Casting Call & Audition Notice:
(up)Staged (web series)
Post Productions is teaming up with many of the top filmmakers in Windsor-Essex to create a brand-new web series – and you could be a part of it! (up)Staged is the story of a struggling independent regional theatre company called Post Productions (no relation, obviously) that runs an intimate black box venue called The Shadowbox Theatre (no relation, obviously) in Windsor Ontario.
In a desperate bid to boost awareness and, Gods willing, ticket sales in the shaky post-COVID economy, Post Productions has agreed to allow a film crew to document what goes on behind the scenes in the world of independent regional theatre, with all of the bizarre characters, absurd situations, determined attempts to create something out of nothing, and everything else that the public doesn’t usually get to see. This hilarious eight-episode series begins with the first production meeting and ends with the premiere of a brand-new play, Twoquus – an unofficial sequel to a classic play that we can’t mention by name.
Principal photography for the series will begin 1 June 2024 and end 31 July 2024, with the possibility of some scenes being shot in May 2024 for promotion and some time used in August 2024 for reshoots and pickups, if necessary.
(up)Staged is created and written by Fay Lynn (Post Productions), Michael K. Potter (Post Productions), and Joey Ouellette (Purple Theatre Company). Michael K. Potter serves as executive producer and show runner. Fay Lynn serves as producer and co-director. Rebecca S. Mickle (Windsor Feminist Theatre) serves as Social Media and Fundraising Coordinator. The production team (co-directors, cinematographers, editors, etc.) includes Ken Amlin (Smog Town Films), Mitchell Branget (Broken Bran Films), Dan Savoie and April Savoie (South Detroit Films), Shane Trowbridge (Shane’s Shorts), and Walter Riggi (Riggi Media International Inc.).
Actors will be paid a minimum of $200 for a full day (8-10 hours) of filming and a minimum of $100 for a half day (1-4 hours) as independent contractors. Actors will also be given the option to choose a lower rate of pay if they would like profit participation points. Pay rates may increase depending on the success of fundraising initiatives.
NOTE 1: unless otherwise specified all roles are open to actors of any race and ethnicity. Most roles are also open to people with disabilities, unless the particularities of the character make that impossible. Although the gender and sex of characters may be specified, this does not necessarily imply that we are looking for cis gender actors only; transgender, non-binary, and genderfluid actors are welcome.
NOTE 2: the number of episodes, scenes, and cut-aways are provided for each character to help actors decide whether the time commitment necessary to play that character will suit their availability. We want to help all actors auditioning for roles make well-informed decisions.
HOW TO AUDITION: the first round of auditions is via self-tape – which in 2024 really means providing a link or attaching a video recording to your application. Please don’t send us VHS tapes. All applications must contain the following, and any applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered…
1. Your full legal name, stage name or preferred name (if applicable), contact information (email address, phone number, and mailing address), and you agent’s name and contact information (if applicable);
2. A current acting resume that meets current industry standards. If you don’t have an acting resume, there are multiple websites that can guide you through the process of creating one;
3. A headshot or high-quality selfie. Professional headshots are obviously preferrable, but a high-quality selfie is acceptable. Please don’t use any filters that make you resemble a cartoon animal or mythical creature;
4. A list of the character(s) for which you are auditioning;
5. A link to your reel, IMDB page, and similar promotional tools of the trade are welcome if you have them. If you don’t have such things, their absence will not be used against you in any way;
6. A self-tape – a video file (.MOV format is best) or link to a video of you performing a brief (3-5 minute) dramatic monologue in the most comedic way you can manage. We’re looking for actors who can creatively play with the boundaries between comedy and drama, mining the comedic potential in drama and the dramatic potential in comedy.
DEADLINE: Your application must be received no later than 11:59 pm 25 March 2024 via email to [email protected].
QUESTIONS? Please don’t hesitate to email Post Productions ([email protected]) with any questions you might have regarding the audition process, roles, the web series itself, or anything else relevant. We don’t want you to feel confused; we want you to feel confident!
If your first-round audition is successful, you will be contacted no later than 29 March 2024 to book an in-person callback audition for the second round.
