Monday, January 20, 4 to 6 pm
The Academy of The Company Theatre (A.C.T.) Conservatory announces auditions for teen actors, for their production of the comedy play Puffs, written by Matt Cox, on Monday, January 20, 4 to 6 pm at The Company Theatre Center for the Arts, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. The production is directed by Kevin Mark Kline.
For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs, who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world, Puffs: or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is the Off-Broadway comedy by Matt Cox that follows a group of well-meaning magical misfits during the times of that certain boy wizard. Discover the hilarious and untold story of the “losers” who embrace being badgers and strive to be “third or nothing!”
Audition candidates have should arrive prepared to read from the script, available on site, and bring a headshot. A resume is helpful but not required. A $5 non-refundable audition fee is due upon arrival. Tuition for Puffs classes and production is $425 per student, some financial assistance is available. Tuition is due after casting is announced. A completed emergency form must accompany audition candidates, available on the theatre’s website.
Rehearsals begin the week of March 23rd (with 3 meetings on Sunday afternoon preceding this date), details to be given at the audition. Additional rehearsal commitment is required during production week. Attendance at auditions does not ensure casting, tuition is due after casting is announced. Performances of Puffs are held on May 7, 8, and 9, 2018, 7:30 pm and May 9th at 4 pm. Tickets are available at www.companytheatre.com. Puffs Character Breakdown
(All playing multiple roles: 5 male, 5 female, 1 either)
–WAYNE HOPKINS (male)
The hero. Totally uncool, but full of charm and heart. Loyal to a tee. Likes comic books and video games, knows nothing about magic or this weird magic world he is now a part of. Best friends with Oliver and Megan. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–OLIVER RIVERS (male)
One of the main trio. Incredibly smart and cerebral, he is a math wiz, and proud of it; lovingly a nerd from New Jersey. After ending up at wizarding school, he finds out he isn’t the top of his class, and instead begins a fantastical journey of friendship and even some love, better than any algebra class could ever promise. Real comic chops, incredibly appealing, youthful. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–MEGAN JONES (female)
One of the main trio; begins the show by only desiring to live up to her mother’s reputation: a dark wizard currently in Wiz Priz for being such a bad-ass Death Buddy in her youth. Favorite store: Hot Topic. Favorite color: black. Over time, her tough veneer begins to soften, as a budding romance with Oliver becomes apparent. Defiant and headstrong on the surface, the audience begins to see that her adamance of being completely unique and independent really stems from her desire to be loved and accepted. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–NARRATOR (either)
The narrator of the story. She/he guides us through our entire show of Puffy-ness. British accent. Must be a great storyteller, as she/he must keep the audience engaged and updated on all the goings-on. Can be a bit of a know-it-all, but still relatable and appealing. Comedy skills a must, improv background is a plus. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–ERNIE MAC (male) and A VERY TALL MAN / SEAMUS / A CERTAIN POTIONS TEACHER / PROFESSOR TURBAN / GHOST HISTORY TEACH / PROFESSOR LOCKY / MR. NICK / SAL / SECOND HEADMASTER / REAL MR. MOODY
Requires an actor capable of doing strong impressions. Ernie Mac: Proud. Loud. Pretty sure he’s the best. Male Teachers: Potions Teacher/ Locky/ Professor Turban/ Mr. Moody. All impressions. Strong comedic ability. (Impressions: Rickman/ Branagh/Gleeson/Whoever played Quirrell in the movie). Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–HANNAH (female) and FIRST HEADMASTER / PROFESSOR McG / PROFESSOR SPROUTTY / XAVIA JONES / PROFESSOR LANNY / RUNES TEACH / MS. BABBLE
Requires playing several different roles back to back, so the ability to play a variety of character types a plus. Hannah: Shy. Very shy. Female Teachers: Professor McG, Professor Plants, Professor T, Bath Babbles. Adults of all kinds of different personalities. (Maggie Smith impression for McG.) Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–J. FINCH FLETCHLEY (male) and UNCLE DAVE / GOYLE / A FAT FRIAR / CLUMSY LONGBOTTOM / HERMEOONE #3 / VIKTOR / MR. BAGMAN / ZACH SMITH
Improvisational skills a plus. Boyish & fun. Chipper and happy except, when his life is in mortal danger. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–LEANNE (female) and GINNY / HELGA / FRENCHY
A little distant. A little random. Is possibly a genius or really, really stupid. But has a really strong heart. The Puffiest of the Puffs. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–SALLY PERKS (female) and HERMEOONE / BLONDO MALFOY / ROWENA / RITA SCOOTER / BIPPY
Sally: Nice. In year 3, goes through a bit of a growth spurt that attracts the other student’s attention, if you know what I mean. Bippy: A house elf. Devoted. Loyal. Kind of annoying. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–SUSIE BONES (female) and HARRY / COLIN / HERMEOONE #2 / RIC GRYFF / MYRTLE
Susie: Sad. Gloomy. Think Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh.” Constantly in fear of her or her family dying. Harry: Young, plucky, and famous. Struts around school like he owns it. Gets into a few wacky situations, but it’s nothing the bonds of friendship can’t overcome. Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–CEDRIC (male) and MR. VOLDY
An appealing comic actor to play the pivotal roles of Cedric in Act I and Mr. Voldy in Act II. Cedric: A champion. Athletic, winning, popular, and charming. Everyone’s favorite, but still loyal, patient, and kind. A leading example of a Puff. Mr. Voldy: Evil. Like, reeeaaally evil. Wants to rule the world in shadows and darkness and terror. (Or, ya know, just an amazing Ralph Fiennes impression.) Any ethnicity/cultural background.
–DEATH BUDDIES to be played by all.
For more information about auditions, please call the box office at 781-871-2787 or email ACT@companytheatre.com. For more information about ACT or The Company Theatre, please visit www.companytheatre.com, or follow The Company Theatre Center for the Arts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
