WEB
By Brendan Mack
Directed by Michael McDermott
AUDITION DATES: Sunday April 14 and Tuesday April 16.
SIGN IN: 6:30pm. Auditions begin at 7:00pm
AUDITION LOCATION: Sand Lake Center for the Arts. 2880 NY 43, Averill Park NY 12018
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
All auditioners should bring a list of conflicts from Dec 2023-Feb 10, 2024, to the auditions.
Production dates: JUNE 7, 8, 14, 15 @7:30pm. June 9, 16 @2:30pm
Tech week: June 2-6 (No conflicts)
Welcome to Iowa.
Where the Pigs talk
Angels use the front Door.
And You can get away with Murder.
Web is a new courtroom drama by former Rensselaer County resident and Columbia High School graduate Brendan Mack. The play follows the trial that young Fern Arable Bonner goes through for the death of her child. As the trial continues, Fern’s mind begins to see the people around her as characters– and barnyard animals– inspired by E. B. White’s book, Charlotte’s Web. Her mind unravels as the story becomes clear– leaving us to wonder who the victim is and who is the predator in this world she lives in.
Available roles:
This list includes the doubling for the show. Each of the barnyard characters represents the real-life influences in Fern Arables life. These people take on the lives of these animals, and the animals take on the lives of these people. Fern Arables story is told as much in the courtroom, as in the barnyard. Roles will be cast based on how closely actors can match the physical characteristics and body movement of the barnyard characters that they double for. Creativity and risk taking will be highly encouraged at this audition. Rehearsals will be a collaborative process as actors work to define their animal instincts as well as their human characters.
Fern Arable Bonner
Fern is a woman on trial for the murder of her 2 year old child, Cole. She is described as “always being a dreamer” and believes in Angels, goodness, and talks to animals. She appears emotionally unequipped to weather the pressures of the court case and has a hard time staying tethered to reality.
Will Barnett
The Defense Attorney for Fern Arable, Will has never taken on a case with this degree of attention from the press and the media. He is over his head, and not sure what to believe.
Will also plays The Pig.
FJ Templeton
Prosecutor for the state of Iowa, FJ is smooth- concise- fast talking and biting in his retorts. While he follows the rules, he knows how to manipulate the legal system to get what he wants.
FJ also plays The Rat.
Judge Charlotte Clark
The presiding Judge over the State of Iowa Vs. Fern Bonner case, Judge Charlotte Clark is rather petite, and very fair. She’s almost emotionless in her compassion.
She also plays The Spider.
June Arable
Mother of Fern Arable, she is harsh and direct. She went through a difficult marriage, and always looked out for her girls, Fern and Avery.
June also plays the Sheep.
Avery Arable
Avery is a Butch Lesbian living on the East Coast, sister to Fern and is seen as a very active tomboy in flashback climbing on everything, collecting frogs, and generally being a terror child.
Avery also plays the Frog.
Dr. Dorian
The State Psychologist,, Dr. Dorian has been called by the State of Iowa and the rosecution many times before to determine whether or not a defendant is equipped to stand trial.
Dr. Dorian also plays The Ram.
Karen Anderson
Karen is Fern’s best friend, and while a little controlling, she has always wanted Fern to leave the barnyard games behind and grow up; live in the real world, start dating boys and hanging out at the brand new Mall. While mostly seen in flashbacks, this character pivots between being a wild teenager in the 1980’s and a more calmed sensible mother present day.
Janine Hart
Janine is the camera-ready reporter breaking into National Spotlight as the case for infanticide in the Arable-Bonner case has risen to national attention. She is the voice of this case.
Janine also plays The Goose.
Henry Fussy
One of the Officers who were on the scene the night of Cole Bonner’s death. Henry grew up with Fern, and always follows the limits of the law. He and Fern used to be involved romantically way back, he’s still a little heartbroken over it.
Henry also plays The Gander.
Homer Zuckerman
Ferns Uncle, Womanizer, businessman, Womanizer. This character brings a lot of fun, physicality, and Quarterback energy into the ensemble of actors.
Homer also plays The Rooster.
The Ballif/ Wallace Arable/ Lurvy
A Jack of all trades role- The Bailiff is fairly strong and unmoving in the courtroom, and Fern imagines him to be a representative of her father. He shows kindness and warmth, but has a very dark and disturbing side as the alternative character of Lurvy the Farmhand.
Production director: Michael McDermott. Irishmike518@yahoo.com
(Please reach out to Michael with any questions)
SLCA-CTP can be reached at 518-674-2007