UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance will be holding open auditions for Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on Nov. 14 and 15 in the Arena Theatre, Wright Hall from 6 to 10 p.m. Call backs will be on Nov. 16, 6-10 p.m. Auditions are open to all UC Davis students, faculty and staff.

Director Mindy Cooper, former Granada Artist-in-Residence, spring 2016, Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play, requests that actors prepare a three to five minute monologue for the audition. Due to copyright restrictions, copies of the script will not be available prior to the auditions. Sign-up for an audition slot in red binder in ART 101, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.  

Scheduled as the winter quarter Main Stage production, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike centers on the uneasy reunion of a glamorous film star of a certain age with her two middle-aged siblings at the family homestead in present-day Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The children of Chekov scholars, the siblings push their resentments and dysfunction to the limits resulting in a comedy that The New York Times called “deliriously funny…a heedless good time.” 

Cast Breakdown

Vanya, Male. Middle aged. Didn’t do much of what he’d like to have done with his life, but is resigned, more or less. Acts the peacemaker between his two sisters.

Spike, Male. Mid-late 20s. Aspiring actor who is a sexy, self-absorbed boy-toy. Friendly, charming, always seductive. Attractive and must be very well built.

Sonia, Female. Middle aged. Discontent, upset, regretful. Never had a romantic life. Volatile, and angry that her sister, Masha, has had a life. Ability to impersonate Maggie Smith essential.

Masha, Female. Middle aged. Glamorous and successful actress who is a bit grandiose, but also charming. Has had five failed marriages and has recently taken up with Spike.

Nina, Female. Early to late 20s. Lovely, sincere would-be actress, visiting her aunt and uncle next door to Vanya and Sonia. Star struck and energetic in her enthusiasm.

Cassandra, Female. 30-55. Cleaning lady and soothsayer, who often bursts into prophecy, sounding like Greek tragedy mixed with contemporary references.

Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds encouraged to attend.

Must be available for evening (6-10 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) rehearsals beginning Jan. 9. Show opens Feb. 23, closes Mar. 4, and runs Thu-Sat evenings at 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Feb. 25 and Mar. 4.