SYNOPSIS:

The winner of the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Picnic, by William Inge, takes place on Labor Day weekend in the joint backyards of two middle-aged widows. One house belongs to Flo Owens, who lives there with her two young daughters, Madge and Millie, and Rosemary, a boarder who is a spinster school teacher. The other house belongs to Helen Potts, who lives with her elderly invalid mother. Into this female atmosphere comes a young man named Hal Carter, whose animal vitality upsets the entire group. Flo is sensitively wary of the temptations Hal poses for her daughters, but Madge, bored with being merely a beauty, sacrifices her chances for a wealthy marriage for the excitement Hal promises.

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

Madge Owens (Female, 18-25, to play age 18) The most beautiful girl in town, but feels that is all people see in her. Works in a dime store, not book smart, but warm and charming. She yearns for and is searching for an escape from small time life. Her sensuality is just below surface and is awakened by a stranger to town, Hal. There must be strong, palpable and immediate chemistry and physical attraction between Madge and Hal.

Hal Carter (Male, 20-30) A good looking, masculine, sexy, well-built vagabond. Has led a rough life as a drifter. Can be a braggart, but is lonely and wants desperately to fit in somewhere, with someone. There must be a very strong chemistry and physical attraction between Hal and Madge, as it is essential to the play.

Millie Owens (Female, 16-25, to play age 16) Madge’s younger sister. Very intelligent, boisterous, assertive and smart-mouthed tomboy. Likeable and tries to hide her basic shyness. Developing into a young woman with conflicting feelings. A wonderful role that calls for a very strong and versatile young actress.

Flo Owens (Female, 40- 50’s) Faded beauty, hard exterior, fiercely protective mother. Loves her daughters very much and wants better lives for them than she has had.

Rosemary (Female, 35-60) A spinster schoolteacher. Bawdy, outrageous, boastful, and self-righteous on the outside, but it is a façade. Inside is a desperate, lonely, and frightened woman with a fragile spirit. She is at a point in her life where she must change her circumstances and will do anything to get married. An outstanding character role for a very strong, mature actress.

Howard Bevans (Male, 40-60) Rosemary’s longtime boyfriend, a local business owner. Meek, mild-mannered, a good friend and neighbor. Enjoys a drink and a pretty girl. He is satisfied with not being married, but genuinely cares about Rosemary.

Helen Potts (Female, 50-65) An older widow whose past is filled with heartache from long-lost love. Pleasant, warm, friendly, kind and a true romantic

Alan Seymour (Male, 20-30) Madge’s home-town boyfriend who wants to marry her. Nice looking, smart, wealthy and polished, a good guy. Awestruck by Madge, can’t get past her beauty to see any deeper.

Irma Kronkite (Female, 35-55) Spinster schoolteacher, a loud, funny jokester who enjoys her single life.

Christine Schoenwalder (Female, 35-55) Spinster schoolteacher, quiet and shy, a follower

Bomber (Male, 16-21, to play a teenager) A newsboy and smart-mouthed bully who picks on Millie, but worships Madge.

Any Questions, feel free to contact Stage Manager, Vicki Yates at vickiyates74@gmail.com