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PLAY ON! by Rick Abbott
PLAY ON! by Rick Abbott
Nov. 20 & 21, 2026
The hilarious story of a theatre group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance, in which anything that can go wrong, does. When the author decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, the audience is treated to a madcap climax and a thoroughly hilarious romp. Even the sound effects reap their share of laughter.
Play On! Character Summary
Play On! Character Summary
Aggie Manville – a stage manager and prompter – any age
Geraldine/Gerry Dunbar – a director – over 30 years old
Louise/Louie Perry – an overworked sound, light, and sound technician – any age
Phyllis/Phil Montague – a somewhat eccentric novice playwright – between 42 and 57
Henry Benish (Lord Dudley) – Leading man – mid 50’s
Polly Benish (Lady Margaret) – A “diva” somewhat concerned and teased about her weight – mid 50’s
Marla “Smitty” Smith (Doris the maid) – pretty but awkward – quite young
Saul Watson (Dr. Rex Forbes – the villain) – 45-50 years old
Billy Carewe (Stephen Sellers) – future leading man – looks 25-35
Violet Imbry (Diana Lassiter- an Ingénue) – looks 25-35
When are Auditions?
Tuesday, Sept. 15th at 3:00 - 6:00pm in the NPHS Auditorium.
Auditioning students should:
Become familiar with the script and characters (see links below)
Be prepared to read scenes from the play.
Ready to share a joke or funny story
No monologues or memorization required for this production!
Register for your audition by clicking the button below:
WHAT DO I WEAR/ BRING TO AN AUDITION AT NPHS?
Actors should show up to an audition in clothes that represent them and that they feel confident in. However, do not dress in a costume, rather think about how you can dress to enhance your connection to the character or to elude to the character you would like to play. You should be comfortable and safe to move fully. Solid colors are best so we can better see you as the character. Please no hats, loud jewelry, or bulky jackets. Make sure your hands and face are visible and free to express.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for dynamic performers who are ready to dig into their performance technique and grow. Lead actors should have strong physical presence on stage and be able to express nuanced emotions and specific acting choices rooted in the truth of the character. We are looking for all actors to have a good understanding of the vocal and physical requirements needed to bring text to life. See the character description in the links above for information on the roles available.
We DO want to see preparation, positive energy, collaboration, confidence, acting ability, and flexibility.
We DON’T want to hear negative comments about others or comments like “I haven’t practiced”, “I’m not feeling well/ I’m just getting over a cold,” or “I think Shakespeare is boring.”
TIPS FOR WHEN YOU AUDITION:
Choose your audition material early
Prepare your audition material
Practice your “Slate” (your introduction prior to performing)
Speak loudly and clearly and make movement choices that are in character.
Make specific and intentional choices.
Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or rehearse in front of people you trust
When you rehearse on your own, practice “full out” so you do not surprise yourself for the first time in your audition
Please minimize self deprecating humor, comments, and facial expressions as well as sarcasm in your audition. Be confident and trust yourself.
Spring Musical
Spring Musical
Coming March 2027!
ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
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