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (10)
Gordie
(male, 24-33 yrs old, 8 episodes/92 scenes/37 cut-aways)
Gordie is a young actor who has just joined Post Productions as an Outreach Director and Producer. He is an enthusiastic, optimistic, and extroverted person, friendly and open, who loves people and seeks them out. His zest for life is contagious. Although Gordie is knowledgeable and competent, he is plagued by self-doubt and low confidence – issues that sometimes lead to spectacular failures. At times his words and actions betray an underlying loneliness, a need for companionship and love that can get him in trouble. He actually has a life outside of theatre. In many respects he is the POV character through which the audience learns about the hidden world of independent regional theatre. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Dirk Sundown
(male, 45-65 yrs old, 8 episodes/60 scenes/5 cur-aways)
Dirk is a veteran homeless actor with multiple addictions who has the swagger of a cowboy without any of that pesky arrogance. A friendly, supportive, openminded, and helpful man, he has travelled from Vancouver to Windsor just for the opportunity to audition for Twoquus, as it’s written by his favourite playwright, Wright Lloyd-Jones. An often serene and spiritual person, Dirk is thrilled by the impermanence of theatre and life. He wants to live a life worth writing stories about – a life never forgotten. He has an inner confidence and self-assurance that enabled him to accept all people for who they are.
Myrtle Papp
(female, 22-28 yrs old, 8 episodes/53 scenes/10 cut-aways)
Myrtle is a talented young actress with an outgoing, flirtatious, charming, and uninhibited personality. She thrives on novelty – meeting new people, experiencing new things, embracing new opportunities. She is, however, deathly afraid of birds… a problem since her character in Twoquus is obsessed with, and surrounded by, birds. Like nearly every Canadian actor, she finds herself taking on whatever normal jobs she can to get by, primarily babysitting. Theatre is her escape. Theatre is the thing that makes her ordinary life extraordinary. Life has a set of rules, the theatre has a different set of rules that are closer in line with her own philosophy. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Bruce
(male, 25-45 yrs old, 8 episodes/41 scenes/19 cut-aways)
Bruce is an experienced set designer, builder, painter, and decorator who both enjoys and is continually irritated by the challenges of working amidst the poverty of independent regional theatre. Like all set designers, he does not have a driver’s licence. He is an honest, trustworthy, focused, task-oriented, dependable man who can also be extremely blunt and has no time for bullshit. He’s a little superstitious.
Kendra Webber
(female, 22-33 yrs old, 7 episodes/49 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Kendra is a diabetic and dyslexic woman who is also nurturing, warm, dedicated to being and doing better. Although she doesn’t see herself as valuable, those around her would disagree. Kendra becomes involved in a love-triangle that threatens to disrupt the production. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Barry Moore
(male, 22-35 yrs old, 7 episodes/48 scenes/5 cut-aways)
Barry is a people-pleaser who desperately needs to be liked and consequently spends a lot of time trying to make others happy in various ways – often by baking sweet treats. A somewhat neurotic man who is prone to sudden bouts of vomiting, Barry doesn’t have many boundaries and sometimes struggles to recognize the boundaries of others. His tendency to overcompensate for his anxiety sometimes leads him to become awkward and spineless in social situations, but ultimately he’s a sweet person. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Henry Desjardins
(male, 55-110 yrs old, 7 episodes/45 scenes/8 cut-aways)
Henry is an affable and easygoing senior citizen of bafflingly indeterminant age who has over the course of his long life tried his hand at nearly everything. He didn’t realize he was auditioning for Twoquus, and when his audition was successful he wasn’t sure at first whether he was an actor, playwright, or director. In fact, much of the time Henry isn’t fully aware of what’s going on around him. But once he joins the Twoquus cast he quickly becomes a beloved member of the team and, over the course of the series, becomes the heart of the story. He’s a curious person who can come across as aloof, but in reality is often just aware of things other people aren’t. Sometimes because they’re irrelevant. He has lost many people over the course of his life which gives him a perspective that the other characters sometimes need.
Danica
(non-binary, 25-40 yrs old, 7 episodes/44 scenes/6 cut-aways)
Danica is a dancer first and an actor second. They have endured a lot of mistreatment over their life and have fought hard to earn their place wherever they are. Danica is a responsible, committed, always present and aware, perceptive, and individualistic person who struggles to ask for help when they need it. They were once engaged to Myrtle. Although the relationship ended poorly, the two remain close. Not especially social or extroverted, but will show up for social situations when the mood strikes them. Literally, they will just show up. This role requires an actor with a limber body; dance experience would be an asset, though is not required.
