Click here to download an audition form!

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Clayton Community Theatre announces open auditions for Ordinary People, by Nancy Gilsenan adapted from a novel by Judith Guest, directed by Jessica Johns Kelly. 

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Auditions: December 1, 2022, at 6:30pm and December 3 at noon.

First rehearsal: In January.

Performances: March 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, April 1, and 2, 2023.

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The auditions will consist of cold readings from the script (sides available at the auditions), and will be held at the theatre: Washington University South Campus Theatre (the old CBC High School building), 6501 Clayton Rd, Clayton MO 63117.  Auditioners are encouraged to download the audition form and fill it out in advance.

 

Synopsis: 

Audiences may be familiar with the novel produced later as a four-time Oscar-winning movie in 1980 by actor-director Robert Redford. The novel and screenplay were adapted to a stage production by playwright Nancy Gilsenan. 

 

Conrad Jarrett had an older brother named Buck, and now Buck is gone. What's left of young Conrad's family, with his successful, well-intentioned father and his beautiful, organized and remote mother, is in terrible jeopardy, as is Conrad himself. They are all "ordinary people" and each is fighting a hard battle. This play goes to the essence of a young man, his friends, and family, their relationships and survival.

 

Characters:

CONRAD JARRETT: The play’s protagonist – able to play age 17-18. The son of Calvin and Beth. About 18 months before the play begins, he was involved in a boating accident with his brother, Buck, an accident which left Buck dead. A year later, Conrad tried to commit suicide but failed, forcing him to spend time in hospital. At the beginning of the play, he has been out of the hospital for a month. He is trying to get his life back on track, but he feels little purpose in life and no motivation. He begins to see Dr. Berger to help him recover from the traumatic events he has experienced. Over the course of the play, he begins a steady relationship with Jeannine Pratt and rebuilds some of his old friendships. Part requires excellent actor with depth of feeling.

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CAL JARRETT: Conrad’s father – age 40+ – Calvin is a natural listener. He tends to blame himself for most negative things that occur in his family. He works as a tax attorney, a prestigious position for a man who grew up in an orphanage. He believes that there is a serious lack of communication between him and his wife, which strains their relationship. He spends most of his time worrying about his son.

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BETH JARRETT: Conrad’s mother – age 40+ – Beth is a complex character, often mysterious and cold though the reason why is not entirely revealed. She spends most of her time playing golf and working around the home. Although she is troubled by the horrible events she has experienced with her sons, she wants to move on without dwelling on the past at all, an attitude that brings her into conflict with Calvin, who thinks that the family needs to talk through the past. At the end of the play, she leaves Calvin and Conrad for an indefinite period, although there is no talk of an official divorce.

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JOE LAZENBY: Conrad’s best friend – able to play age 17-18 – A friend and member of the swimming team. He drives Conrad to school each day. He and Conrad have a falling out during the course of the novel, but they manage to mend their relationship.

 

KEVIN STILLMAN: Conrad’s swim team acquaintance – able to play age 17-18 – He is a member of the swimming team. A kid who can be very cruel to Conrad.

 

JEANNINE PRATT: Conrad’s girlfriend – able to play age 17-18 – A new student at school, she is in the school choir with Conrad. She and Conrad become close friends and begin to date seriously, forming a deep relationship by the end of the play.

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KAREN ALDRICH : Conrad’s hospital acquaintance – able to play age 16-19 – Complex character. She is an outwardly very optimistic person who gives Conrad strength. 

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Dr. BERGER: Conrad’s psychiatrist – Male age 30+ – A very relaxed psychiatrist with whom Conrad begins meeting once a week in an effort to gain more “control.” He becomes a trusted “friend” and helps both father and son come to grips with the difficult family dynamics.

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COACH SALAN: The swimming coach – Male age 30+ – He is a generous man who wants to see Conrad do well, and he is disappointed when Conrad quits the team.

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Everyone who auditions will receive a complimentary ticket to any CCT production this season!