THE GHENT PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR ITS UPCOMING PRODUCTION
DIRTY BLONDE
Written by Claudia Shear
Conceived by Claudia Shear & James Lapine
Original Score by Robert Stillman
Directed by Sky Vogel
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026 AT 7:00 p.m.
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 AT 7:00 p.m.
At The Ghent Playhouse
6 Town Hall Place
Ghent, New York
The Ghent Playhouse is pleased to announce open auditions for its next production, Claudia Shear’s DIRTY BLONDE, to be directed by Sky Vogel.
Dirty Blonde is a funny, touching and theatrical exploration of love, obsession, and
Identity – told through the lens of legendary icon Mae West and two present-day superfans who meet at her gravesite. It’s a comedy filled with heart, history and a little bit of vaudeville sparkle.
We are looking for three strong actors to play multiple roles in this intimate, fast-paced comedy.
PERFORMANCE DATES
June 5-14, 2026
Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Preview Performance Thursday June 4. 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
JO/MAE WEST – Female – Presenting 30’s – 50’s (flexible)
JO – A New York City office temp and aspiring actress. She is smart, funny, guarded and vulnerable. A devoted Mae West fan whose obsession masks loneliness and a longing for connection. Role requires strong comedic instincts and grounded emotional truth.
MAE WEST – The legendary actress, playwright, and sex symbol. Confident, sensual, sharp-witted and commanding. Role requires bold presence and the ability to lean into theatricality. NOTE: This role includes a few brief musical moments, inspired by Mae West’s early vaudeville days. A strong singing voice is not required, but comfort carrying a tune in character is important. Looking for an actor who can transform physically and vocally between contemporary realism and stylized performance. Auditioners will not be required to sing at the auditions.
CHARLIE (and others) – Male presenting 30’s-50’s (flexible)
A shy, endearing New York Public Library Archivist and devoted Mae West enthusiast. Thoughtful, quirky, romantic, and socially awkward in a charming way. Charlie’s journey moves from isolation to connection.
Requires flexibility, comic agility and the ability to shift clearly and efficiently between characters.
FRANK WALLACE/ED HEARN – Male presenting 30’s-60’s (flexible)
Portrays key figures from Mae West’s life, along with multiple additional supporting characters. Role requires strong character work, quick transitions, and confident comedic timing. This is the “utility” track of the show – colorful, distinct, and fast-moving.
AUDITIONERS WILL BE ASKED TO READ SIDES FROM THE SCRIPT.
NOTE: This is an open call for auditioners. ALL roles are available. Actors who are outside the age ranges listed, but feel they can play within those ranges, are strongly encouraged to audition. Please also note that the play contains adult language and sexual situations.
THE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WILL BE BASED UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF THOSE WHO ARE CAST. THEREFORE, AUDITIONERS ARE REQUESTED TO BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE IN LISTING ANY AND ALL CONFLICTS ON THEIR AUDITION APPLICATION.
For further information please visit the Ghent Playhouse website or contact the director, Sky Vogel by email at skyvogel@aol.com