audition notice - GORE VIDAL'S THE BEST MAN - Compass Players - September 16, 18, 20 & 23

A Political Satire set at a fictional 1960 Presidential nominating convention in Philadelphia complete with back room deal making, corrupting influence of television cameras, backstabbing battles for delegates and endorsements.   Joseph Cantwell, the ambitious Populist senator will use any means to get the nomination, while Secretary of State William Russell, the Liberal intellectual struggles to maintain his principles. Each battling for the endorsement of the outgoing president, who enjoys playing one off against the other.

All roles are open for audition.

PERFORMANCES: January 11 - 28

AUDITION DATES AND TIMES:

Auditions will be held in the conference room at Theater Works:  8355 W Peoria Avenue  Peoria AZ 85345

Auditions will be in 15 minute increments and will be videotaped.

Reading from provided sides will be in addition to a one minute dramatic monologue

Please e-mail jmichaels@compassplayers.com with your picture and resume      
Please e-mail jmichaels@compassplayers.com to get a time slot and sides for the character(s) you would like to audition for:

Saturday, September 16, 2017 from  1 - 5 pm

Monday, September 18, 2017 from 6 - 9 pm

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 6 - 9 pm

Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 1- 5 pm

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 6 - 9 pm

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 6 - 9 pm


CHARACTERS OF "THE BEST MAN"

Ages have been purposely not referred to in the character descriptions.  But keep in mind, you cannot run for President of the United States unless you are at least 35 years old.  And there is no ceiling for how old you can be to run for the office.   The ages of the remainder of the cast can range from 20 something on up.


SECRETARY WILLIAM RUSSELL - Candidate for Presidential nomination. Liberal intellectual Secretary of State with a wry sense of humor.  A philanderer, but a man trying to maintain his principles.

ALICE RUSSELL - Estranged Wife to William Russell.  A presence of the American Establishment - comes from "old money".  Not quite as diffident and shy as she appears. But uncomfortable in the public eye.

DICK JENSEN - Campaign Manager for William Russell.  Intense. Devoted to Russell. Apprehensive by nature.

SENATOR JOSEPH CANTWELL - Candidate for the Presidential nomination.  Ambitious Populist Senator.  He is warm and plausible. Though under great tension, he projects ease.  A tendency not to listen when he is pre-occupied

MABEL CANTWELL - Wife to Joseph Cantwell. - A Southern Belle like Scarlett O'Hara

DON BLADES - Campaign Manager for Joseph Cantwell.  Tenacious.  Devoted to Cantwell. Will do what it takes to get his man elected.

PRESIDENT ARTHUR HOCKSTADER - Loves to pour on his rural American charm.  This is his last hurrah.

MRS. SUE-ELLEN GAMADGE - Head of the National Political Party.  She knows SHE is the voice of the American Woman.  Chatty and gracious, her manner is an odd mixture of coziness and steeliness.

SENATOR CLYDE CARLIN - A ponderous politician

DR. ARTINIAN - a distinquished looking psychiatrist

SHELDON MARCUS -  Nervous man who resembles an unmade fold-out studio couch

CATHERINE - Personal Assistant for William Russell.

REPORTERS