the view upstairs auditions

ABOUT

the view upstairs

by Max Vernon

When Wes, a young fashion designer from 2017, buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, he finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant seventies gay bar. As this forgotten community comes to life, Wes embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration that spans two generations of queer history. This smash off-Broadway hit features a gritty, glam-rock score and a tight-knit ensemble of unforgettable characters. The View UpStairs asks what has been gained and lost in the fight for equality, and how the past can help guide all of us through an uncertain future.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Please prepare a 32-bar cut in the appropriate show style. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist is provided. Tracks, pre-recordings, and self-accompaniment are not allowed.

Auditions will take place at The Barbershop Theater at 4003 Indiana Avenue.

Video auditions will be accepted through Saturday, March 15th, at 12:00 pm using the form below. Auditions submitted via email will be discarded without reply.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

We encourage actors from LGBT and historically underrepresented communities to submit.

WES – (mid-late 20s) A twenty-something fashion designer from the current day. Self-consciously hip, prematurely jaded, and perpetually anxious. Wes wears a fabulous facade, but deep down harbors real insecurities and dissatisfaction with his life. Has never experienced real tragedy or love.

PATRICK – (early 20s) Young, runaway hustler who projects innocence and fragility, but is a lot tougher than he appears. Patrick creates fantastic, imaginative stories to distract from the harsher realities of his life. Has the ability to see the vulnerability and sweetness in Wes.

BUDDY – (50s) The resident piano player of the UpStairs Lounge. Charismatic, but also very temperamental and somewhat bitter. Loves the attention he commands within the community, but also resents being stuck in it. Dreams of one day being a big star, but knows it will never happen. Closeted, with a wife. Note: If you are auditioning for the role of Buddy and you play the piano, please prepare a piece for the audition. This is desirable but not required for the role.

WILLIE – (40s–60s, Black) Holdover from another era of gay life with a more camp sensibility. Might know all the secrets of the universe, might be in the early stages of dementia.

HENRI – (30s–40s) Tough as nails, no–nonsense, old school butch. Henri is the bartender of the UpStairs Lounge and runs a tight ship. Although she comes across as a bit severe, she cares very deeply for the community within the bar.

FREDDY – (20s–30s, Latino) A construction worker by day, Freddy also doubles as the drag queen Aurora Whorealis by night. Big personality, energetic, and bright. A close friend to Willie and on good terms with everyone else in the bar.

INEZ/REALTOR – (late 40s–60s, Latina) Freddy’s mother and also occasionally a mother to the other men in the UpStairs Lounge. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved her family to America when Freddy was still young. Lovable, warm, and supportive, Inez assists with her son’s drag performances. As a realtor, she is smarmy, fake, and smiles too much, etc.

RICHARD, or RITA MAE– (40s) Priest of the Metropolitan Community Church. Perhaps more conservative than other patrons in the bar, but level – headed and warm. This role can be Richard if male-presenting, or Rita Mae if female-presenting.

DALE – (30s–40s) Arsonist. Sensitive and more radical in his sexual politics. A raw nerve and someone who’s experienced a good deal of hardship at society’s hand.

COP – (30s–40s) In the past, the cop was corrupt, homophobic, and violent. In the present, the cop is still stern but has a sense of humor and seems to be in the service of justice.

CASTING INFORMATION

STC firmly believes in diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity. We are committed to principles of ethical and diverse representation in our casting. We stand firmly by philosophies of anti-racism and anti-oppression.

STC is unable to provide housing; all actors must have housing in the Greater Nashville area.

COMPENSATION

All roles will receive a small stipend.

PRODUCTION DATES

The show runs for 11 performances, with potential holdover performances noted with an asterisk (*).

Performance Schedule:

7:30 pm: June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

2:00 pm: June 13, 14, 20*, 21, 27*

LOCATION

Rehearsals and performances will take place at The Barbershop Theater, 4003 Indiana Avenue.

AUDITION FORM