Darien Arts Center Stage Announces Auditions for 'On Golden Pond'

Auditions for the Darien Arts Center Stage production of Ernest Thompson’s heartwarming American classic, ‘On Golden Pond’ will be held on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 from 12 noon - 3p.m. in the DAC Visual Arts Studio, located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Darien Town Hall. Patrick Kiley will direct this production, which will have performances on March 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and March 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.

On Golden Pond is a charming slice of life play that encompasses universal family themes such as aging, love, resentment, loss, forgiveness, acceptance and renewal. It deals with a family coming to grips with finality and reflection as to whether or not they “measured up.” The setting is Golden Pond, Maine, the Thayer’s summer retreat where they have come for a long time and where they face perhaps their last summer.

Registration for an audition will begin approximately one-half hour before the audition time. In the event that someone wishing to audition is not available to attend on the appointed date, an alternate audition may be requested of the director. This will be granted solely at the director’s discretion. Please email dacadmin@darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683 with questions or requests.

The characters to be cast are Norman Thayer, Jr., nearing his 80th birthday (age range 60+); Chelsea Thayer Wayne, attractive, divorced, and 40ish; Ethel Thayer, 10 years younger than Norman; Billy Ray, Chelsea’s fiancé and Billy’s father; Charles Martin, the local delivery-by-boat mailman; and Billy Ray, 14 year old son of Billy Ray. Actors should come prepared to the auditions. Knowledge of the play will be helpful. Actors will be given sides to act from and may be asked to return to a subsequent callback audition if needed.

Additional information:

Norman Thayer (60+ age range) A retired Professor nearing his 80th birthday. He is frustrated with himself and life. He has memory and hearing troubles and rails against old age and its limitations.

Ethel Thayer (50+ Age range) Norman’s wife and lifelong companion. She is resolute, strong-willed and determined. As she watches Norman’s struggles she shows cracks in her determination and is inwardly fearful, Ethel remains the sturdy wall her husband needs.

Chelsea Thayer Ray (mid 40’s) Their daughter. She has an uneasy relationship with Norman which she tries to come to grips with. Although confident in most aspects of her life, she sometimes reverts to being “the little fat girl” in her father’s presence.

Billy Ray Jr. (13 years old) Son of Chelsea’s fiancé). He is abruptly left with Norman and Ethel to spend a large part of the summer. He is at first resentful and upset but comes to appreciate Norman and Ethel and even thrives on their lifestyle.

Bill Ray (40-50’s) Chelsea’s fiancé. A dentist in California. He seems out of place with the rustic surroundings of Golden Pond and is unsure of how to deal with Norman.

Charlie Martin (mid 40’s) The local mailman and town gossip. Has held a crush on Chelsea since they were both kids which has not totally dissolved.

Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, & special events & live theatre performances by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit darienarts.org.