Puffs Auditions
AUDITION DATES:
Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00pm or Saturday, August 23 at 1:00pm
(auditioners need only attend one day)
*If you are interested in auditioning but unable to attend either audition date, please email director Gwyneth Sauvage at sauvagegwyneth@gmail.com in advance.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
November 14-23, with a preview performance on November 13
An Overview:
For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. This clever and inventive play gives a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. This is a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world, an epic journey that takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.
Rated 16+ for adult language and sexual themes. Actors under 18 are welcome to audition for most ensemble roles with permission from a parent or guardian.
What to Expect:
Click here to view audition sides (all roles). Memorization is NOT required for auditions, but familiarity with the sides and monologues in advance is recommended.
Auditions will be performed in large groups in 3 parts:
1. Wizard Duel: Show off your own magical attacks and deaths. Everybody in the show performs spells and most die at least once.
2. Monologues: Choose at least two from the sides provided. Most of the roles in this show portray SEVERAL different characters. Show us your versatility by playing these roles in completely different ways.
3. Scenes: Team up with others to present scenes from the show. The ability to work off of a scene partner and react accordingly and in the moment is essential to an ensemble show like this.
We are specifically looking for...
- Strong comedic timing: The ability to deliver jokes and physical humor with precision, energy, and SPEED.
- Character interpretation: Demonstrating an understanding of the character's motivations and quirks.
- Ensemble work: Showing willingness to react to others and contribute to the overall scene.
- Strong choices: It’s hard to see what you can bring to a character if you’re afraid to bring anything to it.
- Accents: Good or bad, show us what you got! Especially interested in UK accents (British, Irish, Scottish).
If you have any questions, please email director Gwyneth Sauvage at sauvagegwyneth@gmail.com.
For those wishing to familiarize themselves with the script in advance, a public table reading will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00pm. All are welcome to participate, regardless of intent to audition.
Character Breakdown:
NOTE: We will be casting at least 11 roles, will cast more by splitting roles if circumstances allow. Unless strictly and specifically mandated from the playwright, all roles are open and available to anyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or body type.
Click here to view audition sides (all roles)
WAYNE HOPKINS (age 18+, male) - The hero. Totally uncool, but full of charm and heart. Loyal to a tee. Likes comic books and video games, knows nothing about magic or this weird magic world he is now a part of. Best friends with Oliver and Megan.
OLIVER RIVERS (age 18+, male) - One of the main trio. Incredibly smart and cerebral, he is a math wiz, and proud of it; lovingly a nerd from New Jersey. After ending up at wizarding school, he finds out he isn’t the top of his class, and instead begins a fantastical journey of friendship and even some love, better than any algebra class could ever promise. Real comic chops, incredibly appealing, youthful. Must be comfortable with stage kissing.
MEGAN JONES (age 18+, female) - One of the main trio; begins the show by only desiring to live up to her mother’s reputation: a dark wizard currently in Wiz Priz for being such a bad-ass Death Buddy in her youth. Favorite store: Hot Topic. Favorite color: black. Over time, her tough veneer begins to soften, as a budding romance with Oliver becomes apparent. Defiant and headstrong on the surface, the audience begins to see that her adamance of being completely unique and independent really stems from her desire to be loved and accepted. Must be comfortable with stage kissing.
NARRATOR (age 18+, any gender) - The narrator of the story. They guide us through our entire show of Puffy-ness. British accent. Must be a great storyteller, as she/he must keep the audience engaged and updated on all the goings-on. Can be a bit of a know-it-all, but still relatable and appealing. Comedy skills are a must, improv background is a plus.
CEDRIC (age 18+, male) and MR. VOLDY - An appealing comic actor to play the pivotal roles of Cedric in Act I and Mr. Voldy in Act II. Cedric: A champion. Athletic, winning, popular, and charming. Everyone’s favorite, but still loyal, patient, and kind. A leading example of a Puff. Mr. Voldy: Evil. Like, reeeaaally evil. Wants to rule the world in shadows and darkness and terror.
Ensemble roles:
ERNIE MAC (any age, male) as well as A VERY TALL MAN / SEAMUS / A CERTAIN POTIONS TEACHER / PROFESSOR TURBAN / GHOST HISTORY TEACH / PROFESSOR LOCKY / MR. NICK / SAL / SECOND HEADMASTER / REAL MR. MOODY - Requires an actor capable of doing strong impressions. Ernie Mac: Proud. Loud. Pretty sure he’s the best. Male Teachers: Potions Teacher/Locky/ Professor Turban/Mr. Moody. All impressions. Strong comedic ability. (Impressions: Rickman/Branagh/Gleeson/Whoever played Quirrell in the movie)
HANNAH (any age, female) as well as FIRST HEADMASTER / PROFESSOR McG / PROFESSOR SPROUTTY / XAVIA JONES / PROFESSOR LANNY / RUNES TEACH / MS. BABBLE - Requires playing several different roles back to back, so the ability to play a variety of character types are a plus. Hannah: Shy. Very shy. Female Teachers: Professor McG, Professor Plants, Professor T, Bath Babbles. Adults of all kinds of different personalities. (Maggie Smith impression for McG)
J. FINCH FLETCHLEY (any age, male) as well as UNCLE DAVE / GOYLE / A FAT FRIAR / CLUMSY LONGBOTTOM / HERMEOONE #3 / VIKTOR / MR. BAGMAN / ZACH SMITH - Improvisational skills are a plus. Boyish & fun. Chipper and happy except, when his life is in mortal danger.
LEANNE (any age, female) as well as GINNY / HELGA / FRENCHY - A little distant. A little random. Is possibly a genius or really, really stupid. But has a really strong heart. The Puffiest of the Puffs.
SALLY PERKS (any age, female) and HERMEOONE / BLONDO MALFOY / ROWENA / RITA SCOOTER / BIPPY - Sally: Nice. In year 3, goes through a bit of a growth spurt that attracts the other student’s attention, if you know what I mean. Bippy: A house elf. Devoted. Loyal. Kind of annoying.
SUSIE BONES (age 18+, female) and HARRY / COLIN / HERMEOONE #2 / RIC GRYFF / MYRTLE - Susie: Sad. Gloomy. Think Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh.” Constantly in fear of her or her family dying. Harry: Young, plucky, and famous. Struts around school like he owns it. Gets into a few wacky situations, but it’s nothing the bonds of friendship can’t overcome.
Click here to view audition sides (all roles)