Auditions for "Scamoramaland" May 23

Auditions coming up for my play Scamoramaland, to be produced by PUS Theater in San Francisco.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Performers-Under-Stress/126753103822

Performers Under Stress announces auditions for our Fall 2013 production of "Scamoramaland" by Eve Edelson. "Scamoramaland" looks at Nigerian Internet scammers, their victims and their tormenters (scambaiters). Freddy, a young internet scammer with dreams of an artistic career, is striking out in the world of email fraud. All his potential victims turn out to be pranksters. Under pressure from his thuggish boss to score, Freddy takes increasing risks and must finally decide what kind of man he will be. Meanwhile, as they concoct ever more humiliating surprises for Freddy, his tormenters begin to feel a bond with each other - but if they met in the flesh, could they stand each other? or can they only be friends in Scamoramaland?

Starts rehearsal in early September and previews start November 1 with opening on November 3rd. Closing is November 24th. There is a paid stipend.

Characters

Freddy (already cast), 18-19 Nigerian, full of beans,  daydreamer, aspiring writer, apprentice scammer

Oga, 50s, Nigerian man, burly, sharp dresser. Freddie's boss. Capable of menace or charm as needed.

Tom, 30s-40s, American, white, disabled security guard.
Uses a wheelchair but is not confined to it. Southern Virginia accent.

Maureen, 30s-40s, American, Tom's wife, pharmacy technician.

Anna, 30s, white, British, publisher. British accent.

Serge, 60+, French of West African descent, scholarly ex-academic, down at the heels.
Friendly, loves words and plays on words.  French accent, may cast younger.

Alan, 65+,  white, British, Anna's father, retired publisher, not in top health

One actor to play British Police Officer, Nigerian Police Officer, and Mime.

Auditions are Thursday, May 23rd from 6-10 pm at 975 Howard Studio at 975 Howard St., San Francisco.
Callbacks on Sunday, May 26th from 6-10 pm.
Please prepare a one minute monologue (comic or otherwise) and bring headshot and resume.
We will be scheduling groups of 6 in 30 minute intervals.
Please send email to beckettomatic@pustheatre.org.
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Bridge to a Border

This spring I've been crewing on Rob Nilsson's feature drama "Bridge to a Border", working on a few full-length film scripts, and asymptotically approaching Done on Wild Book, a short silent film which I directed in an Undisclosed Location.



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Scamoramaland reading goes well

Scamoramaland  staged reading:
Second Sundays at 7 Play Reading Series
By Performers Under Stress 
Sunday, February 10, 2013


The play that asks the question: Can an ambitious young scammer find happiness and a literary career on the Internet?

Freddy, a young internet scammer with dreams of an artistic career, is striking out in the world of email fraud. All his potential victims turn out to be pranksters. Under pressure from his thuggish boss to score, Freddy takes increasing risks and must finally decide what kind of man he will be. Meanwhile, as they concoct ever more humiliating surprises for Freddy, his tormenters begin to feel a bond with each other - but if they met in the flesh, could they stand each other? or can they only be friends in Scamoramaland?

Post-script:

Director - Sylvia Kratins
Narrator - Nazelah J Jeffries
Freddy -- James Udom
Alan    --  Norman Macleod
British cop, Nigerian cop & Interpreter-Mime -- Yeelen Cohen
Oga -- Richard Harder
Maureen -- Valerie Fachman
Tom   -- Scott Baker
Anna -- Cecilia Palmtag
Serge   --  LaMont Ridgell

Post-script:
It went well, and the talk-back was useful and encouraging.
While all turned in fine performances (without much time to prepare), it's fair to say that the story hinges on a strong 'Freddy'.
James Udom, winner of the 2012 Irene Ryan award for acting, brought Freddy to life. Scott Baker  turned in a hilarious yet touching Tom.
Thanks to  P.U.S. Theater and to all for their time, effort and talent.

Plus, Dr. Dan poured mead. It isn't beer, it isn't wine... it's mead!


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Scamoramaland staged reading

 Performers Under Stress presents
our 2nd Second Sunday Play Reading
at The Garage, Scamoramaland by Eve Edelson
715 Bryant Street, San Francisco
Sunday, February 10, 2013     7 pm


The play that asks the question: Can an ambitious young scammer find happiness and a literary career on the Internet?
Freddy, a young internet scammer with dreams of an artistic career, is striking out in the world of email fraud. All his potential victims turn out to be pranksters. Under pressure from his thuggish boss to score, Freddy takes increasing risks and must finally decide what kind of man he will be. Meanwhile, as they concoct ever more humiliating surprises for Freddy, his tormenters begin to feel a bond with each other - but if they met in the flesh, could they stand each other? or can they only be friends in Scamoramaland?
Bring friends, taste buds (free mead pouring by The Mead Kitchen!) and bags o cash!

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Sound quality held up in their venue - very pleasing.

Sound can be not so great even in first-run movie theaters showing big Hollywood productions. Dialog spoken by skilled (and highly paid) actors can be actually unintelligible.
So thanks Paul Zahnley & Tom Disher at Tom Disher Sound and Music!

Most pleasing (as it should be) was audience reaction - the hoped-for kind, in the right places.
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