Darien Arts Center Stage Holds Auditions for Fall Production

Auditions for the fall DAC Stage production of Sylvia by A.R. Gurney are being held on Thursday, September 14 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the DAC Weatherstone Studio. If callbacks are necessary they will be held on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Four adults, ages 18 and older, need to be cast for the production, which will run on weekends from November 3 through 11.

The plot of Sylvia involves Greg and Kate, who have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child raising in the suburbs. Greg's career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate's career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park, or that has found him, bearing only the name "Sylvia" on her nametag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn't understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.

Those auditioning should perform a short comedic monologue or they may read from the script, and provide a photo and resume if possible. Preparing a monologue from the play is recommended. Selections from the script will be provided at the auditions. Parts to be cast are:

GREG: Male, Adult, Late 40s - 60s, New York or New England accent. Greg is a man heading towards middle age. A man coming to the natural conclusion of his career and struggling to cope with the changes in his world and in himself.

KATE: Female, Adult, Late 40s - 60s, New York or East Coast accent. A woman coming into her own in her career and in herself; her and Greg’s last child has gone to college. Kate is a high school teacher whose career recognition and opportunities are opening up for her.

SYLVIA: Female, Young Adult, 20s - 30s, New York or Standard American accent. Sylvia is a dog, an adorable labra-doodle. Must be fit and agile, the role is physically demanding.

TOM/PHYLLIS/LESLIE: One actor plays all three roles:

TOM: Male, Adult, 30s - 40s, New York accent. Tom is a friendly man, who enjoys taking his dog Bowser to play in the park. He befriends Greg in the park.

PHYLLIS: Female, Adult, 40s - 60s, American accent -- East Coast, WASP. Phyllis is a wealthy New York City socialite, and old school friend of Kate’s.

LESLIE: Male or Female, Adult, 30s - 60s, Standard American or New York accent. Leslie is a therapist and marriage counselor.

The DAC Weatherstone Studio is located at 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820, behind Darien Town Hall. For more information, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683.

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, as well as special events and live community theatre produced 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.