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Audition Notice — Venus In FurOld Academy Players is pleased to announce the audition date for its 2027 production of Venus In Fur by David Ives. Venus In Fur will be performed at the Old Academy Players theater located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA [215-843-1109; https://oldacademyplayers.org/] from March 5th – 21st, 2027.
Auditions: Old Academy Players welcomes new talent! Please note: Old Academy Players is a non-profit community theater. All roles are performed on a volunteer basis. If you are auditioning for a show, please complete our Audition Form [https://oldacademyplayers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/OAP-Forms-for-web_Audition-Form.pdf] in advance of the audition.
Audition Date & Time:
10:00am Saturday November 7th, 2026
Location:
Old Academy Players
3544 Indian Queen Lane
Philadelphia PA 19129
Audition Requirements:
Director Chris Wunder is seeking 1 woman and 1 man for this powerful production.
• Actors will be seen in the order they arrive. Upon arrival please sign-in at the desk. Sign-in will close at 11:30 am.
• Please prepare a 2 minute Dramatic monologue.
• *Some auditioners may be asked to do a cold reading from the script. Please note that you will be required to use a Russian accent for this play. (You may be asked to read in a Russian accent)
• Bring an UP TO DATE headshot (the photo will not be returned)
• Bring your theatrical resume
• A list of any conflicts from November — March
Callbacks – Will be held the same day. They will be by invitation only and you may be asked to stay.
*Please refrain from auditioning if you are not available for all performance dates listed below.
Video auditions will not be accepted.
Brief Synopsis: Thomas Novachek is the writer and director of a new play premiering in New York City. The production is a play-within-a-play adaptation of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novel Venus in Furs, the work that inspired the term “masochism.”
The story opens with Novachek expressing frustration over the actresses who auditioned that day for the lead role of Wanda von Dunayev. Just as the auditions conclude, a late arrival, Vanda Jordan, unexpectedly bursts in. Initially, she appears unlikely to impress the meticulous and exasperated director; she is outspoken, unrefined, and seemingly inexperienced. Nevertheless, she persuades him to give her a chance to audition, with Vanda reading the role of Wanda and Novachek taking on the part of Severin von Kushemski.
As the audition unfolds amid a dramatic thunderstorm, Vanda demonstrates remarkable insight into both the novel and her character, delivering an exceptional performance. Gradually, both actors become deeply immersed in their roles. The power dynamic shifts, with Vanda asserting increasing control over the interaction, mirroring the reversal of dominance that lies at the heart of the original novel.
Roles:
Thomas – Age Range 21 — 50
Thomas serves as the writer and director of the play-within-the-play, an adaptation of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s Venus in Furs. Frustrated by his inability to find a suitable actress for the lead role, he is portrayed as meticulous, demanding, and deeply invested in his artistic vision. As the production’s central authority figure, Thomas continually evaluates and critiques Vanda’s performance, reinforcing the play’s underlying power dynamics. As the story progresses, his personal motivations, vulnerabilities, and desires gradually emerge, adding depth to his character and enriching the play’s meta-theatrical exploration of artistic control, performance, and the complex interplay between dominance and submission.
Vanda – Age Range 21 — 35
Vanda is the actress auditioning for the role of Wanda von Dunayev in Thomas Novachek’s adaptation of Venus in Furs. She is initially presented as outspoken, unpolished, and seemingly inexperienced, qualities that sharply contrast with Novachek’s expectations for the role. Her unexpected arrival disrupts the audition process and quickly places her at the center of the play’s evolving power dynamic.
As the audition progresses, Vanda reveals remarkable intelligence, insight, and command of both the material and the room. She embodies the “Venus” of the title through her confidence, allure, and willingness to challenge established authority. Through her interactions with Thomas, Vanda blurs the boundaries between actor and character, performance and reality. Her presence drives the play’s exploration of power, control, dominance, submission, and the often uncertain line between illusion and truth.
**** The individual that is cast as Vanda must be comfortable appearing on stage for a long duration of time in lingerie. ****
Performance Dates:
Fridays and Saturdays, March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00pm
Sundays, March 7, 14 and 21 at 2:00pm
Preview performance on March 3
Rehearsal Dates:
Differing evenings of the week beginning 7:00pm.
• Full rehearsal schedule (including brush ups) can be provided upon request.
If cast, you will also be required to:
• Assist with hospitality for one performance of the January Show “Be Here Now”.
• Assist with Set & Tech Strike/Build between “Be Here Now” and “Venus In Fur” on Sunday, January 24 at 4:30pm.
• Assist with Set & Tech Strike/Build between “Venus in Fur” and “Bug” on Sunday, March 21 at 5:00 pm.
* Contact Information
Director Christopher Wunder ([email protected])
Established in 1923, the Old Academy Players is a diverse and inclusive non-profit volunteer theater organization with the mission “to provide extraordinary and enjoyable theater at an affordable price.” The players perform in the historic Old Academy Building, a 200-year-old building home to “OAP” since 1932. The theater is distinguished by its most notable alumna, Hollywood icon and East Falls native Grace Kelly whose old show programs are on display. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Support is generously provided by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and the Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation.
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Event venue
3544 Indian Queen Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129-1523, United States
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