Casting Call: PRIDE & Prejudice - The unofficial queer parody

/ CSz Philadelphia/

CSz Philadelphia, home of ComedySportz, Philadelphia's longest running comedy show is seeking 8-10 performers for an upcoming short run of comedic staged-readings (no memorization). In celebration of Pride Month, and in celebration of the 20th year anniversary of Pride & Prejudice, we're combining our passions with a queer parody staged-reading adaptation of the 2005 screenplay called PRIDE & Prejudice.

Please fill out this form & complete the video submission reading sides by 5/10 if you are interested in being cast in this show. Final casting decisions will be sent out by 5/13. 

If you have any questions, please email Artistic Director Jake Lucas jake@comedysportzphilly.com with "PRIDE casting call" in the subject line

About the show
Come celebrate the 20 year anniversary of our favorite, already pretty gay, period romance with a comedic staged reading! PRIDE & Prejudice is your queer Pride month parody of the infamous Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. You’ll see the iconic 2005 lovebirds in a brand new way, filled with laughs and hilarity that’s not to be missed! If you love the movie, you’re going to loooooove PRIDE & Prejudice. If you’ve never seen the movie, then let this special event tarnish it forever. If you liked Bridgerton, well, that’s close enough!

About the Director:
Jake Lucas (Dir.) (they/them) is the Artistic Director of ComedySportz Philly, and has been directing, improvising, and educating for over 8 years. Their specialty in play and social & emotional learning (SEL) helps ensure everyone can put the "imp" in impulse. Jake has improvised, devised, and consulted with the City of Philadelphia, University of the Arts, Philadelphia School of Improv, Playworks, Fab Youth Philly, Pseudonym Productions and more. Jake has directed a number of recent productions: But WAIT, there's MORE!, Detective Improv, Game Night, and the weekly ComedySportz show. You can see them performing in ComedySportz, Roll Play, Hallmarkable, Best Medicine, Be Kind, Mirror Zone, and wherever fresh hoagies are sold.

Compensation
Performers would be paid a flat fee of $50 for performing in the three listed June Saturday performances. That is $50 total, not for each show, and would require actors to perform in all three shows. TBD matinee performance(s) would additionally be compensated if those are selected to run.
 
Casting Call
CSz is seeking 8-10 performers for an upcoming series of comedic staged-readings (no memorization). Please see the role breakdown, including the doubling scheme in the audition form. Most actors will play 2 or 3 other characters.

  • Casting Preferences
    As this is a queer parody of the adapted screenplay, and for general interest of CSz diversity and inclusion, casting priority is given to those performers who self-identify as Queer (lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, and so on…), who self-identify as Gender Non-Conforming (trans, non-binary, intersex, and so on…), and who self-identify as being a Person of Color (POC).

  • Reading Sides & Video Submission
    Performers submitting this form are asked to submit a ~2-4 minute recorded video reading sides (see audition form) from the script. Performers should read for the character listed at the top of each section of dialogue.  

  • Assorted Notes
    This screenplay is being adapted to include audience participation and a significant number of practiced and improvised bits. All physical abilities are welcome. Production will provide any reasonable accommodation possible once in production to ensure comfort and safety of the performers.

Rehearsal Commitment
Performers would be expected to attend 3 rehearsals, with 2 highly encouraged yet optional rehearsals. Exact times pending cast availability.

  • [optional] MON 5/19 6:30-8PM [Table Read]

  • SUN 5/24 12-4PM [Script Pt.1] with a pending [alternate date] SAT 5/31 12-4PM

  • WED 5/28 7-9PM [Script Pt.2]

  • [optional] THURS 5/29 7-9PM [Scenework]

  • WED 6/4 6:30-9PM [Tech & Dress]

Performance Dates
Call 8PM, Show 9PM, Runtime of 75-90 minutes (Possible matinee performance). Performers must be available for all three shows.

  • SAT 6/7 9PM

  • SAT 6/14 9PM

  • SAT 6/21 9PM

All shows & rehearsals will be at the CSz Theater: 2030 Sansom St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 including use of the basement (requires going up/down a flight of stairs).

Apprentice Director
CSz is also looking for an Apprentice Director to take part in the production process: observe how a show is created from the casting process to details such as lighting and structuring an adapted script. Please note: this is an unpaid position. An Apprentice Director would:

  • Meet with the director on their vision and goal of the show during casting, & before each rehearsal.

  • Required to be at all rehearsals (allowed one absence) & attend at least two performances.

  • Director may ask the apprentice to lead warmups/check in/small activities during the rehearsal process

  • Clarification: Notes/personal opinions will only be given by the Director to any of the performers during rehearsals, and before or after performances, though the Apprentice should keep open dialogue with the Director.

CSz Philadelphia is for everyone, and we believe in helping prepare the next generation of improvisers for primetime. Our goal is to find diverse, talented, and versatile performers with unique experiences and points of view, including those of all levels of experience and training.  

There is NO prerequisite for classes taken, and we welcome performers who are entirely new to CSz.