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March 22, 2007

Dear Members,

We are delighted to announce casting for our next full production: the California premiere of Headless by Lea Floden, directed by Dan Bonnell, produced by Laura Jane Salvato. This dark, erotic ensemble drama set in the American dust bowl of the 1930s tells the story of an eccentric and damaged young man who falls in love with the “headless” woman in a traveling carnival. Mysteries unfold as the two hurtle toward redemption.

All roles are open. We will also be casting understudies. Understudies may cover multiple roles.

Per our revised bylaws, any member (except option C “hiatus” members) may submit himself for any open role and request a callback if he feels he did not do his best work in his original audition.

A full breakdown and production details are below. To submit yourself, please call Lisa Goodman immediately to schedule an appointment.

We hope you enjoy the script and look forward to seeing you at auditions!

Warm regards,
Laura and Dan

Headless
by Lea Floden

Click here to download the play

All ethnicities strongly encouraged. Character combinations may change based on auditions.

FRANK (25-30) The son of a wealthy family, he visits the traveling carnival fresh from his murdered father’s funeral and is mysteriously drawn to the “headless” woman whose image recalls something hidden in his childhood memories. Quirky, charming, a young James Dean, he has a death wish.

NET (30-40) Once the carnival’s headlining Tarot Card Reader, now relegated to the “headless” woman booth, murder plays a prominent role in Net’s past as well. The mother of two young daughters, Net finds herself mysteriously attracted to Frank. Though she has a tough exterior, she is vulnerable, sensuous, earthy, secretive.

CHINA (7-10) Net’s youngest daughter, China is a true clairvoyant, wise beyond her years and a tough little rascal.

CRYSTAL (12-15) Net’s daughter, a tomboy, sullen, damaged, doesn't trust a soul. A carny kid who has seen too much in her short life.

LENA (30-40) A hardboiled carny, trashy sexy, the snake woman. She has an axe to grind.

LISA (late teens-20's) The snake girl, comfortable using her sexuality, and not the brightest bulb, Lisa is on a mission to figure out the riddle that is Frank.

NANNA (50s-60s) Frank’s grandmother and a pillar of the community who murders Frank’s father out of revenge, Nanna is controlling, deeply religious, protective of her family, insane. May also play a TOWNSPERSON.

MAN #1 (30s-50s) This multi-faced character actor must morph into a crazy HOBO, stuffy BANK OFFICER, a POLICEMAN, the MAN IN FEDORA who turns out to be Frank’s father, and various TOWNSFOLK.

MAN #2 (30s-50s) This chameleon actor plays LES, one of the heads of the traveling carnival, as well as a resentful CUSTOMER, and various TOWNSFOLK. Sideshow skills like fire eating, sword swallowing, etc. would be a plus.

WOMAN (40s-50s) Plays several TOWNSFOLK and a salt-of-the-earth, small town

WAITRESS. A strong narrator.

Audition Scenes