Annie Dyer
(female, 30-50 yrs old, 7 episodes/ 43 scenes/4 cut-aways)
Annie was cast in Twoquus sort of as a mistake. She came to the auditions as William Marlowe’s agent but while he didn’t get cast, she did. And she’s still not sure whether that was a good call. Annie struggles with body dysmorphia and self-confidence. Acting is forcing her to be more aware of, and concerned about, her body than is comfortable for her. She is far more comfortable and confident when helping others become the center of attention. She is a calculated and practical person with firm boundaries, though not unfriendly.
Ed Philcox
(male, 30-50 yrs old, 6 episodes/33 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Ed is a braggart and pathological liar who has enough experience to concoct believable stories about what he has done. He is, though he will never admit it, a lonely and insecure man who has never been in a romantic relationship and still lives with his mother. A self-sabotager who fears success, Ed has read the first 10-pages of over 10,000 books and has at least one internet persona who represents who he wishes he was. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (3)
Fo Faber
(female, 25-35 yrs old, 5 episodes/20 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Fo Faber is a local influencer and ambitious human being. She is organized. She is outspoken. She is driven. She is always in control. An extroverted, hardworking, problem-solver, Fo is going places – and if you cooperate with her, you might go places too. Her moto: It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it’s done and you sell it. Although she doesn’t intend to use people, some may feel used by her. Fo is fully attached to the idea of people as brands.
Liam
(male, 20-28 yrs old, 4 episodes/22 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Liam is the lighting designer and technician for Post Productions. He is an easygoing, mellow, enthusiastic, and eager fellow whose mellowness often excludes anything that is not his current focus. He is a mega fan of lighting and special effects who does not quite understand the idea and importance of schedules. Like it or not, he will toss ideas at you over and over and over, and thankfully is not bothered if those ideas are rejected. He wants to be conscientious. He is uncomfortable saying “no” to anyone.
Julie Ouellette
(female, 30-55 yrs old, 4 episodes/14 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Julie is an ambitious and competitive theatre veteran who serves as the Artistic Director of The Purple Theatre Company. She sees Post Productions as a rival company, although the people at Post Productions refuse to treat her as a rival and try repeatedly to create a cooperative relationship with her. Her extreme self-confidence can come across as arrogance sometimes, and it hides a deep insecurity. Julie would love to be friends with everyone but fears this might be a weakness. She is a fighter who’s been in the trenches for many years, which has caused her to expect that every new situation will involve a fight.
RECURRING CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (14)
Nicole Jonasson
(female, 40-65 yrs old, 3 episodes/23 scenes/10 cut-aways)
Nicole Jonasson is a well-known director who has worked with nearly every theatre company in Ontario – once. She is a brash, confident, experienced, and zealous woman whose opinion of herself and her abilities is so high that it verges into the mythical. Although she is intelligent and skilled, she is neither as intelligent nor skilled as she believes she is only because that would be impossible. Nicole unwittingly and inadvertently alienates those around her because she makes them feel undervalued and insulted. Her demeanour stems from her discomfort with who she is and where she comes from, as well as a lifelong desire to be more important and accomplished than she actually is. The goals she has set for herself are unreachable, though she is unaware of this. She wants to be a nurturer, and thus plays the part of one, but is continually disappointed by the inability of those around her to see her as nurturing.
Thomas Torgus
(male, 30-40 yrs old, 3 episodes/20 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Torgus is an undercover performance artist working on a character who is a goon and ex-convict – and a part-time actor. His tenure as a cast member in Twoquus is short-lived, but he reappears toward the end of the series to save the production.
Donalda Dilkens
(female, 30-50 yrs old, 3 episodes/6 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Donalda is an aggressive, manipulative, and shockingly persistent actress who always has an agenda. She refuses to accept that she has not been cast in Twoquus which leads to a difficult situation for the producers. But in the end she becomes a confidante and friend. Donalda was possibly married too young, controlled and abused, got a divorce and now it’s all about her. She is making up for lost time.
Susan Saltbridge
(female, any age 18+, 3 episodes/12 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Susan is a loud, confused, and decisive woman who is monosyllabic and difficult to comprehend. Her appearances are brief but comedically powerful.
