Beck Center is thrilled to announce auditions for the regional premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's timely drama A GREAT WILDERNESS, directed by Beck Center Artistic Director Scott Spence
A GREAT WILDERNESS replaces the previously announced production of THE DRESSER.
Auditions (By Appointment) will take place on Sunday evening (January 15th) and Tuesday evening (January 17th). You may secure your slot for one of those evenings by calling the
Beck box office at 216-521-2540 x10
A GREAT WILDERNESS will open on Friday, March 3rd and continue through April 9th. It
is anticipated that rehearsals will begin on or around January 30th.
There are 6 roles (3 female, 2 male, 1 teenage male---see below for more information). Auditions are open to both Equity members and Non Equity. It is anticipated that two AEA contracts (Special Appearance Tier One) will be used for this production. All actors who are 18 and older are compensated for their participation. All roles are open!!
Ideally actors should prepare one brief (60 to 90 second) monologue (comic or dramatic). For those unable to prepare a monologue we will have something for you to read at the open call.
About the Play
After decades as the gentle-natured leader of a Christian retreat that endeavors to “cure” gay teens, Walt is packing up his life and preparing for a reluctant retirement. But when his final client quietly disappears into the remote Idaho wilderness, Walt discovers that his previously unwavering moral compass no longer clearly points the way. With profound humanity and subtlety, A Great Wilderness navigates complex moral terrain, exploring the shifting motives and inconstant strength of our personal convictions.
REVIEWS
"Hunter, an Idaho-bred playwright of growing prominence, tunes into a high frequency of empathy for isolated social fringe-dwellers." - Seattle Times
"[An] affecting drama that strengthens its hold on you bit by unpredictable bit." - Boston Globe
ROLES
WALT - Mid-60's to Mid- 70's, male.
DANIEL - 16, male.
ABBY - Anywhere from 48 to 62, female
TIM - Mid-to-late 50's , male.
EUNICE - 40's or early 50's , female.(Daniel's Mother)
JANET - 30's to early 50's, female. (A Park Ranger)
Note from the Director:
This is a fascinating new play that does not necessarily harvest the expected crop. Hunter does not play to the lowest common denominator with these characters and the script does not devolve into the obvious protestations. Rather, it's a terrific character piece that explores what we perhaps thought were antiquarian viewpoints but now realize the battle is still at our doorsteps.