SMART PEOPLE
Lehigh University ~ Dept. of Theatre
OPEN AUDITIONS
ABOUT THE PLAY
Smart People
by Lydia Diamond
It is the eve of Obama's first election. Four of Harvard University's brightest; a surgeon, an actress, a psychologist, and a neuro-psychiatrist, are all interested in different aspects of the brain, particularly how it responds to race. But like all smart people, they are also searching for love, success, and identity in their own lives. Lydia Diamond brings these characters together in this sharp, witty play about social and sexual politics.
AUDITION DATES
Monday, April 15th, 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, April 16th, 4:00 – 8:00 pm
CALLBACKS
Wednesday, April 17th
AUDITION LOCATION
Zoellner Arts Center
WHAT TO PREPARE
1. READ THE PLAY
- Read the play before your audition.
- This is a language heavy play, so it's best that you try to familiarize yourself ahead of time.
- We make it easy! Just email theatre department coordinator Deb Laub at dal5@lehigh.edu to request access to read the script.
2. LET'S LAUGH
- Dig up your favorite joke.
- Be ready to tell it.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Jackson Moore
28. African-American. Harvard Med School. Surgical intern on rotation. Also works at a clinic. Often has a blunt and brisk manner. Says what’s on his mind and what he thinks, even though that can often get him in trouble. Defensive attitude, as a result. Has his moments, but he’s typically fairly abrasive.
ETHNICITY: Black / African Descent
Ginny Yang
34. Respected tenured professor of psychology at Harvard University; studies race and racial identity among Asian-American women; whip-smart and self-aware, except when she's not. Matter of fact. Confident in her abilities and work-addicted. Refuses to back down. Aggressive and somewhat cold. Has a shopping addiction.
ETHNICITY: Asian
Brian White
ETHNICITY: White / European Descent
Valerie Johnston
24. African-American. Recently graduated from the A.R.T. (American Repertory Theater) Acting MFA program. Works part-time as a housekeeper. Volunteers for the Obama campaign. Sharp, curious, and driven. A bit insulated and privileged, but certainly not dumb. Generally kind demeanor.
ETHNICITY: Black / African Descent
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- If you are cast in the play, you will be given permission to register for THTR 35 (2.0 credits) for a grade.
- Actors will be expected to learn 75% of their lines over summer break.
- The company will start rehearsals on the first day of the fall semester: August 27, 2019.
- This is an ensemble show. The company will rehearse Monday - Friday, 3 hours / week. Exact rehearsal times TBD once schedules and conflicts are reviewed.
- I will create a rehearsal schedule that takes all actors schedules into consideration and maximizes your time.
- I will not call rehearsal on weekends (except during tech week).
- I will not call rehearsal for more than 3 hours (except during tech week).
- The show runs September 27 - October 5, 2019.
REVIEWS
- "...a sexy, serious, and very, very funny modern-day comedy of manners." - Variety
- "...crisp and clever dialogue...Smart People is very funny because it reflects a very sympathetic human foible; the desire to resolve our racial conflicts without messing things up every time we open our mouths." - Broadwayworld.com
- "Smart People is a great ride; I loved every talky minute of it." - Deadline
- "Splendid! Diamond...draw[s] laughs even as she firmly pushes back against the notion that we’re living in a 'post-racial society.'" - Boston Globe
Kashi Johnson, Director
Email: kkj2@lehigh.edu
Website: kashijohnson.com
Location: Zoellner Arts Center, East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA, USA
Phone: 610-758-3636