Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare
Performance Dates: August 23 - September 1
Directed by Melanie Welch
Assistant Directed by Jason Lee
Auditions on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25 at 7 PM
Callbacks (if needed) on Wednesday, June 26 at 7 PM
Theatre Denton Annex at the Golden Triangle Mall (near Dillards where the movie theatre used to be)
Auditions will be open (no appointment needed) and will consist of cold readings from the script. Sides will be available to view on the Theatre Denton website by Monday, June 10. Please send any questions to the director at [email protected].
SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by true events, the play centers on a wealthy New York couple, Ouisa and Flan Kittredge, after a young black con man, Paul, arrives at their doorstep claiming to have just been mugged, that he knows their children at college, and that he is the son of Sidney Poitier. While they are initially charmed by Paul and his intellect, their perception shifts when they find him in bed with a male hustler. After kicking him out, they discover others who fell victim to Paul’s schemes. Intrigued, they investigate, revealing the connections that have been enabling Paul’s manipulation. Meanwhile, Paul’s cons escalate, leading to darker consequences as his lies catch up to him. Amidst the unfolding events, Ouisa finds herself caring for Paul and wondering if he actually gave more than he took.
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Suicide, sexual content, racist language and themes, eating disorder mention, implied homophobia, adult language and themes
CHARACTERS:
4 women, 13 men, 1 of any gender
Louisa “Ouisa” Kittredge (Female, 40s – 50s)
Attractive, urbane, witty, and somewhat insulated in her upscale world of New York society, but ultimately a deeply thoughtful person with enormous reserves of compassion. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Flan may be asked of this role.
Flanders “Flan” Kittredge (Male, 40s – 50s)
Attractive, sophisticated, and successful New York art dealer who possesses a cutthroat zest for the high stakes wealth of the art world. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Ouisa may be asked of this role.
Paul (African American, Male, 20s)
A handsome and charming con man who claims to be the son of Sidney Poitier. He alters every life he touches. Paul is a dazzling actor and easily convinces the Kittredges of his false identity in an effort to gain a sense of belonging in the upper echelons of society in which he has never been allowed. Intimacy such as simulated sex, partial nudity, kissing, and other touching with the Hustler and Trent may be asked of this role.
Talbot “Tess” Kittredge (Female, 20s)
The Kittredges’ daughter and a student at Harvard. Articulate, self-involved and privileged. She can barely contain her contempt and judgment for her parents’ every action and utterance.
Woodrow “Woody” Kittredge (Male, 20s)
The Kittredges’ son and a student at Harvard. Self-absorbed, intolerant, and furious with his parents. Preppy and very proud of his athletic build.
Geoffrey (Male, 40s – 60s)
Elegant, liberal South African billionaire who is an acquaintance of the Kittredges. Without effort, he’s the most powerful person in the room, and he wields his power with a charm and warmth which can disappear rapidly if he’s crossed.
Kitty (Female, 40s – 50s)
Wife to Larkin and a friend of the Kittredges. Waspy and a bit high-strung, she doesn’t want to deal with anything that disrupts her life or status. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Larkin may be asked of this role.
Larkin (Male, 40s – 50s)
Husband to Kitty and a friend of the Kittredges. Very concerned with his position in the world and, like his wife, prefers to bury his head in the sand when faced with conflict or controversy. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Kitty may be asked of this role.
Ben (Male, 20s)
Kitty and Larkin’s son and brimming with post-adolescent contempt toward his parents, who he thinks are utter fools. Went to boarding school with the Kittredges’ children and is currently attending Harvard.
Dr. Fine (Male, 40s – 50s)
Jewish, divorced obstetrician at New York Hospital and has a strained relationship with his son, Doug. Prides himself on being a liberal and open-minded person, but he’s also a bit gullible.
Doug (Male, 20s)
Son of Dr. Fine, with whom he has a strained relationship. Went to boarding school with the Kittredges’ children and is currently attending Dartmouth.
Rick (Male, 20s)
Idealistic, free-spirited, and passionate young actor and singer who moved to New York from Utah with his girlfriend Elizabeth in pursuit of their art. Kind, warm-hearted, and all too naive. Singing and some guitar skills strongly preferred. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Elizabeth may be asked of this role.
Elizabeth (Female, 20s)
Idealistic young actress who moves to New York from Utah with her boyfriend Rick in pursuit of
their art. Attractive, warm, and earnest, but ultimately practical. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Rick may be asked of this role.
Trent Conway (Male, 20s)
Sly and opportunistic, he is a genius of sorts, and never quite fit into the upper class world in which he grew up. Attended the same boarding school as the Kittredge children. Previously had an affair with Paul. Intimacy such as kissing and hugging with Paul may be asked of this role. (May be double cast as Hustler)
Hustler (Male, 20s – 30s)
Male hustler whom Paul has snuck into the Kittredges’ home. Intimacy such as simulated sex, partial nudity, kissing, and other touching with Paul may be asked of this role. (May be double cast as Trent)
Doorman (Male, 20s – 50s)
New York doorman of the Upper East Side apartment where Flan and Ouisa live. (May be double cast as Policeman)
Policeman (Male, 20s – 50s)
NYPD cop who is called to Dr. Fine’s home to arrest Paul after Dr. Fine discovers he’s been duped. (May be double cast as Doorman)
Detective (Any Gender, 30s – 50s)
NYPD detective who interviews all the victims who have been taken in by Paul.
Event Venue
Theatre Denton Annex 2201 S I-35 Denton, TX, 2213 S I-35E, Denton, TX 76205-8188, United States,Denton, Texas