Sand Lake Center for the Arts Presents:
Auditions for Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
By Matt Cox
Directed by Eric Shovah
Assistant Directed by Liana Martino
Produced by Marlene Countermine
Show Dates:
August 8-17, 2025
Tech Week – August 2-7, 2025 (Mandatory Rehearsals)
Audition Information:
Friday, May 30, 2025 – Sign-in at 6:30pm – Auditions start at 7:00pm or
Saturday, May 31, 2025 – Sign-in at 12:30pm – Auditions start at 1:00pm
Audition Location: Sand Lake Center for the Arts – 2880 NY Highway 43, Averill lPark, NY 12018
Call Backs: TBD (as needed)
Auditions will consist of readings from the script as well as some improvisation. No prepared monologues necessary.
All auditioners should bring a list of conflicts from June-August to the auditions.
If you are interested in auditioning, but unavailable on the nights of the audition, please contact the director (Eric Shovah – ericshovah@performingsmarts.com) by Friday, May 23, 2025 (at the latest). The production staff will make every attempt to accommodate your request.
Production Information:
The rehearsal schedule will be built around conflicts presented at auditions and based around the events/shows scheduled at the venue. The production team is willing to work around vacations. As this is an ensemble show, most cast will be called to each rehearsal. Auditioners must be available for Tech Week thru Closing Night.
Show Info:
For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been designed to save the world. Puffs is inspired by the series of books “who shall not be named” and is a comedy for anyone who has ever felt like a secondary character in someone else’s story. The play gives a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three new heroes just trying to make it through magic school. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal rejects with a thing for badgers. A hilarious and heartfelt epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. Please note that “Puffs” is not an official part of the Certain School of Magic and Magic franchise.
Characters and Notes on Casting:
- Four actors play individual roles and the other seven actors will perform a track of roles (listed below).
- Actors of all gender expressions and identities, any race, and any level of ability will be considered for each role.
- In general, adults will be playing all the characters in the story and will represent a variety of ages.
Character Breakdown:
Wayne Hopkins – an unexpected hero who is uncool but full of heart and loyal. Wayne likes fantasy and all things nerd culture, and is thrilled to become a part of the magic world.
Oliver Rivers – a book-smart math wiz nerd from New Jersey. Where he succeeded in school, at wizard school he finds himself at the bottom of the class and struggling with the transition. Through the story he finds friendship and love.
Megan Jones – rough on the exterior, Meghan would be more at home in Hot Topic than amongst the Puffs. She tries to live up to the reputation of her mother, a dark wizard who has been banished to Wiz Priz for being a Death Buddy. Defiant and headstrong on the surface – she actually desires love and acceptance.
Narrator – our guide through the world of the Puffs and all things Wizard school. A great storyteller with a British accent who keeps the audience engaged and updated as we progress through the madcap seven year dash of our show. Pompous but still relatable and appealing with comedic chops and comfort with improv.
Actor 1: Ernie Mac, A Very Tall Me, Seamus, A Certain Potions Teacher, Professor Turban, Ghost History Teacher, Professor Locky, Mr. Nick, Sal, Second Headmaster, Real Mr. Moody
Actor 2: Hannah, First Headmaster, Professor McG, Professor Sprouty, Xavia Jones, Professor Lanny, Runes Teacher, Ms. Babble
Actor 3: J. Finch Fletchly, Uncle Dave, Goyle, A Fat Friar, Clumsy Longbottom, Hermeoone #3, Viktor, Mr. Bagman, Zach Smith
Actor 4: Leanne, Ginny, Helga, Frenchy
Actor 5: Sally Perks, Hermeoone, Blondo Malfoy, Rowena, Rita Scooter, Bippy
Actor 6: Susie Bones, Harry, Colin, Hermeoone #2, Ric Gryff, Myrtle
Actor 7: Cedric, Mr. Voldy
Need More Info?:
If you have additional questions please contact Director Eric Shovah (ericshovah@performingsmarts.com). We hope to see you at auditions!