Pentacle Theatre has announced the upcoming auditions for their new comedy, “The Underpants.” Auditions will be Saturday, May 7 promptly at 1 p.m. at the Pentacle Theatre lobby at 324 52nd Avenue in Salem. The cast of seven includes parts for two men and five women, ages varying between twenty and eighty.
The production, written by Steve Martin, is an adaptation of a 1910 German play concerning a couple named Louise and Theo Maske. The plot revolves around the mayhem that ensues after Louise’s bloomers fall down in public. Theo is afraid of losing his job over the scandal, and Louise must contend with unwanted admirers who are also boarders in the Maske home.
Director Jenni Bertels talks about what drew her to the play. Says Bertels, “I love Steve Martin! He’s a comedic genius and an amazing playwright. I knew that when I was laughing out loud just reading the play, that it will be a riot when it comes to life on the stage. You can hear Steve Martin in the back of your head when just reading it! It’s a very fun play that will be great for summertime at our beautiful theatre.”
According to Bertels, Martin’s work will be complemented by actors who know how to underplay an outrageous situation. “The biggest thing that we need are funny people and people with great comedic timing. The show isn’t a farce, so we won’t be going over the top with it. It’s so well-written and funny that we’re going to play it very genuinely and timing is everything – playing it as real, ordinary people in an extraordinary situation and dealing with the aftermath that ensues.”
Aside from being prepared and understanding the characters they will portray, Bertels’ biggest requirement for an audition is intensity and energy. “Directors would always much rather see someone go over the top and have to ask that person to bring it down rather than asking for more energy or excitement from the actor. You know the actor is capable if you have to bring them down; however, if you never see it from someone in auditions, then you’re not sure (and sometimes not willing to risk) if you’ll ever get the person from where they are to where they need to be for the production.”
To be fully prepared, Bertels recommends auditioners check out the script from the theatre’s business office for a $10 deposit. They should also be prepared to demonstrate how they well they can interact with her as a director. “I tend to give some small direction during the audition to see how well the actors take direction. This indicates how good they will be to work with during the production process.”
For more information contact Jenni Bertels at writejenni@hotmail.com.
