AUDITIONS for Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling Directed by Chris Bizub PERFORMANCE DATES: April 12th – 28th, 2024 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm Sundays at 2:30pm AUDITION DATES: Thursday, January 9th, 2024 - 7pm-10pm Saturday, January 13th, 2024 - 12pm-3pm CALLBACKS: Sunday, January 14th, 2024 - 12pm-3pm [if needed] WHAT TO PREP: 1. Auditions are by appointment only, please sign-up at the link below 2. Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script. 3. Please bring a current headshot/theatrical resume 4. Please bring a list of conflicts from March 3rd, 2024 – April 28th, 2024 AUDITION/PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Cassidy Theatre 6200 Pearl Road Parma Heights, OH 44130 SIGN-UP LINK: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0C44A4A622A1FAC07-46772426-audit... SYNOPSIS: The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad. CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS: Any age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, body type, abilities, or other identities are encouraged to audition and will be considered equally in character casting, unless directly specified by the playwright as integral to their story. Age/age ranges, genders, and descriptions, if listed, are recommendations by the script but are flexible to interpretation. No roles for this production have been precast unless otherwise stated in marketing announcements regarding the auditions. Truvy Jones – (Female, 30s-40s) Truvy owns a hair salon, which is the setting for the play. She is quite the gossip, and loves to be in everyone’s personal affairs. Her two sons are Louie, who attends Louisiana State University, and Poot, who is to work with her cousin in Baltimore. She is married to a man named Spud Jones who she describes as a "lazy old man." Truvy treats Annelle as a daughter, even though they are not related. She also loves listening to other people’s romantic experiences. Annelle Dupuy-Desoto - (Female, 18-25) Annelle is new in town, and seeks out a job as a hair stylist at Truvy's salon and a room in a boarding house due to her lack of money. Annelle is a shy, private, and creative individual. She is kind and gracious towards the women she meets in the beauty salon. Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie – (Female, 20s) Shelby is the daughter of M’Lynn Eatenton. At the start of the play, she is about to get married to Jackson Latcherie. She has diabetes, but does not want her medical background to define her nor does she want to rely on others. She is a pediatric nurse and she wants to have children. However, it is not recommended for her to have children because of her medical conditions. She wants to have a very romantic and peaceful marriage instead of the hectic relationship that her parents have. Ouiser Bourdeaux – (Female, 50s - 60s) Ousier is often described as "bitter" or "annoyed." The things she values the most are her dog Rhett and her property. She is constantly arguing with M’Lynn’s husband Drum over property, but does have a deep and genuine concern for Shelby and her health. Even though she speaks poorly to the other women sometimes, she still considers them her closest companions. She has been married twice and has children. M’Lynn Eatenton – (Female, 40s) M’Lynn is the mother of Shelby. She also has two sons named Tommy and Jonathan, Shelby's brothers. She is also the wife of Drum Eatenton, whom she believes is "crazy." She is the administrator of the Mental Guidance Center. Her main priority is her daughter Shelby; she takes great care of her daughter, almost to the point of becoming overprotective. On the surface, she appears strong and collected, but deep down she is fragile. Clairee Belcher – (Female, 50s) Clairee is the mayor's widow and the owner of the local radio station. She is known for her "smart mouth" and "sweet tooth." She often puts herself down, but tends to remain playful whenever a serious topic arises. She is the only woman in the play without children, but she maintains close ties with her relatives. OTHER DETAILS: Cassidy Theatre is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. All actors cast are strictly volunteers. No AEA Contract(s) available. If you have any questions or would like to audition for this production, but are unable to attend regular auditions, please contact the director at cmb164@1870.uakron.edu<mailto:cmb164@1870.uakron.edu>. Also feel free to reach out with any questions you may have regarding the production.