William Marlowe
(male, 25-40 yrs old, 2 episodes/13 scenes/3 cut-aways)
A self-loving Equity actor represented by Annie Dyer. William can come across as full of himself but, then again, if you were as wonderful as he you might be full of yourself too. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Winona Kleptopahac
(female, 25-35, 2 episodes/5 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Winona is a young mother with dreams of being an actress that have proven consistently fruitless. She lives each moment of each day at the end of her rope. The mother of two-to-three children, she hired Myrtle as a babysitter so she could attend the Twoquus audition. Myrtle didn’t show up.
Jeremy Kleptopahac
(male, 5-10 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Jeremy is Winona’s oldest child, an uncontrollable and hyperactive little boy who likes to touch things. He is all energy and Id.
Other Kleptopahac Child(ren)
(any gender, any age up to 9 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Winona has at least one child other than Jeremy, possibly two. They show up in every scene Winona is in because she cannot, for the life of her, get away from them.
Chrissy Rising Star
(female, 7-12 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/1 cut-away)
A young child raised by her hyper religious parents to be both an actress and a spiritual leader. Chrissy is confident, friendly, and devote.
Chrissy’s Mom
(female, 35-45 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/1 cut-away)
Chrissy’s Mom is a helicopter parent and devotee of her daughter who acts as Chrissy’s agent and manger along with her husband. She is a part-time exorcist who is devoted to her daughter’s success.
Chrissy’s Dad
(male, 35-45 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/1 cut-away)
Chrissy’s Dad is a helicopter parent and devotee of his daughter who acts as Chrissy’s agent and manger along with his wife. He is a part-time exorcist who is devoted to his daughter’s success.
Sergio
(male, 20-30 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes)
Sergio is an exhibitionist and self-flagellator who believes he must shed his clothes – and thus his humanity – to prepare for roles. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Villi Serious
(female, any age 18+, 2 episodes/4 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Villi is a very spiritual person who only hears positivity and is quick to point out the perceived wrongdoing of others. She has a close relationship with birds – so close, in fact, she feels a psychic connection with them and can speak their languages.
Jane Duck
(female, any age 18+, 2 episodes/4 scenes/1 cut-away)
An undercover bird activist who leads a pro-bird organization of avian allies. Depending on your point of view, Jane is either always looking to cause trouble or just really good at spotting it.
ONE-OFF CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (12)
Laura Turner
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/15 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Laura is a children’s entertainer who takes an unorthodox approach to auditioning for Twoquus inspired by old Looney Tunes cartoons. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Paula Stanley
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/15 scenes/1 cut-away)
Paula is a sincere actor and puppeteer who does not feel constrained by the expectations of others. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Sharla Conray
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/15 scenes/1 cut-away)
Sharla is more of a singer than an actor who forges her own path and struggles to read a room. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Marcel Misotakis
(male, 40-70 yrs old, 1 episode/5 scenes)
Marcel is a theatre critic who works for The Daily Sentinel. He’s a sloppy eater who must be bribed to write reviews.
Marcus Torrent
(male, 40-70 yrs old, 1 episode/4 scenes)
Marcus is a theatre critic who works for Tribune Magazine. He’s an odd fellow, not great with names and faces, who likes to have his own semi-private viewing zone when he watches plays.
Mandy Murandy
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/4 scenes)
Mandy doesn’t struggle with having a lot to say, but she does struggle with choosing appropriate ways to say what’s on her mind. She is both a mumbler and a low-talker.
Luke
(male, 25-45 yrs old, 1 episode/2 scenes)
Luke is the set designer for the Purple Theatre Company. He is a sincere and friendly fellow who loves sandwiches and doesn’t possess a driver’s licence.
Hardware Store Clerk
(any gender, any age 18+, 1 episode/1 scene)
Works at a hardware store and has come to know Bruce over the years. Probably has a name.
Restaurant Host(ess)
(any gender, any age 18+, 1 episode/1 scene)
A highly committed host(ess) at the swanky Le Budokan restaurant.
Bill the Waiter
(male, any age 18+, 1 episode/1 scene)
Bill the Waiter is a waiter at the swanky Le Budokan restaurant. For good or ill, he knows the Heimlich maneuver.
