Schenectady Civic Players will be holding open auditions for
The Seafarer
by Conor McPherson
Directed by Tony Pallone
Auditions:
Tuesday, December 16 & Thursday, December 18
Sign-ups begin at 7:15 pm, auditions begin at 7:30 pm
Location:
Schenectady Civic Players is located at 12 S. Church St, Schenectady, NY, 12305.
Performance Dates:
March 20 – 29, 2026
Friday / Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 2:30 pm, Wednesday/Thursday at 7:30 pm
Rehearsals:
There will be 3-4 rehearsals per week, days/times depending on cast availability.
Please, bring lists of conflicts to auditions.
Synopsis:
“The Seafarer” is a chilling Tony-nominated play about the sea, Ireland, and the power of myth. It’s Christmas Eve, and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his aging brother, who’s recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But the arrival of a stranger from the distant past raises the stakes, and as the game unfolds, Sharky realizes he’s playing for much more than just money.
Available Roles:
All roles are open, and actors of all races and ethnicities will be considered. Male-presenting actors who can play ages 40+ are especially encouraged to audition.
James “Sharky” Harkin: He’s the central figure, recently returned home to Dublin to care for his brother after a period of being a van driver/chauffeur. Sharky is trying to stay sober, especially during the holidays, but his past and the arrival of Mr. Lockhart complicate his efforts. He is described as self-loathing yet tough.
Richard Harkin: Sharky’s older brother, recently blinded, who enjoys drinking and has a strong personality. He can be happy-go-lucky but also prone to despair. He’s described as having a Falstaffian quality, being both a drunkard and a wit.
Ivan: An old friend of the brothers, also fond of drinking. He’s kind but seems to be a lost soul.
Nicky Giblin: A friend of Richard’s and a rival of Sharky’s, often testing boundaries. He’s described as having a “life of the party” demeanor.
Mr. Lockhart: A mysterious stranger who arrives for the poker game. He is elegantly dressed and exudes an air of confidence. He has a history with Sharky, revealing himself to be a devilish figure with an interest in Sharky’s soul.
Auditions will be sets from the play.
If you have any questions, or require more information, please email the director at tonypallone@gmail.com.
Schenectady Civic Players promotes inclusive casting, and encourages individuals, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, or disability, to participate in the audition process.

