Sunday & Monday Oct 26-27, 7 PM
"Beyond Therapy"
Roseanne Olszewski directs this off-the-wall comedy by Christopher Durang. She needs to cast 4 men, and 2 women. Auditions take place at the Players' Back Door Theater, 1619 49th Street S, Gulfport. Please arrive a few minutes early to complete an audtion form or use the link below to print a form and bring it to the audtions. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Performances will be January 8-18, 2026, at the Catherine Hickman Theater.
ABOUT THE PLAY
Prudence and Bruce are two Manhattanites looking for love, stability, and sanity. On the advice of his therapist, Bruce places a personal ad in the newspaper; on the advice of her therapist, Prudence answers it. At first, it seems as though the two couldn't be less suited to each other. Prudence is a perfectionist, cautious and closed off from the world, while Bruce, who lives with is jealous lover, Bob, is emotional and spontaneous. But fate (and their therapists) continue to bring the two together. Much to their surprise, Prudence and Bruce find they might actually like each other. Can they survive neuroses, jealousy, and their crazy therapists? Christopher Durang's comedy is a hilarious exploration of finding love in the modern world and accepting the little bit of crazy in all of us.
CHARACTERS
Bruce (male presenting, 30s) A neurotic and emotionally conflicted man who struggles to reconcile his bisexuality with his desire for a stable romantic relationship. Frequently attending therapy sessions with his eccentric and ineffective psychiatrist, Bruce often finds himself caught between his commitment to his male lover, Bob, and his interest in pursuing a relationship with Prudence, a woman he meets through a personal ad. His humorous and unpredictable behavior drives much of the play's chaotic energy as he seeks love and self-acceptance in a world full of misunderstandings and flawed guidance.
PRUDENCE (female presenting, 30s)
An intelligent but anxious woman searching for love and stability, though her past relationships and therapy sessions with her lecherous and unprofessional psychiatrist leave her emotionally guarded. Prudence meets Bruce through a personal ad, and their interactions are marked by miscommunication, awkward humor, and her struggle to navigate Bruce's eccentrcities and unconventional romantic history. As the play unfolds, Prudence's journey highlights her desire for meaningful connection amidst the chaos and absurdity around her.
DR. STUART FRAMINGHAM (male presenting, 35-60ish) Prudence's self-absorbed and unethical therapist. Arrogant and lecherous, Stuart has a history of inappropriate relationships with his patients, including a past affair with Prudence, which complicates their professional dynamic. Despite his position as a psychiatrist, he offers little genuine guidance, often exhibiting unprofessional behaviorand temperamental outbursts. Stuart's antics add to the play's absurd humor and highlight the dysfunction within the therapeutic relationships in the play.
DR. CHARLOTTE WALLACE (female presenting, 35-60ish) Bruce's eccentric and wildly unorthodox therapist. Quirky and absent-minded, Charlotte frequently misuses words, gets lost in tangential thoughts, and relies on unconnventional techniques, such as talking to a stuffed Snoopy doll during sessions. Her erratic behavior and dubious advice reflect the comedic chaos of the play, underscoring the absurdity of the characters' attempts to find clarity and stability in their lives. Charlotte adds a layer of unpredictability and humor to the story.
BOB (male presenting, 20-30s) Bruce's jealous and flamboyant live-in lover, struggling to come to terms with Bruce's bisexuality and his pursuit of a relationship with Prudence. Bob's sharp wit, insecurity, and dramatic reactions add humor and tension to the story as he tries to maintain his place in Bruce's life. His presence underscores the play's themes of love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships.
ANDREW (male presenting, 20-30s) A waiter at the restaurant where much of the play's action unfolds. Though his role is small, Andrew provides humorous and sometimes sardonic commentary on the chaos around him, offering a grounded perspective amid the eccentric behavior of the main characters.