Gordie’s Brother
(male, 19-30 yrs old, 1 episode/11 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Gordie’s younger brother. A cautiously supportive sibling. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Gordie’s Sister
(female, 19-30 yrs old, 1 episode/11 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Gordie’s younger sister. A blunt and somewhat sarcastic sibling. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
In a desperate bid to boost awareness and, Gods willing, ticket sales in the shaky post-COVID economy, Post Productions has agreed to allow a film crew to document what goes on behind the scenes in the world of independent regional theatre, with all of the bizarre characters, absurd situations, determined attempts to create something out of nothing, and everything else that the public doesn’t usually get to see. This hilarious eight-episode series begins with the first production meeting and ends with the premiere of a brand-new play, Twoquus – an unofficial sequel to a classic play that we can’t mention by name.
Principal photography for the series will begin 1 June 2024 and end 31 July 2024, with the possibility of some scenes being shot in May 2024 for promotion and some time used in August 2024 for reshoots and pickups, if necessary.
(up)Staged is created and written by Fay Lynn (Post Productions), Michael K. Potter (Post Productions), and Joey Ouellette (Purple Theatre Company). Michael K. Potter serves as executive producer and show runner. Fay Lynn serves as producer and co-director. Rebecca S. Mickle (Windsor Feminist Theatre) serves as Social Media and Fundraising Coordinator. The production team (co-directors, cinematographers, editors, etc.) includes Ken Amlin (Smog Town Films), Mitchell Branget (Broken Bran Films), Dan Savoie and April Savoie (South Detroit Films), Shane Trowbridge (Shane’s Shorts), and Walter Riggi (Riggi Media International Inc.).
Actors will be paid a minimum of $200 for a full day (8-10 hours) of filming and a minimum of $100 for a half day (1-4 hours) as independent contractors. Actors will also be given the option to choose a lower rate of pay if they would like profit participation points. Pay rates may increase depending on the success of fundraising initiatives.
NOTE 1: unless otherwise specified all roles are open to actors of any race and ethnicity. Most roles are also open to people with disabilities, unless the particularities of the character make that impossible. Although the gender and sex of characters may be specified, this does not necessarily imply that we are looking for cis gender actors only; transgender, non-binary, and genderfluid actors are welcome.
NOTE 2: the number of episodes, scenes, and cut-aways are provided for each character to help actors decide whether the time commitment necessary to play that character will suit their availability. We want to help all actors auditioning for roles make well-informed decisions.
HOW TO AUDITION: the first round of auditions is via self-tape – which in 2024 really means providing a link or attaching a video recording to your application. Please don’t send us VHS tapes. All applications must contain the following, and any applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered…
1. Your full legal name, stage name or preferred name (if applicable), contact information (email address, phone number, and mailing address), and you agent’s name and contact information (if applicable);
2. A current acting resume that meets current industry standards. If you don’t have an acting resume, there are multiple websites that can guide you through the process of creating one;
3. A headshot or high-quality selfie. Professional headshots are obviously preferrable, but a high-quality selfie is acceptable. Please don’t use any filters that make you resemble a cartoon animal or mythical creature;
4. A list of the character(s) for which you are auditioning;
5. A link to your reel, IMDB page, and similar promotional tools of the trade are welcome if you have them. If you don’t have such things, their absence will not be used against you in any way;
6. A self-tape – a video file (.MOV format is best) or link to a video of you performing a brief (3-5 minute) dramatic monologue in the most comedic way you can manage. We’re looking for actors who can creatively play with the boundaries between comedy and drama, mining the comedic potential in drama and the dramatic potential in comedy.
DEADLINE: Your application must be received no later than 11:59 pm 25 March 2024 via email to [email protected].
QUESTIONS? Please don’t hesitate to email Post Productions ([email protected]) with any questions you might have regarding the audition process, roles, the web series itself, or anything else relevant. We don’t want you to feel confused; we want you to feel confident!
If your first-round audition is successful, you will be contacted no later than 29 March 2024 to book an in-person callback audition for the second round.
