Big Dawg Productions is a non-profit community theater, currently doing about six productions a year.
Auditions are typically held around 6 weeks prior to the opening of a show, so 7-8 weeks prior is a good time to start looking around for Audition information. We typically list the dates on the Welcome page of this site, Facebook, Twitter, and in local publications such as the StarNews Thursday editions or Encore. Both magazines are published on a weekly basis, and may be found in multiple locations around Wilmington.
Auditions are typically held around 6 weeks prior to the opening of a show, so 7-8 weeks prior is a good time to start looking around for Audition information. We typically list the dates on the Welcome page of this site, Facebook, Twitter, and in local publications such as the StarNews Thursday editions or Encore. Both magazines are published on a weekly basis, and may be found in multiple locations around Wilmington.
Jun 23 - Jun 25
Big Dawg Productions is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of “Men On Boats”, by Jaclyn Backhaus. The play will be directed by Beth Swindell. Auditions will be held on Sunday, June 23rd, Monday June 24th and Tuesday June 25th at the Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle Street at 7pm, and will consist of cold reads from the script as well as movement exercises, so loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. Roles are open for 10 women, including transgender women and female identifying and gender neutral persons of all ethnicities. People of color are strongly encouraged to audition. Individuals of all experience levels are invited. This play is not a musical, but relies heavily on movement, so a background in dance or movement is helpful but not required. Age range is 19 to 60 in appearance. Show dates are Aug. 14-18, 22-25 and Aug. 29-Sept 1. This production will be making its Wilmington debut.
Show Details:
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. “Men On Boats” is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. This astounding play casts all women to portray these intrepid conquerors of nature, in a wonderful blend of comedy, adventure, history and movement. An exhilarating take on the first official U.S. government-sponsored passage through the Grand Canyon, told through a brand new lens, as well as an exploration of how we look at history, and who we allow to tell it.
“…off-the-canyon-walls funny…” —Variety.
“…marvelously destabilizing both as history and theater. The stalwartness and selfishness of the adventurers—their cockiness and cluelessness—become biting satire when sent up by women." —New York Magazine.
“…you will surely want to spend time with the hearty title characters of MEN ON BOATS…[a] rollicking history pageant… makes canny use of the obvious distance between performers and their roles to help bridge the distance between then and now…The tone is comic, but never cute or camp. And ultimately, you feel, the play respects its bold if fallible pioneers, in all their natural bravery and fearfulness.” —The New York Times.
For questions or further information, please contact Steve Vernon, Artistic Director, at svernonadbigdawg@gmail.com
Show Details:
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. “Men On Boats” is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. This astounding play casts all women to portray these intrepid conquerors of nature, in a wonderful blend of comedy, adventure, history and movement. An exhilarating take on the first official U.S. government-sponsored passage through the Grand Canyon, told through a brand new lens, as well as an exploration of how we look at history, and who we allow to tell it.
“…off-the-canyon-walls funny…” —Variety.
“…marvelously destabilizing both as history and theater. The stalwartness and selfishness of the adventurers—their cockiness and cluelessness—become biting satire when sent up by women." —New York Magazine.
“…you will surely want to spend time with the hearty title characters of MEN ON BOATS…[a] rollicking history pageant… makes canny use of the obvious distance between performers and their roles to help bridge the distance between then and now…The tone is comic, but never cute or camp. And ultimately, you feel, the play respects its bold if fallible pioneers, in all their natural bravery and fearfulness.” —The New York Times.
For questions or further information, please contact Steve Vernon, Artistic Director, at svernonadbigdawg@gmail.com
-Facts & Questions-
Q: Do I need to have previous acting experience?
A: Not necessarily. Our auditions are open to anyone, regardless of experience level. So don't worry
if you've never been onstage, we'd love to take credit for "giving you your start!"
Q: What is required at auditions?
A: We ask that you provide a resume and to have your schedule in mind for the next two months
because you will be asked about your availability and about any conflicts you may have with both
rehearsal and production dates. We also ask, though it is not required, that you provide a
headshot or recent snapshot of yourself, if at all possible. Having a photo of you really helps us as
we're going through the casting options after auditions to remember who you are and envision
possible pairings of characters. It is not necessary to send a headshot in advance, just bring it
with you when you come to audition.
Q:Do I need to have a monologue prepared?
A: It varies from show to show. Monologues are rarely required, but it's always a good idea to have
one prepared, just in case.The majority of the time, actors are asked to read from the show's
script "sides".
Q: What are rehearsal schedules like?
A: Rehearsal schedule, also, varies from show to show, and is largely dependent upon that the
schedules of those who are cast (when they are available, conflicting dates, etc). Generally,
rehearsals end up being weeknights from 7-10 pm and once or twice over the weekend. The
director will usually have more specific information at auditions.
Q: Can I send you my headshot/resume in advance?
A: Yes, but again, it's not necessary. Directors want to meet you in person and see you audition
before choosing to cast you. We rarely, if ever, cast based on "look" alone. So your best bet is to
come to the audition and bring your headshot and resume with you.
If you still wish to send your headshot and/or resume, you can send it to bigdawgpro@gmail.com
A: Not necessarily. Our auditions are open to anyone, regardless of experience level. So don't worry
if you've never been onstage, we'd love to take credit for "giving you your start!"
Q: What is required at auditions?
A: We ask that you provide a resume and to have your schedule in mind for the next two months
because you will be asked about your availability and about any conflicts you may have with both
rehearsal and production dates. We also ask, though it is not required, that you provide a
headshot or recent snapshot of yourself, if at all possible. Having a photo of you really helps us as
we're going through the casting options after auditions to remember who you are and envision
possible pairings of characters. It is not necessary to send a headshot in advance, just bring it
with you when you come to audition.
Q:Do I need to have a monologue prepared?
A: It varies from show to show. Monologues are rarely required, but it's always a good idea to have
one prepared, just in case.The majority of the time, actors are asked to read from the show's
script "sides".
Q: What are rehearsal schedules like?
A: Rehearsal schedule, also, varies from show to show, and is largely dependent upon that the
schedules of those who are cast (when they are available, conflicting dates, etc). Generally,
rehearsals end up being weeknights from 7-10 pm and once or twice over the weekend. The
director will usually have more specific information at auditions.
Q: Can I send you my headshot/resume in advance?
A: Yes, but again, it's not necessary. Directors want to meet you in person and see you audition
before choosing to cast you. We rarely, if ever, cast based on "look" alone. So your best bet is to
come to the audition and bring your headshot and resume with you.
If you still wish to send your headshot and/or resume, you can send it to bigdawgpro@gmail.com