Of Mice and Men ~ Open Auditions October 20

* OPEN CALL AUDITION NOTICE – Of Mice and Men – October 20 *

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Date:  Saturday, October 20, 2018, 1 pm (Callbacks if needed, Monday October 22, 7pm).
Location:  Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue (please use Besserer Street entrance, please arrive a little early and be ready for 1 pm start).

Ottawa Little Theatre
presents

 Of Mice and Men

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SYNOPSIS: 

Based by Steinbeck on his own powerful Depression-era novella, this is the story of two migrant California farm workers – George and his long-time companion Lennie. Lennie has a mental disability, and although kind and gentle, he is a large man who does not know his own strength. George is Lennie’s guide and protector. The two dream of a homestead of their own where they can live free off the “fat of the land”, and Lennie can tend his beloved rabbits.

The two take up casual jobs at a ranch, where two of the other ranch hands – both fearing for their future at the ranch for different reasons – want to share in George and Lennie’s dream for the future. Others, however, including the mean and aggressive son of the boss, have it in for Lennie, and his lack of emotional and physical control have unintended but disastrous consequences that lead eventually to tragedy.

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Director’s Note:  All the men auditioning for these parts (except Candy) must look physically fit.  They must look like they can throw 75lb bags of barley onto a wagon for 8 hours at a time. 

All ages noted are character/stage ages.

While the OLT’s policy is that all roles are open to all races and ethnicities, in this case, in order to retain historical authenticity and to reflect accurately Steinbeck’s writing concerning the treatment Crooks receives from the other men, he must be the only black character.

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ROLES: 

Lennie – age around 30.  A large lumbering child-like man.  He is mentally disabled, likely from birth, and is dependent on his long-time friend George. Gentle and kind, but naïf, he does not know his own strength, which leads to unintended but disastrous consequences.

George – age around 30.  Physically smaller than Lennie, yet he is strong and able to work long hours; smart but without much formal education.  He is devoted to his long-time friend Lennie, and protects and guides him while at the same time finding him annoying and frustrating.  Dreams of owning his own farm with Lennie.

Candy – age 60+.  The aging handyman on the ranch (called “the Swamper”), who has lost his right hand in an accident. He fears for his future, and shuffles around with an old, blind dog.  He latches on to George and Lennie’s dream and wants to be part of it.

Curley – age 25-30.  The son of the ranch boss – a position which he flaunts over the ranch hands.  Smallish but mean and aggressive – seems to try to over-compensate for his size.  Newly married and very possessive of his much younger wife.

Curley’s Wife – age 18-20.  The only female character.  Dresses in fancy clothes, and is referred to by the men as a “tart” – although she is obviously lonely and unhappy. She had dreams of something better.  She is not named, is referred to only as “Curley’s Wife”.

Crooks – age 30-50.  A black stable hand, who has a crooked back as a result of an accident.  He is isolated from the other hands by his colour, but is an intelligent and proud man.  He becomes fond of Lennie, and asks to share in the dream of their farm.

Slim – age around 35.  Tall, well-groomed, attractive – a quiet, insightful man.  Slim is a highly skilled mule driver (called a “jerk-line skinner”), who is looked up to by the other men.  He is clearly the leader of all the hands.

Carlson – age 30-40.  Another ranch hand – a big, powerful man.

Whit – age 25-ish.  Another ranch hand, a bit of a side-kick to Carlson.  Smaller role.

The Boss – age around 50.  In charge of the ranch, and Curley’s father.  Robust, well-dressed, and generally friendly and fair to the hands – although he can get angry.  Has only one scene but appears three times on stage..

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Interested in volunteering behind the scenes on this production? Come to either the audition to meet the creative team and find out how you can be involved!