AUDITIONS: December 16, 2024
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Ennis Public Theatre: 113 N Dallas St, Ennis, TX 75119
To audition, you must complete both steps below:
Director: Markus Baldwin
Shows: February 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and February 9 and 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Tech: February 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Rehearsals: Wednesday, December 18 – full cast read-through 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; rehearsal schedule to follow.
LEAVING IOWA by Tim Clue and Spike Manton
We will provide script excerpts for actors to look over in the lobby and then we will read the scene with you.
SUMMARY: A hilarious, family-friendly comedy that is a toast to the idealism and character of parents from the “greatest generation,” and a little roast of their dedication to the family road trip. It was nominated Best New Play in the Country by the Detroit Free Press and one of SoCal Theater’s 10 Most Memorable Moments of the year after its run at the Laguna Playhouse, stating the play included “the most frighteningly realistic depiction of a family summer road trip” the reviewer had ever seen. We take that as a compliment. A show suitable for ages 10 to 110, “Leaving Iowa” is a postcard to anyone who has ever found themselves driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of their youth. Economically-staged for anywhere from 6-24 actors, the story centers on Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa in search of a proper resting place. As he drives those familiar roads, the story shifts back and forth from the present to memories of the annual, torturous vacations of Don’s youth. Ultimately, Don’s existential journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at an unpredictable and perfect final destination. Since its printing by Dramatic Publishing, “Leaving Iowa” has played to packed audiences and great reviews in hundreds of theaters across the US. It’s guaranteed to have you laughing and remembering the childhood vacations you tried.
CHARACTERS:
- DON (30’s – 40) – Successful Boston reporter – too busy to attend his father’s funeral three years ago. Must also play young Don in flashbacks – whiny, complaining, and antagonizing his big sister in the back seat of the car, as children have done since the dawn of the automotive age. He is the driver of the play in a gentle inviting way.
- DAD (60’s) – He’s a quiet ghost who, in his urn, is Don’s passenger on his journey. Flashbacks show him as Dad the teacher, planning the family vacations around every educational and historical highlight of the American road. He never bought into the fun — more commercial – attractions along the way, which left the kids begging to stop at “Ghost Caverns” and motels with a pool! He was the ultimate father; the loving boss of the family.
- MOM (60’s) – Don’s mom past and present. In flashbacks, always there – the ever-calming influence on Dad and the kids – the ultimate peacemaker on these family road trips – to a point. Currently, still “mothering”, but becoming a little flighty as she ages. Mom feels very guilty for having left Dad in his urn forgotten in the basement for the last three years.
- SIS (30’s – 40’s) — Don’s older sister, past and present. In flashbacks, “Sweet Pea”, as Dad called her, is the typical big sister – overbearing, teasing, sneaky – always baiting Don until he struck back and got blamed for causing the ruckus. The two were always united in their efforts to influence Dad on the vacation plans. In present day, Sis is controlling, somewhat critical, but obviously loves her family.
- MULTIPLE CHARACTERS MALE – Super versatile actors who enjoy a challenge and can portray many characters with physicality and voice. Must play the male characters Don encounters on his road trip – in flashbacks and present day vignettes: farmer with silo, Don’s grandfather, grocery store clerk, Don’s Uncle, farmer with a hoe, Amish peddler at flea market, Civic War performer, Dan’s childhood friend (now a professor), mechanic, park ranger, unhappy old man, stoic waiter with a mullet, hog farmer.
- MULTIPLE CHARACTERS FEMALE – Same only female characters encountered: farmer’s wife with silo, Don’s grandmother, Don’s aunt, Amish peddler, museum assistant, mechanic, drunk woman in hotel, talkative waitress, hog farmer’s wife.
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., of Woodstock, Illinois. (www.dramaticpublishing.com)