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (10)
Gordie
(male, 24-33 yrs old, 8 episodes/92 scenes/37 cut-aways)
Gordie is a young actor who has just joined Post Productions as an Outreach Director and Producer. He is an enthusiastic, optimistic, and extroverted person, friendly and open, who loves people and seeks them out. His zest for life is contagious. Although Gordie is knowledgeable and competent, he is plagued by self-doubt and low confidence – issues that sometimes lead to spectacular failures. At times his words and actions betray an underlying loneliness, a need for companionship and love that can get him in trouble. He actually has a life outside of theatre. In many respects he is the POV character through which the audience learns about the hidden world of independent regional theatre. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Dirk Sundown
(male, 45-65 yrs old, 8 episodes/60 scenes/5 cur-aways)
Dirk is a veteran homeless actor with multiple addictions who has the swagger of a cowboy without any of that pesky arrogance. A friendly, supportive, openminded, and helpful man, he has travelled from Vancouver to Windsor just for the opportunity to audition for Twoquus, as it’s written by his favourite playwright, Wright Lloyd-Jones. An often serene and spiritual person, Dirk is thrilled by the impermanence of theatre and life. He wants to live a life worth writing stories about – a life never forgotten. He has an inner confidence and self-assurance that enabled him to accept all people for who they are.
Myrtle Papp
(female, 22-28 yrs old, 8 episodes/53 scenes/10 cut-aways)
Myrtle is a talented young actress with an outgoing, flirtatious, charming, and uninhibited personality. She thrives on novelty – meeting new people, experiencing new things, embracing new opportunities. She is, however, deathly afraid of birds… a problem since her character in Twoquus is obsessed with, and surrounded by, birds. Like nearly every Canadian actor, she finds herself taking on whatever normal jobs she can to get by, primarily babysitting. Theatre is her escape. Theatre is the thing that makes her ordinary life extraordinary. Life has a set of rules, the theatre has a different set of rules that are closer in line with her own philosophy. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Bruce
(male, 25-45 yrs old, 8 episodes/41 scenes/19 cut-aways)
Bruce is an experienced set designer, builder, painter, and decorator who both enjoys and is continually irritated by the challenges of working amidst the poverty of independent regional theatre. Like all set designers, he does not have a driver’s licence. He is an honest, trustworthy, focused, task-oriented, dependable man who can also be extremely blunt and has no time for bullshit. He’s a little superstitious.
Kendra Webber
(female, 22-33 yrs old, 7 episodes/49 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Kendra is a diabetic and dyslexic woman who is also nurturing, warm, dedicated to being and doing better. Although she doesn’t see herself as valuable, those around her would disagree. Kendra becomes involved in a love-triangle that threatens to disrupt the production. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Barry Moore
(male, 22-35 yrs old, 7 episodes/48 scenes/5 cut-aways)
Barry is a people-pleaser who desperately needs to be liked and consequently spends a lot of time trying to make others happy in various ways – often by baking sweet treats. A somewhat neurotic man who is prone to sudden bouts of vomiting, Barry doesn’t have many boundaries and sometimes struggles to recognize the boundaries of others. His tendency to overcompensate for his anxiety sometimes leads him to become awkward and spineless in social situations, but ultimately he’s a sweet person. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Henry Desjardins
(male, 55-110 yrs old, 7 episodes/45 scenes/8 cut-aways)
Henry is an affable and easygoing senior citizen of bafflingly indeterminant age who has over the course of his long life tried his hand at nearly everything. He didn’t realize he was auditioning for Twoquus, and when his audition was successful he wasn’t sure at first whether he was an actor, playwright, or director. In fact, much of the time Henry isn’t fully aware of what’s going on around him. But once he joins the Twoquus cast he quickly becomes a beloved member of the team and, over the course of the series, becomes the heart of the story. He’s a curious person who can come across as aloof, but in reality is often just aware of things other people aren’t. Sometimes because they’re irrelevant. He has lost many people over the course of his life which gives him a perspective that the other characters sometimes need.
Danica
(non-binary, 25-40 yrs old, 7 episodes/44 scenes/6 cut-aways)
Danica is a dancer first and an actor second. They have endured a lot of mistreatment over their life and have fought hard to earn their place wherever they are. Danica is a responsible, committed, always present and aware, perceptive, and individualistic person who struggles to ask for help when they need it. They were once engaged to Myrtle. Although the relationship ended poorly, the two remain close. Not especially social or extroverted, but will show up for social situations when the mood strikes them. Literally, they will just show up. This role requires an actor with a limber body; dance experience would be an asset, though is not required.
Annie Dyer
(female, 30-50 yrs old, 7 episodes/ 43 scenes/4 cut-aways)
Annie was cast in Twoquus sort of as a mistake. She came to the auditions as William Marlowe’s agent but while he didn’t get cast, she did. And she’s still not sure whether that was a good call. Annie struggles with body dysmorphia and self-confidence. Acting is forcing her to be more aware of, and concerned about, her body than is comfortable for her. She is far more comfortable and confident when helping others become the center of attention. She is a calculated and practical person with firm boundaries, though not unfriendly.
