Nan has decided to teach her abusive husband Kyle a lesson. With the help of her friend Simon (acting as her emotional, and actual, cheerleader), a sex worker named Sweetheart, and the words of William Shakespeare, she tapes Kyle to a chair and forces him to watch as they reenact scenes from their painful past. In the piece de resistance, they plan to cover the room in meat and honey so Kyle will be mauled by a bear. Through this night of emotional trials and ridiculous theatrics, Nan and Kyle are both freed from their past in this smart, wonderfully dark yet hopeful revenge comedy. This comedy from award-winning playwright Lauren Gunderson, one of our best and sharpest voices in contemporary American theatre, is set in North Georgia. Watch how Shakespearean-inspired revenge plays out against a backdrop of strippers, venison, and a LOT of honey.
Written by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by: Van Rockwell
Auditions:
Auditions will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, from 6-10 pm. Online submissions are encouraged ONLY for anyone who cannot attend the audition.
Arrive early for paperwork.
Callbacks will be by invitation Tuesday, March 24, 2026, if required.
First rehearsal will be Monday, March 30, 2026.
Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script. PDFs of audition sides will be available for download on the sign-up page.
Please bring a resume of theatrical experience and a headshot.
All online submissions should be sent to hello@mainstcenter.com, with headshot and resume attached. If the submission is a link to an online platform, please make sure permission to view has been granted. The director will be the only one to see your submission.
Looking for performers with comedic timing, big facial expressions, humility, and looking to have fun (despite the serious subject matter).
Bring a list of all conflicts for rehearsal; there will be no understudies, if you are not available for all performances, we cannot consider you for casting in this production.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Director at vanjrockwell@gmail.com (Subject: Exit, Pursued by a Bear).
Our goal is to cast the very best actors for each role; we are committed to racial, cultural and artistic diversity. Artists of all ethnicities, genders, and abilities are welcome and warmly encouraged to audition.
Compensation:
Performers will receive a $100 rehearsal honorarium to help with transportation costs, as well as a $15 honorarium per performance. This is a non-union production.
Rehearsals & Performance Dates:
Rehearsal schedule will potentially be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 – 10 pm: and one weekend day based on cast availability. This schedule could increase (2) weeks prior to opening.
There will be no weekend rehearsals April 4 and 5 in observance of Easter.
Rehearsal dates may be added, if required.
Rehearsal start time will be based on availability of cast.
Performances are Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 AND 7 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm from May 8, 2026 - May 17, 2026.
Main Street Creative Arts Center is committed to inclusivity, and encourages ALL members of our community to submit, particularly members of communities who have historically been excluded or underrepresented — including but not limited to artists of color, Native American and Indigenous artists, women, non-binary and gender non-conforming artists, LGBTQ+ artists, and artists with disabilities.
Primary Characters:
Nan Carter:
Age: 25-35
Ethnicity: Any
Line Load: Lead (Heavy)
Characteristics: Female-identifying housewife, who is quick, like a deer. She has an apologetic, emotional sense of self. Loves Kyle and Jimmy Carter and believes the world should be fair and beautiful. She has been pushed to her limits.
Kyle Carter
Age: 25-40
Ethnicity: Any
Line Load: Lead (Heavy)
Characteristics: Male-identifying, big, messy boy – like a dumb, dirty dog. Fights so he doesn’t have to deal with his emotions or take responsibility for his actions. Believes Nan is too good for him. Will spend a lot of the play duct taped to a chair… literally.
Sweetheart/Peaches/SuperKyle:
Age: 20-35
Ethnicity: Any
Line Load: Supporting (Heavy)
Characteristics: Female-identifying stripper. She has big dreams and an honest, fierce admiration for Nan. She plays Kyle in the re-enactments, and she’s quite good. Will be dressed as an ‘incredibly hot versionof Kyle’ but nothing revealing or scanty.
Simon Beaufort:
Age: 25-35
Ethnicity: Any
Line Load: Supporting (Heavy)
Characteristics: Male-identifying, good-looking, strong and a bit of a bitch. He is extremely protective of Nan and has never liked Kyle. He will do whatever is necessary to help give Nan a happy ending. He will be wearing a cheerleading outfit with a skirt.
* There is a song/karaoke number at the end of the play. You do NOT need to be a strong singer to be considered for a role. No need to bring in a cutting of a song either. *
If you need any specific accommodations to audition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to (email) to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are: wheelchair accessible audition space, large print materials, prompters in the audition room, and volunteers to help fill out for
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