FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 1
THE NERD
SPONSORED BY: Greylock Energy
COMEDY – Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, “you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you” —so Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd” —a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising “twist” ending of the play.
Approximate Duration: 2 Hours
Ticket Policies
All sales are final. Please double-check the event date(s) selected. There are no refunds or exchanges.
All patrons, including children, must have their own ticket. Vernal Theatre: LIVE cannot permit lap sitters.
All seating is assigned. Purchased ticket is good only for the date and seat specified on the ticket.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Patrons arriving after the start of the performance will be seated at the discretion of management. Late-comers may have their seats reassigned.
Shows begin at 7pm for all evening performances, 2pm for matinees (where applicable).
Production Team
Director – Justin Benson
Advisor Director – David Gale
Stage Manager – Daniel Jackson
Costumes – Kim Benson
Props – Ashley Slaugh
The Nerd – February Audition Information
Audition Dates: December 10 & 11
Callbacks December 11 by invitation
Director: Justin Benson
A few things to note:
- Monologues must be memorized and kept to 60 seconds or less. Time limit will be enforced.
- Be prepared to completely fill out the rehearsal calendar at your audition with any and all conflicts that may arise during rehearsal. The production team is sacrificing time to be at rehearsals and it is pointless to rehearse with no one there. Be clear on your conflicts. Any conflicts reported after casting may result in a change of role or require withdrawal from the show. (A tentative rehearsal schedule is attached below. Please know that this is subject to change based on need & availability of cast members.)
- Character descriptions can be found HERE.
- Performances are February 21 – March 1. There will not be double-casting therefore actors must be available for all performances.
- Do NOT reach out to any member of the production team individually at any time. Email the theatre with any and all questions at vernaltheatre@gmail.com.
AUDITION NOTICES
- Auditions will be held December 10 & 11 from 6p to 8p.
- Callbacks held by invitation December 11 beginning at 8p.
- Roles are available for men & women ages 16 and up. There is one role for a boy age 8- 12. All roles are open.
- Youth ages 8-12 will need a parent/responsible adult over the age of 16 at all rehearsals and parent meetings as set by the director.
- Email vernaltheatre@gmail.com to sign up for an audition time.
- Prepare a monologue or poem cut to 60 seconds or less. Time limit will be enforced.
- Bring a recent headshot – 4×6 color.
- Be prepared to completely fill out the audition form, including the rehearsal calendar with a list of conflicts between January 6 and March 1.
- All auditions are held at Vernal Theatre: LIVE, located at 40 E Main Street in Vernal.
- Video auditions are accepted. Email vernaltheatre@gmail.com for information on how to submit your audition and what you will need to submit.
We hope you have an enjoyable experience auditioning and if you do not get cast, please come see the show and audition for future productions. We are also looking for people to help on the production team. If this is something you are interested in, please let us know either by emailing the theatre or filling out the Google form below (scroll past the audition info).
Email any questions to vernaltheatre@gmail.com. Do NOT reach out to any production team member individually.
TENTATIVE Rehearsal Schedule attached below. Please know that we are very aware of your time and our own. We will cancel rehearsals if we don’t need them and make sure that your time at the theatre is well-spent. Specific people & groups will only need to come specific days and times. Those will be determined specifically after auditions.
Rehearsal Schedule and Audition Form Download
AUDITION TIPS FOR OUR 2024-2025 SEASON
We had an incredible Season 8 at Vernal Theatre: LIVE and cannot wait for Season 9. Below are a few tips and tricks that will help you prepare for auditions. Enjoy and we’ll see you at auditions!
1. Know the expectations and follow them. Read the notices that are posted – every audition is different and may require different things to be prepared. Come ready and knowing what the director expects you to give.
2. Confidence. It sounds simple but it takes practice. Walk in the door with your held head high. Be wary of shuffling feet. You don’t get sympathy points if you’re nervous, not feeling well, or having a bad day. Leave it outside the door. You are being sized up the minute you walk in, so practice good posture and body language before you arrive. And don’t forget to smile – that’s the lasting impression you want to leave.
3. Personality. Let it shine through!
4. Connection. Make one with the character you’re portraying and the production team. Be memorized on your audition material. Don’t ask who they (the production team) are. Introductions waste time, time you could use for showing off your acting chops. They are there to do their job, just like you’re there to do your job. You are equals. You’re selling, and they’re buying. Treat them with respect and courtesy, and they’ll do the same.
5. Stick to the time limit. If you prepared a monologue or a song, you (usually) get 60 seconds starting from your first line. And 60 seconds is plenty. So as to be respectful of everyone’s time, cut down your monologue or song. Rehearse with a stopwatch to measure how long it is. Then when you get to the audition, you won’t be rushed. And if they cut you off, don’t take it personally. It doesn’t mean you’re bad, it means they need to give everyone else time to show too.
6. Do not reach out to the production team personally. Auditions are nerve-wracking and a lot of work – both for auditioners and the production team. Do not reach out to any member of the production team about auditions in any way – even if they are your friend. If you have questions, contact the theatre.
Want to be involved but don’t want to audition?
Maybe you did theatre in high school or are looking for a creative outlet, maybe your family is auditioning and you want to spend this time with them but don’t feel up to singing and dancing. Maybe you want a shorter time commitment or to learn something new – a Production Team is the spot for you! We are always looking for individuals to participate on our Production Teams. You can be part of a crew or be a leader, there is a spot for you. Just fill out the form linked below or email vernaltheatre@gmail.com to learn about opportunities for upcoming productions. We’d love to have you!
Production team form: https://forms.gle/