea of the whiplash intensity and black, hard edged cynicism of Talk Radio." – The New York Times
Director Hegarty seeks eight men / four women to fill out his cast. He asks that you prepare a monologue of your choice or choose one from the show, which can be found on Chatham Players’ website. To access sides of the monologues and the audition form, please visit our website at http://www.chathamplayers.org/auditions.html .
Character Breakdown
Barry Champlain: (30s – 40s) The outspoken, fast-talking, sharp-tongued, chain-smoking, coke-snorting host of “NightTalk.” He is bitter, jaded, prone to violent bursts of emotion, and the added pressure of national syndication only serves to amplify it all. Looking for an actor with an outstanding “radio” voice and the ability to carry a show on his shoulders.
Stu Noonan: (30s – 40s) Barry's long-time friend and operator, he screens callers to the show and puts them through to Barry. In many ways he and Barry are very similar. He’s an ex-DJ. The two of them used to party back in the day. But now Stu’s married with a kid and his friendship and working relationship with Barry have soured over the years.
Linda MacArthur: (20s – 30s): Barry’s assistant producer with benefits. Smart, beautiful, hard-working and dedicated. She always makes sure that Barry has everything he needs to do his show. But Barry isn’t the easiest person to get along with and she is often frustrated by his behavior, both at and away from work.
Dan Woodruff: (30s – 50s) The executive producer of WTLK. A confident, slick, well-dressed businessman. He created the station's all-talk format and also Barry's persona and back-story. The syndication of "NightTalk" is a very big deal for Dan, and he’s not about to let Barry mess things up for him.
Kent: (Character age: 18) A "NightTalk" caller and in-studio guest. Barry is the only one who knows Kent’s call about his overdosing girlfriend is a prank. He’s a typical late-80s metal head or punk rocker who likes to get high and rock out. He worships Barry, and thinks he’s just like him. At first Barry is amused by Kent (or maybe it’s that Kent makes Dan uncomfortable) but it doesn't last long.
Spike: (20s – 30s) WTLK's sound engineer. From his place in his control booth, he is responsible for operating and maintaining all sound and technical equipment for the radio station. Though he doesn’t say much, he is present through the entire show and never leaves the stage.
Sidney Greenberg: (30s – 60s) Host of WTLK's financial show "Your Taxes and You” which airs before “Night Talk.” On the air he doles out financial advice, hardly pausing to let his callers get a word in. Off the air, he spends his time at the track with his operator Bernie. This actor also plays about a half-dozen “Night Talk” callers. Looking for an actor with the talent to create many distinct character voices.
Bernie: (20s – 40s) Sid's operator, who screens calls and puts them through to Sid. He and Sid go to the track together. This actor also plays about a half-dozen “Night Talk” callers. Looking for an actor with the talent to create many distinct character voices.
Dr. Susan Fleming: (30s – 60s) Host of a radio psychology show that airs after “Night Talk.” Smart, confident and compassionate. This actor also plays about a half-dozen “Night Talk” callers. Looking for an actor with the talent to create many distinct character voices.
Rachael: (20s – 40s) Dr. Fleming's operator, who screens calls and puts them through to the Doctor. This actor also plays about a half-dozen “Night Talk” callers. Looking for an actor with the talent to create many distinct character voices.
Additional Roles: Two additional actors to provide caller voices to the radio show.
The Chatham Players have an open call casting policy. ALL roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition.
Any questions, please call Gus Ibryani at (201)-563-0362 or email casting@chathamplayers.org. For directions or additional information, please visit www.chathamplayers.org
