AUDITIONS
THE SUMMER LAND
By Kate Royal
Directed by Carl Del Buono
Audition/Callback Location:
The Temple Building Theater, 50 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY
Audition Dates:
Monday, July 1, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Tuesday, July 2, 6:30pm-9:30pm (callbacks)
To Audition In-Person: Please email info@thecompanytheatreroc.org for an audition slot. Please bring a headshot/resume. You will not need to prepare any audition materials, sides from the script will be provided.
If you can not make auditions or callbacks, we will be accepting online submissions through Monday, July 1 at 6pm.
To Submit Online: Please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue in any style. Film in landscape, chest up, and slate with your name, what piece you’re reading, and the role/roles you’re interested in. Send video along with headshot/resume to director Carl Del Buono at carl.delbuono@gmail.com
In our continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, The Company Theatre encourages actors of any age, race, gender identity/expression, and ability to audition.
Production Dates:
Rehearsals will begin no later than September 9 with a possible first read-thru in early August.
Tech Week will begin November 3.
Performing November 8-17 at the Temple Building Theater, 50 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY
*With the possibility of a limited number of daytime rehearsals and/or performances in November*
***NO CONFLICTS DURING TECH WEEK OR PERFORMANCES, NO EXCEPTIONS***
Synopsis:
Rochester, 1848. Political pioneers and activists fight for the promise of American democracy. Amidst this social upheaval and enlightenment, on the eve of Civil War, the Fox sisters begin to speak, carrying a message that would ignite a movement.
The world premiere of an original work written by Chicago playwright and Geneseo grad Kate Royal and directed by The Company Theatre Artistic Director Carl Del Buono, THE SUMMER LAND tells the story of the Spiritualism Movement that had its roots in the Rochester area in the mid-1800s. The play focuses on the Fox Sisters, and features characters from local history such as Amy Post, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Frederick and Anna Douglass, among others.
Character Breakdown: (some roles may be doubled)
** indicates the role will not be doubled
AMY POST** (F, 40s). Abolitionist, organizer, Quaker. The first Spiritualist.
LEAH FOX** (F, 30s). The eldest Fox sister. Bitter, biting, ruthless capitalist.
MAGGIE FOX** (F, 20s). The middle Fox sister. Haunted, searching, ruled by her heart.
KATE FOX** (F, teens). The youngest Fox sister. Shy, curious, intimidated by her gifts.
ISAAC POST** (M, 40s/50s). Apothecary, abolitionist, Quaker. Husband to Amy Post.
ELISHA KENT KANE** (M, 20s). An arctic explorer. Paramour of Maggie Fox.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS (M, 30s). Abolitionist, editor of The North Star.
ELIZABETH CADY STANTON (F, 30s/40s). Organizer for women’s suffrage.
ANNA MURRAY DOUGLASS (F, 30s). Advocate for the rights of Black women.
JOSIAH BISSEL (M, 50s/60s). The local judge. Fierce skeptic and critic of the Fox sisters.
GRETA (F, any age). The Posts’ housekeeper.
JOHN FOX (M, 40s/50s). Father of the Fox family. Recovering alcoholic. Reformed Christian.
CHARLES REDFIELD (M, 30s/40s). Neighbor of the Foxes in Hydesville, New York.
MARY REDFIELD (F, 30s/40s). Neighbor of the Foxes. Witness to the spirit rapping.
HENRY STANTON (M, 30s/40s). Husband of Elizabeth Cady.
PETER (M, 30s). A Philadelphia seance patron.
ANDREW JACKSON DAVIS (M, 30s/40s). The Poughkeepsie Seer. A famous clairvoyant.
WILLIAM LEVINGSTON (M, 30s). Mesmerist for Andrew Jackson Davis.
MRS. JANE LIEPER KANE (W, 40s). Mother of Elisha Kent Kane.
CORINTHIAN HALL MANAGER (M, 30s). Booker at Rochester’s famed Corinthian Hall.
HARRIET JACOBS (F, 30s). Passenger on the Underground Railroad staying with the Posts.
Committee of Gentlemen (2). A small group of men charged with “inspecting” the Fox sisters following their Corinthian Hall debut.
Committee of Ladies (3). A small group of women charged with “inspecting” the Fox sisters following their final Corinthian Hall performance.
SPIRITS-
JAMES HEMINGS (M, 30s). Acclaimed chef, enslaved household cook at Monticello, never the White House.
THOMAS JEFFERSON (M, 40s/50s). Third president of the United States and owner of over 200 human beings.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (M, 50s/60s). Inventor, statesman, spirit guide to Kate Fox.
Any questions? Email info@thecompanytheatreroc@gmail.com