Ed Philcox
(male, 30-50 yrs old, 6 episodes/33 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Ed is a braggart and pathological liar who has enough experience to concoct believable stories about what he has done. He is, though he will never admit it, a lonely and insecure man who has never been in a romantic relationship and still lives with his mother. A self-sabotager who fears success, Ed has read the first 10-pages of over 10,000 books and has at least one internet persona who represents who he wishes he was. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (3)
Fo Faber
(female, 25-35 yrs old, 5 episodes/20 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Fo Faber is a local influencer and ambitious human being. She is organized. She is outspoken. She is driven. She is always in control. An extroverted, hardworking, problem-solver, Fo is going places – and if you cooperate with her, you might go places too. Her moto: It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it’s done and you sell it. Although she doesn’t intend to use people, some may feel used by her. Fo is fully attached to the idea of people as brands.
Liam
(male, 20-28 yrs old, 4 episodes/22 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Liam is the lighting designer and technician for Post Productions. He is an easygoing, mellow, enthusiastic, and eager fellow whose mellowness often excludes anything that is not his current focus. He is a mega fan of lighting and special effects who does not quite understand the idea and importance of schedules. Like it or not, he will toss ideas at you over and over and over, and thankfully is not bothered if those ideas are rejected. He wants to be conscientious. He is uncomfortable saying “no” to anyone.
Julie Ouellette
(female, 30-55 yrs old, 4 episodes/14 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Julie is an ambitious and competitive theatre veteran who serves as the Artistic Director of The Purple Theatre Company. She sees Post Productions as a rival company, although the people at Post Productions refuse to treat her as a rival and try repeatedly to create a cooperative relationship with her. Her extreme self-confidence can come across as arrogance sometimes, and it hides a deep insecurity. Julie would love to be friends with everyone but fears this might be a weakness. She is a fighter who’s been in the trenches for many years, which has caused her to expect that every new situation will involve a fight.
RECURRING CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (14)
Nicole Jonasson
(female, 40-65 yrs old, 3 episodes/23 scenes/10 cut-aways)
Nicole Jonasson is a well-known director who has worked with nearly every theatre company in Ontario – once. She is a brash, confident, experienced, and zealous woman whose opinion of herself and her abilities is so high that it verges into the mythical. Although she is intelligent and skilled, she is neither as intelligent nor skilled as she believes she is only because that would be impossible. Nicole unwittingly and inadvertently alienates those around her because she makes them feel undervalued and insulted. Her demeanour stems from her discomfort with who she is and where she comes from, as well as a lifelong desire to be more important and accomplished than she actually is. The goals she has set for herself are unreachable, though she is unaware of this. She wants to be a nurturer, and thus plays the part of one, but is continually disappointed by the inability of those around her to see her as nurturing.
Thomas Torgus
(male, 30-40 yrs old, 3 episodes/20 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Torgus is an undercover performance artist working on a character who is a goon and ex-convict – and a part-time actor. His tenure as a cast member in Twoquus is short-lived, but he reappears toward the end of the series to save the production.
Donalda Dilkens
(female, 30-50 yrs old, 3 episodes/6 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Donalda is an aggressive, manipulative, and shockingly persistent actress who always has an agenda. She refuses to accept that she has not been cast in Twoquus which leads to a difficult situation for the producers. But in the end she becomes a confidante and friend. Donalda was possibly married too young, controlled and abused, got a divorce and now it’s all about her. She is making up for lost time.
Susan Saltbridge
(female, any age 18+, 3 episodes/12 scenes/3 cut-aways)
Susan is a loud, confused, and decisive woman who is monosyllabic and difficult to comprehend. Her appearances are brief but comedically powerful.
William Marlowe
(male, 25-40 yrs old, 2 episodes/13 scenes/3 cut-aways)
A self-loving Equity actor represented by Annie Dyer. William can come across as full of himself but, then again, if you were as wonderful as he you might be full of yourself too. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Winona Kleptopahac
(female, 25-35, 2 episodes/5 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Winona is a young mother with dreams of being an actress that have proven consistently fruitless. She lives each moment of each day at the end of her rope. The mother of two-to-three children, she hired Myrtle as a babysitter so she could attend the Twoquus audition. Myrtle didn’t show up.
