Get tickets to When We Were Young & Unafraid here.
When We Were Young and Unafraid, by Sarah Treem
Shepherd’s Contemporary Theatre Studies Program in the Department of Contemporary Art & Theater announces auditions for When We Were Young and Unafraid, by Sarah Treem, on Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1 at 7pm in the Marinoff Theatre. Director kb saine will cast 4 women and one man of all ages, races, abilities, and experience levels (understudy opportunities may arise.) Rehearsals will begin mid-September, with live performances in front of live audiences Fridays-Sundays from November 5 – 7.
When We Were Young And Unafraid tells the story of Agnes, a middle-aged woman who runs a bed & breakfast and secretly provides a safe house for abused women, and those who stay in her home. The play does deal with mature subjects. Auditionees should be aware that the script mentions abortion and domestic violence. Counselors will be available at rehearsals, when appropriate. Some roles require kissing and physical touch, and a professional intimacy director has been hired to assist with our production.
The Production team will be following all COVID protocols, and those cast should anticipate weekly COVID testing during the full production process. All University masking guidelines and safety procedures will be enforced during the rehearsal process.
Those who wish to audition should prepare 30-90 seconds of a memorized monologue (or poem or short literary work, for those who are not theatre students), and to provide a headshot and resume, if possible. Audition forms will be provided for everyone. Selections from the play will also be provided as needed. No appointments are necessary; actors will be seen as they arrive.
Questions may be directed to kb saine at ksaine@shepherd.edu. Those interested in technical roles, please contact Chase Molden at cmolden@shepherd.edu.
Character Breakdown:
AGNES. early 50s. runs a bed & breakfast that secretly provides a safe house for abused women. her maternal qualities are natural: she’s generous, kind, and firmly in charge.
PENNY. teenager. Agnes’ daughter. as brilliant as she is defiant. willing to work to achieve what she wants, but at that awkward age where she doesn’t quite yet know what exactly that is.
MARY ANNE. mid 20s. a runaway. strong but conflicted. funny and bold. isn’t sure of how to be alone in the world.
PAUL. mid 30s. a guest at the bed & breakfast. a songwriter. very smart. hasn’t been treated as well as he deserves for quite some time. earnest and affable.
HANNAH. early 30s. a traveler with a handy sensibility. a little sneaky when necessary. soft under a tough exterior. an early wave feminist.