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We are looking for strong, passionate actors, and all ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Auditions will consist of readings from the script.
The Arctic Playhouse stands firm on the fact that strong actors with strong direction can play a role, no matter what their type, look, or ethnicity. Those interested should bring a resume (not an option) with photo/headshot. Auditions will consist of readings from the script.
CAST SIZE: Roles are available for 6 men and 6 women.
SHOW SYNOPSIS:
Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase, is the story of a perfect gentleman, Elwood P. Dowd, and his best friend, Harvey — a pooka, who is a six-foot tall, invisible rabbit. When Elwood begins introducing Harvey around town, his embarrassed sister, Veta Louise, and her daughter, Myrtle Mae, determine to commit Elwood to a sanitarium. A mistake is made, however, and Veta is committed rather than Elwood! Eventually, the mistake is realized, and a frantic search begins for Elwood and the invisible pooka, which ends with Elwood appearing, voluntarily, at the sanitarium. In the end, however, Veta realizes that she loves her brother and his invisible best friend just as they are, and doesn’t want either of them to change.
Audition Preparation:
- All auditionees should come prepared to the auditions with a current theatrical resume and headshot (please note headshots will not be returned).
- Auditionees will be asked to fill out an audition form and include all conflicts from the audition date to the end of performances.
- Auditions will consist of readings from the script.
- For Audition related questions or accommodations, Stage Manager, Vicki Yates (vickiyates74@gmail.com).
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Elwood P. Dowd (Age 40-50) Elwood P. Dowd is the central character of the play, a charming eccentric whose best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit. Elwood is well mannered, very friendly, and has “old-school gentleman charm”. Elwood is Veta’s older brother, but the age difference needn’t be dramatic.
Dr. William B. Chumley (Age 55-70) Dr. Chumley is an esteemed psychiatrist and the head of Chumley’s Rest with years of experience. He is a difficult, exacting man who will go to any length to protect the reputation of his sanitarium.
Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Age 25-40) Dr. Sanderson is a young and highly qualified psychiatrist, handpicked by Dr. Chumley. His talent is only surpassed by his vanity. He is as infatuated with Nurse Kelly as she is with him, though he struggles not to let on.
Wilson (Age 25-40) Wilson is the muscle of Chumley’s Rest, a devoted orderly responsible for handling the patients who will not cooperate voluntarily. He sets his site on Myrtle Mae Simmons soon after meeting her.
Judge Omar Gaffney (Age 55-70), the judge is an old family friend of the Dowd’s and the family’s lawyer. He is fiercely protective of the family and surprisingly understanding Elwood’s belief in Harvey.
E. J. Lofgren (40-60) E.J. Lofgren is a cab driver whose monologue about sanitarium passengers is crucial to the climax of the play. This role has a single scene near the very end and would have a limited rehearsal schedule.
Veta Louise Simmons (Age 40-50) Elwood’s younger sister, Veta has returned to the family home after the death of her mother and is intent on landing a suitable husband for her daughter Myrtle Mae. She is very concerned about fitting into society and all the social proprieties that that involves. She also loves her older brother Elwood very much. This is the dynamic that drives the action of the play.
Ruth Kelly (Age 20-35) Nurse Kelly is a sympathetic character, a pretty young woman who has a love/hate relationship with Dr. Sanderson. She is sweet and kind and looks for the best in people.
Myrtle Mae Simmons (Age 20-30) Myrtle is Veta’s Daughter (Elwood’s Niece). Both Veta and Myrtle are about the business of finding Myrtle a man to marry – a mission that is made impossible with Elwood and Harvey constantly popping in. Myrtle is extremely self-centered.
Ethel Chauvenet (Age 50-70) Mrs. Chauvenet is an old friend of the family. She is an elite member of the town’s social circle that Veta desperately wants Myrtle to break into.
Betty Chumley (Age 50-70) Dr. Chumley’s kind and talkative wife.
Miss Johnson (25-65)
Any Questions, feel free to contact Stage Manager Vicki Yates at vickiyates74@gmail.com
