Prospect Theater Project announces additional open auditions for Noel Coward’s PRESENT LAUGHTER on Tues, April 7 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. We are seeking actors ranging in ages from 18 – 65+ for ten roles (6 women, 4 men). PRESENT LAUGHTER will be directed by Michael Hewitt and will begin rehearsals in late April/early May.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Fri, June 12 at 7:30pm
Sat, June 13 at 7:30pm
Fri, June 19 at 7:30pm
Sat, June 20 at 7:30pm
Sun, June 21 at 2:00pm
Fri, June 26 at 7:30pm
Sat, June 27 at 7:30pm
Sun, June 28 at 2:00pm (talkback after the closing show)
SYNOPSIS:
This show is part French-door farce, part commentary on social order, part celebration of the bonds of friendship, and 100% an example of Noel Coward at his finest.
(From publisher Concord Theatricals) “At the center of his own universe sits matinee idol Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanors is discovered. And all hell breaks loose. Noel Coward’s Present Laughter premiered in the early years of the Second World War just as such privileged lives were threatened with fundamental social change.”
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
GARRY ESSENDINE: the role of Garry Essendine will be played by Adam Torrian. Garry is a renowned actor who is almost as famous for his offstage affairs as he is for his onstage talent. He is facing a midlife crisis – but thankfully, he is surrounded by friends, foes, and staff who keep him from going off the deep end!
LIZ ESSENDINE: age range 30’s-40’s. Garry’s ex-wife who is still part of his core, close-knit group of long-time friends. She is level-headed, smart as a whip, funny, and Garry’s anchor. A significant role.
MORRIS REED: age range late 20’s to 40’s. Part of the core group of Garry’s friends. Good looking and sort of anxious. Is having an affair with Joanna Lyppiatt. A significant role.
HUGO LYPPIATT: age range late 20’s to 40’s. Charming, dapper. Does not know about Morris and Joanna. He’s had his own…romantic side quests. A smaller significant role.
JOANNA LYPPIATT: age range late 20’s to 40’s. Confident, brash, charming. A seductress who has a long list of conquests and is after Garry (despite being in the midst of an affair with Morris). She does succeed in kissing Garry. A significant role.
MONICA REED: age 30’s – 50’s. Garry’s secretary. Sensible, pleasant, straight-forward and a stabilizing presence in Garry’s chaotic world. Supporting role. On and off stage often.
DAPHNE STILLINGTON: age range 18 – 28. Has a huge crush on Garry and pursues him relentlessly, finally getting to go home with him for the night. A debutante – charming, silly, naive, and plotting. Smaller supporting role in 3 scenes.
MISS ERIKSON: age range 20’s – 70’s. Garry’s housekeeper. Absolutely unbothered by his shenanigans. Supporting role. On and off stage often.
FRED: age range 30’s – 70’s. Garry’s valet. Cares for him but has his own priorities (like nice clothes and enjoying life). Supporting role. Often quickly on and off stage throughout.
ROLAND MAULE: age range 18 – early 30’s. Over-eager, somewhat sycophantic young man with glasses. Aspiring playwright. Totally obsessed with Garry and wedges himself into Garry’s world. Significant role. Four scenes.
LADY SALTBURN: age 50+. Daphne’s aunt. A majestic but rather effusive society woman. One scene. Small part.
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS:
Please fill out and submit the Audition Sign-up Form. All auditioners should plan to be there for the duration of the audition time (6:30-8:30pm). If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let us know in advance. Actors will be assigned sides to read when they arrive and will read for at least one scene.
PLEASE NOTE: accents are not required. Use of accents will be determined after casting is finalized.
CALLBACKS will be by invitation only and will consist of more reading of scenes from the play. Callbacks will be on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30pm.
THANK YOU to all those who attended our 2025-26 Season Auditions. PLEASE NOTE that there will be additional auditions for the individual productions, as needed, throughout the season. If you would like to receive email notifications about upcoming auditions, please join our casting database.
Please also join our casting database here, to receive audition notices throughout the season.
Questions regarding auditions should be sent to info@prospecttheaterproject.org
Our 2025-26 Plays which may hold addition auditions throughout the season (click the title for more information about characters & plot):
RANCHO MIRAGE by Stephen Dietz
Directed by James Kusy
PERFORMANCES: November 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
RED by John Logan
Directed by Molly Souza
PERFORMANCES: January 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & February 1
STOP KISS by Diana Son
Directed by Traci Sprague
PERFORMANCES: March 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, April 3, 4, 5
PRESENT LAUGHTER by Noel Coward
Director To Be Announced
PERFORMANCES: June 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
Produced by Ally Munson
PERFORMANCES: August 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
2025-26 Radio Cavalcade Titles / Performance Dates
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
October 18, 2025
THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER
December 13, 2025
THE BACHELOR AND THE BOBBY-SOXER
February 14, 2026
THE MALTESE FALCON
April 18, 2026
“OUR MISS BROOKS” and “OUR FRIEND IRMA”
July 11, 2026
Prospect Theater Project welcomes all races, ethnicities, and nationalities; all religions and spiritualities; all gender identities and expressions; all socio-economic backgrounds, all political affiliations; all diverse abilities; all body types; all veterans; all ages. Whoever you are, you are encouraged to audition and participate.