Upcoming Auditions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audition Notice

Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle

We are excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of Birthday Candles!

About the Play:

Birthday Candles is a poignant, funny, and deeply moving play that explores the highlights, heartbreaks, and extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life. The play follows Ernestine Ashworth from age 17 to 101 as she navigates the annual ritual of baking a birthday cake. Spanning five generations in just 90 minutes, the play is a beautiful ensemble piece that confronts the big and small questions of existence, family, and time itself.

Production Details:

  • Director: Stephen Riordan
  • Audition Dates: Monday, November 9, 6-9pm
  • Audition Location: Early Bird Dinner Theatre, 3355 49th Street N, Clearwater, FL 33762
  • Rehearsal Schedule: Rehearsals will begin on or around Monday, Nov 30th in the evenings and during the day on weekends. (Exact Schedule TBD)
  • Performance Dates: Select dates from January 9 – February 21, 2027 (EBDT theatre performs on Thursdays-Sundays, Matinees (Thursday, Sat & Sunday at 11am), evening performances (Thursday, Sat & Sunday 4pm). Schedule varies!
  • Pay: This is a paid opportunity. $60 per performance.

Character Breakdown

This play features a cast of six actors (3 Women, 3 Men). It is a highly collaborative ensemble piece where actors often play multiple roles across the decades. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ALL ROLES AND UNDERSTUDIES!

The Lead:

  • ERNESTINE ASHWORTH (Female Identifying): The heart of the play. She travels from age 7 to 107. She is a daughter, girlfriend, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A powerful, demanding, and incredibly rewarding “star vehicle” role.

The Supporting Ensemble (Doubling Required):

  • KENNETH (Male Identifying): Ernestine’s awkward and persistent next-door neighbor. Ages 17 through 80s+.
  • Actor 1 (Female Identifying): Plays Alice (Ernestine’s strong, selfless mother), Madeline (Ernestine’s daughter), and Ernie (Ernestine’s granddaughter).
  • Actor 2 (Male Identifying): Plays Matt (Ernestine’s boyfriend/husband) and William (Ernestine’s grandson).
  • Actor 3 (Male Identifying): Plays Billy (Ernestine’s son) and John (a man encountered later in life).
  • Actor 4 (Female Identifying): Plays Joan (Billy’s wife), Alex (Billy and Joan’s daughter), and Beth (John’s partner).

Note: All age ranges are approximate and based on the character’s journey; we encourage actors of all backgrounds to apply. The ability to portray growth and change over decades is key.

Audition Requirements

  • Preparation: Please prepare one contemporary monologue. In addition you may be ask to perform a cold reading from the script.
  • Submission: Please bring a headshot and resume to the audition.

We look forward to seeing you there!