Characterizations
Jerry Przpezniak
Gender: Male
Age Range: Late 20s to early 30s
A talented but inexperienced playwright from Buffalo whose new play is suddenly headed toward Broadway. Jerry is earnest, intelligent, and deeply passionate about his work, but he quickly becomes overwhelmed by the personalities and politics of professional theatre. This role requires an actor capable of balancing nervous charm, emotional sincerity, and growing inner strength.
Seeking: Strong comic instincts paired with emotional authenticity. The audience must root for him.
Arlene Wyniarski
Gender: Female
Age Range: Late 20s to early 30s
Jerry’s fiancée and emotional grounding force. Arlene is practical, perceptive, and unimpressed by theatrical ego. While everyone around her gets swept up in backstage drama, she remains observant and emotionally honest. She provides both warmth and sharp humor throughout the play.
Seeking: Naturalistic performer with intelligence, warmth, and excellent comedic understatement.
Curt Logan
Gender: Male
Age Range: 50s–60s. A once-famous television actor now starring in Jerry’s play. Curt is flamboyant, self-important, manipulative, charming, and desperately afraid of becoming irrelevant. Larger-than-life personality with nonstop theatrical energy. Seeking: Big comedic presence with strong timing and the ability to reveal insecurity beneath bravado. Excellent role for a seasoned comic actor.
Beatrice “Bea” Pomeroy
Gender: Female
Age Range: 50s–60s
Curt’s former television co-star and frequent sparring partner. Bea is witty, volatile, glamorous, needy, and hilarious. She thrives on drama and attention but hides real loneliness beneath her performance persona.
Seeking: Fearless comedic actress with strong character instincts, emotional range, and chemistry-driven performance skills.
Mike Policzek
Gender: Male
Age Range: 40s–50s
The director is trying to keep the production from collapsing under the weight of artistic egos. Mike is calm, intelligent, diplomatic, and exhausted by everyone around him. A theatre veteran who understands both the artistry and politics of the business.
Seeking: Actor with grounded authority, dry wit, and subtle emotional depth.
Lucinda Shaw
Gender: Female
Age Range: 30s–50s
The production’s no-nonsense stage manager. Efficient, organized, and perpetually managing the chaos around her, Lucinda serves as the practical backbone of the show. Deadpan humor and sharp delivery are essential.
Seeking: Strong comedic restraint and excellent timing. Ability to command the stage through stillness and precision.