Jeremy Kleptopahac
(male, 5-10 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Jeremy is Winona’s oldest child, an uncontrollable and hyperactive little boy who likes to touch things. He is all energy and Id.
Other Kleptopahac Child(ren)
(any gender, any age up to 9 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Winona has at least one child other than Jeremy, possibly two. They show up in every scene Winona is in because she cannot, for the life of her, get away from them.
Chrissy Rising Star
(female, 7-12 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/1 cut-away)
A young child raised by her hyper religious parents to be both an actress and a spiritual leader. Chrissy is confident, friendly, and devote.
Chrissy’s Mom
(female, 35-45 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/1 cut-away)
Chrissy’s Mom is a helicopter parent and devotee of her daughter who acts as Chrissy’s agent and manger along with her husband. She is a part-time exorcist who is devoted to her daughter’s success.
Chrissy’s Dad
(male, 35-45 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes/1 cut-away)
Chrissy’s Dad is a helicopter parent and devotee of his daughter who acts as Chrissy’s agent and manger along with his wife. He is a part-time exorcist who is devoted to his daughter’s success.
Sergio
(male, 20-30 yrs old, 2 episodes/5 scenes)
Sergio is an exhibitionist and self-flagellator who believes he must shed his clothes – and thus his humanity – to prepare for roles. This role requires brief and mostly non-sexual partial nudity.
Villi Serious
(female, any age 18+, 2 episodes/4 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Villi is a very spiritual person who only hears positivity and is quick to point out the perceived wrongdoing of others. She has a close relationship with birds – so close, in fact, she feels a psychic connection with them and can speak their languages.
Jane Duck
(female, any age 18+, 2 episodes/4 scenes/1 cut-away)
An undercover bird activist who leads a pro-bird organization of avian allies. Depending on your point of view, Jane is either always looking to cause trouble or just really good at spotting it.
ONE-OFF CHARACTERS AVAILABLE (12)
Laura Turner
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/15 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Laura is a children’s entertainer who takes an unorthodox approach to auditioning for Twoquus inspired by old Looney Tunes cartoons. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Paula Stanley
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/15 scenes/1 cut-away)
Paula is a sincere actor and puppeteer who does not feel constrained by the expectations of others. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Sharla Conray
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/15 scenes/1 cut-away)
Sharla is more of a singer than an actor who forges her own path and struggles to read a room. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Marcel Misotakis
(male, 40-70 yrs old, 1 episode/5 scenes)
Marcel is a theatre critic who works for The Daily Sentinel. He’s a sloppy eater who must be bribed to write reviews.
Marcus Torrent
(male, 40-70 yrs old, 1 episode/4 scenes)
Marcus is a theatre critic who works for Tribune Magazine. He’s an odd fellow, not great with names and faces, who likes to have his own semi-private viewing zone when he watches plays.
Mandy Murandy
(female, any age 18+, 1 episode/4 scenes)
Mandy doesn’t struggle with having a lot to say, but she does struggle with choosing appropriate ways to say what’s on her mind. She is both a mumbler and a low-talker.
Luke
(male, 25-45 yrs old, 1 episode/2 scenes)
Luke is the set designer for the Purple Theatre Company. He is a sincere and friendly fellow who loves sandwiches and doesn’t possess a driver’s licence.
Hardware Store Clerk
(any gender, any age 18+, 1 episode/1 scene)
Works at a hardware store and has come to know Bruce over the years. Probably has a name.
Restaurant Host(ess)
(any gender, any age 18+, 1 episode/1 scene)
A highly committed host(ess) at the swanky Le Budokan restaurant.
Bill the Waiter
(male, any age 18+, 1 episode/1 scene)
Bill the Waiter is a waiter at the swanky Le Budokan restaurant. For good or ill, he knows the Heimlich maneuver.
Gordie’s Brother
(male, 19-30 yrs old, 1 episode/11 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Gordie’s younger brother. A cautiously supportive sibling. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
Gordie’s Sister
(female, 19-30 yrs old, 1 episode/11 scenes/2 cut-aways)
Gordie’s younger sister. A blunt and somewhat sarcastic sibling. Comes to see Twoquus on opening night.
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