Audition Opportunities

AUDITIONS: THE OUTSIDER

By Paul Slade Smith

Saturday, September 26
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Alton Little Theater

Alton Little Theater is holding auditions for The Outsider, a fast-paced political comedy featuring seven hilarious and distinctive characters.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Ned Newley has unexpectedly become governor — and there’s just one problem: he may be the worst politician imaginable.

He’s terrified of public speaking, painfully awkward in front of cameras and polling terribly. His loyal chief of staff is desperate to save him, but when a seasoned political consultant arrives with an unusual strategy, the governor’s weaknesses may suddenly become his greatest strengths.

The Outsider is a smart, wonderfully absurd comedy about politics, authenticity, perception and what happens when the person least suited for political office may be exactly the person voters want.

CHARACTERS

Important Note: Ages are suggestions from the script. We are open to a variety of ages and will cast based on the talents that each performer demonstrates during auditions and the chemistry of other individuals in the room.

NED NEWLEY — Male, 50s–60s
The newly appointed governor. Intelligent and genuinely capable, but almost completely lacking in confidence. Public speaking is his nightmare. Ned’s comedy comes from sincerity, discomfort and wonderfully awkward reactions rather than from trying to be funny.

DAVE RILEY — Male, 30s–40s
Ned’s chief of staff. Smart, devoted and hardworking, but surprisingly idealistic and naïve when it comes to the realities of politics. Earnest, likable and often trying desperately to keep everything from falling apart.

PAIGE CALDWELL — Female, 20s–40s
A professional pollster who is sharp, confident and politically savvy. Paige understands exactly how the political game works and approaches problems with intelligence, logic and a healthy dose of realism.

LOUISE PEAKES — Female, 30s–50s
The governor’s temporary executive assistant. Friendly, charming and extraordinarily confident — while also being spectacularly bad at her job. Louise has absolutely no idea how incompetent she is, which is precisely what makes her so funny.

ARTHUR VANCE — Male, 50s–60s
A nationally successful political consultant with enormous confidence, energy and enthusiasm. Arthur is bold, theatrical and convinced he understands exactly what voters want. He can dominate a room, but his excitement and joy make him incredibly entertaining rather than simply overbearing.

RACHEL PARSONS — Female, 30s–40s
A television reporter. Intelligent, direct, inquisitive and honest. She has spent enough time around politics to become somewhat cynical and has a dry, wry sense of humor.

A.C. PETERSEN — Male, 30s–50s
A television cameraman who would generally prefer not to interact with anyone. Quiet, observant and unimpressed by foolishness. A.C. says very little, making physical comedy, reactions and impeccable timing especially important for this role.

AUDITION PROCESS

No prepared monologue is required.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script with different combinations of actors. You may be asked to read more than one character and to read scenes multiple times with different acting choices.

Because The Outsider is an ensemble comedy, we will be looking closely at:

  • Comedic timing

  • Character choices

  • Listening and reacting

  • Chemistry between actors

  • Physical comedy

  • Ability to take direction and adjust a scene

  • Commitment to the reality of the situation rather than simply “playing for laughs”

Some of the funniest moments in this show come from characters who genuinely believe what they are doing makes perfect sense. Strong comedic instincts and truthful reactions are key.

Actors of varying experience levels are encouraged to audition.

RESERVE AN AUDITION TIME

Sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A48A5A823A1F58-65684439-theoutsider

Come ready to read, make bold choices and have fun. We can’t wait to see what you bring to The Outsider!