AUDITION NOTICE: Guilty Conscience, July 20, 2024

Ottawa Little Theatre presents

Guilty Conscience
Written by: Richard Levison & William Link

Directed by: Ian Gillies

Production Dates:
October 30 – November 16, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Wednesdays – Saturdays) and matinees on November 03 & 10  at 2:30 pm (Sundays)

All actors must be available for all performances. 

Time Commitments:

• We will be rehearsing throughout August, September, and October.
• In the first month the rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday (afternoons or evenings TBD).
• Beginning in September we switch to Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday (afternoons or evenings TBD).
• Those auditioning will have to declare their availability at auditions. Once the rehearsal schedule is set, accounting for any declared absences, each cast member must commit to being at all rehearsals, within reason.
• All actors must be available for all performances (see production dates above)

Open Call Audition:
Auditions  will be held on:

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out your audition card – onstage readings will commence at 1:00pm sharp.

Backstage Orientation:
Simultaneously with the audition, A BACKSTAGE ORIENTATION and tour of the theatre will be offered by a member of the Volunteer Committee for anyone interested in working behind the scenes on any future production. Descriptions of each of the various Volunteer Positions can be found in the Volunteer section of this website.

Audition Location:
Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
(Please use 235 Besserer Street entrance.)

Synopsis:
A brilliant, ruthless criminal attorney is now planning his own defence – if only he can find an ideal way to murder his wife. While attempting to come up with the perfect alibi, he is shocked to discover that someone is simultaneously plotting to kill him! A diabolical thriller from the creators of the acclaimed TV series Columbo!

*Note: This production includes mature themes, including depictions of domestic abuse and violence, and discussion of suicide.*

Character Descriptions

Please note the following ages and identifiers are just suggestions. We welcome anyone and everyone who is interested in auditioning to please audition for the role they are interested in.

ARTHUR JAMISON – male, 30-50s
An intelligent and successful, albeit extremely arrogant and narcissistic, criminal attorney, whose misogyny and condescension may ultimately prove to be his downfall. A high energy character that is quick on their feet and demonstrates belittling aloofness, blind rage, and cold sincerity. One stage kiss required. Stage combat experience is an asset, but not required.

LOUISE JAMISON – female, 30-50s
The proud and determined wife of Arthur who is eager to free herself from her abusive husband. Thick-skinned and understandably resentful to Arthur, she is often curt and dismissive whenever they share scenes. When with others, however, we see a sense of the true empathetic and kind person she is. She is ultimately the heart of the show. Stage combat experience is an asset, but not required. Please note: Louise is a victim of domestic violence, both seen and unseen by the audience. She has a black eye for the entirety of the show.

JACKIE WILLIS – female,  20-30s
Arthur’s young, fast-talking, and newest mistress. A Jack(ie) of all trades who has had many different jobs over the last few years, including working for Arthur. While she can come across as a bit naive and flippant, there is a cold intelligence beneath her warm, empathetic demeanor that would surprise anyone who makes the mistake of underestimating her. One stage kiss required. 

THE PROSECUTOR(S) – 3 female, 20-50s
While this is one character in the script, for this production we’ll be dividing it into three roles played by three different actors. While these actors represent different iterations and characteristics of “The Prosecutor”, they are all ultimately embodying the same entity and will always appear together. Lines will be divided and shared throughout the show. Dance/movement and stage fighting experience are assets, but not required. 

Below are general breakdowns of the three personalities of this character.  

• PROSECUTOR 1
  A fictional, traditional lawyer who Arthur uses to bounce around his ideas and defenses. Antagonistic, but intelligent, witty, and a side of overconfidence – a mirror to Arthur. This personality has the most lines of the Prosecutor characters.
• PROSECUTOR 2
  The second personality of the fictional lawyer is far less traditional and more endearing to Arthur. Perhaps even moderately seductive. They appear (at first) to boost his ego, before deconstructing his plans. Has a notable switch where they become more aggressive and violent – again, a mirror to Arthur.
• PROSECUTOR 3
  The third and final personality of the fictional lawyer. Cold, utterly ruthless, and there to deliver final judgment, this personality is nothing like the other two and brings about a sense of true terror in Arthur. Minor speaking role, but integral role throughout the show working with the other Prosecutors to embody this entity. 

Sides
Click the links below to see the character sides that will be used at the audition. Copies will also be available at the audition.

*Note: for Side #4 (Prosecutors) – This is a scene from Macbeth. We are not looking for perfect Shakespeare. Instead, we are using this optional side to give a sense of the general “togetherness” of the Prosecutors.

Side #1 Arthur
Side #2 Arthur & Prosecutors
Side #3 Arthur & Prosecutors
Side #4 Prosecutors
Side #5 Louise, Jackie, Arthur
Side #6 Louise & Jackie
Side #7 Arthur & Prosecutors