Main Street Productions (MSP) and Westfield Playhouse are looking for local actors for their upcoming production of Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen.
While they put the finishing touches on the new playhouse, MSP is restructuring auditions this time. If you would like to audition, please do the following:
Create a video of you performing a dramatic monologue (one to two minutes in length) and send the video (no greater than 20 megabytes) or link, along with a completed audition form, including all scheduling conflicts to msp.westfield.playhouse@gmail.com now through July 31 with the subject line: “HEDDA GABLER AUDITION: [Your Name].”
Receipt of videos will be confirmed via email within 48 hours. If you don’t receive confirmation, please contact MSP using the above email address.
If needed, callback auditions will be requested the week of Aug. 3. Depending on the availability of the actors and the new Playhouse, these will either be done virtually via Zoom or in-person at the new Playhouse. In-person callback auditions will be held using appropriate social distancing while in the building, and masks will be REQUIRED.
Due to the current and changing situation with COVID-19, those auditioning should be aware that masks are REQUIRED while inside Westfield Playhouse. Masks must be worn during rehearsals.
Closer to performance dates, MSP will make decisions regarding the use of masks or face shields during performances. The timeline for these decisions will be determined by state and local guidelines, as well as input from the cast and crew members.
While the current hope is to perform this show on stage in front of a live audience, MSP understands this may not be possible. If it is decided it is not safe, or if state and/or local regulations prevent performing in front of a live audience, MSP has other performance options planned. Those who audition for this show need to be prepared to be flexible.
If you have any questions, please contact the director Adam Davis at adamwaynedavis@hotmail.com.
Performance Dates
Sept. 24, 25, 26, 27 and Oct. 1, 2, 3, 4. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 2:30 p.m.
Rehearsals
A full cast read-through will be scheduled the week of Aug. 10 based on actor availability. Rehearsals will generally be scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday with extended rehearsal times closer to performance dates. Tech week will include a “long Sunday” as well as extended rehearsal times throughout the week.
Synopsis
Hedda Gabler focuses on the frustrated existence of its title character, exploring core issues of power, control, and social expectation. Bored and restricted by her middle-class environment, Hedda plays out her own fantasies and psychological games with those nearest to her to an ultimately costly end.
Roles to be cast
- Hedda Tesman (née Gabler) – (Stage age late 20s-30s) The main character, newly married and bored with both her marriage and life, seeking to influence a human fate for the first time. She is the daughter of General Gabler (an aristocrat). She believes she is an aristocrat, yet she has no funds.
- George (Jørgen) Tesman – (Stage age late 20s-30s) Hedda’s husband, an academic who is as interested in research and travel as he is enamored with his wife, although blind to Hedda’s manipulative ways.
- Juliana (Juliane) Tesman – (Stage age 60+) George’s loving aunt who has raised him since early childhood. Desperately wants Hedda and her nephew to have a child.
- Thea Elvsted – (Stage age late 20s-30s) A younger schoolmate of Hedda and a former acquaintance of George. Nervous and shy, Thea is in an unhappy marriage.
- Judge Brack – (Stage age 45-55) An unscrupulous family friend. It is implied that the Judge has a lascivious personality, which he directs towards Hedda.
- Eilert Lövborg (Ejlert Løvborg) – (Stage age late 20s-30s) George’s former colleague, who now competes with George to achieve publication and a teaching position. Eilert was once in love with Hedda. Destroyed his reputation in society by spending his money on depravity.
- Bertha (Berte) – (Stage age 45+) A servant of the Tesman’s. Wants to please Hedda at all times.