Harbinger Theatre auditions for THE BEST WE COULD (a family tragedy) by Emily Feldman and directed by Chris Foster will be held at Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880 NY-43, Averill Park, NY 12018 on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. 6:30 sign up. 6:45pm start. Performances are November 13 – 22, 2026 at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
This 2023 debut play from Emily Feldman, follows Ella and her father, Lou, on a surprise road trip to adopt a rescue dog. Guided by the fourth wall-breaking narrator, named Maps, the duo crosses state lines, family history, and more and this modern theatrical experience is funny, wise, and heartbreaking in every breath. With a running time of 90 minutes without intermission, the story unfolds through conversations, flashbacks, and repetitions, an uneasy past and difficult family truths are revealed. When the revelations of Peg, Ella’s mother, and family friend Marc are added, Lou and Ella’s deepest secrets are revealed. Utilizing the actor’s imagination, a few chairs and simple props, and performed on an open stage, time slips forward and backward as the story moves with fluid scene transitions.
Chris Foster is casting all parts for the upcoming production of THE BEST WE COULD (a family tragedy). Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Auditions are open to all actors of age 18 or older.
Characters:
MAPS– A narrator/commentator. A challenging role for someone who can play multiple characters who in addition plays;
-Lady with dog,
-Karen with French accent
-Police Officer
-Adele, a beleaguered office colleague of Lou
-Lady on street
ELLA–A 36-year-old California resident who has largely given up on life. She hasn’t fulfilled the promise of her excellent, Phi Beta Kappa education nor the expectations of her parents. Growing up dancing ballet, she has been a serial quitter at various arts jobs and is now an underemployed chair yoga instructor.
PEG–Ella’s mother – A deeply unhappy retired event planner, worried about her daughter, her husband and her mortgaged home. Through her worrying she can be seen as a nag, a scold, a dedicated bearer of bad news, and not always forthright. Deep down she cares.
LOU– Ella’s father – A strangely unemployed middle-aged scientific researcher, outwardly self-confident, but inwardly afraid of never working again.
MARC– An old family friend and schoolmate is asked to recommend Lou for a position in his office, a request that leads directly to the unveiling of secrets
Experience is not necessary; just the desire to participate and share the experience of live theatre and the enjoyment of collaborating with other talented individuals.
Harbinger Theatre acknowledges, welcomes, and respects people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and the invaluable gifts they bring to the theater experience. All are welcome!
Questions? Contact 2cfoster2@gmail.com