Bang Bang You're Dead
Benefit Show 2020
William Mastrosimone; Directed by Lindsay Franklin
Bang Bang You're Dead is a powerful play by William Mastrosimone, whose intent was to raise awareness regarding school violence with a show to be performed by teens for teens. Josh is a high school student who, after shooting five students and his parents, reflects on what led him to that point. Throughout the show, Josh is taunted by the voices of those he killed, and a chorus questions him about his actions. Unfortunately, this challenging and all too
relevant play continues to be of great importance almost 20 years after it was first performed.
The Beneficiary
Proceeds from the performances will be donated to The Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia.
Auditions
- Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM
- Monday, October 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 7:00 PM - By invitation only
You need only attend one of the above audition sessions in order to be considered. No appointments are necessary. You should plan to spend about 2 hours at the theater for auditions (perhaps a little more or less, depending on turnout). Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, and we will give you some time to look over a monologue from the script to read for the staff. Headshots and resumes are not required.
If you have any questions about auditions, you may e-mail the director at Lindsay.franklin99@gmail.com
Cast requirements:
Number of Women/Girls: 6-7 ages 15-24
Number of Men/Boys: 6-7 ages 15-24
Character Descriptions:
Josh-Josh is the play's main character. The play takes place in his jail cell after he has murdered his parents and five of his classmates. Beneath his arrogant facade, he is deeply insecure and frightened.
Emily-Josh's best childhood friend and next door neighbor, who he had an unrequited crush on, seeing as she was in a relationship with Michael. She is independent and passionate, and refuses to deal with Josh when he does not follow through on plans or promises, triggering much of Josh's anger.
Katie-Katie was Josh's girlfriend, but she broke up with him because he went to hunting instead of taking her to a movie. Katie was Michael's girlfriend when she was killed.
Michael-Michael is Katie's boyfriend. He is a strong, sensible presence and does not back down in the face of a challenge. When Josh pushes him out of his anger over Michael tearing his picture of his first buck, he begins to fight back.
Matt-Matt is an older classmate of Josh's, but had never met Josh prior to the shooting. He is a smart, academically driven boy who was in "the wrong place at the wrong time".
Jessie-Jessie was friends with Emily and therefore, knew Josh. She is a "girly girl" who spends a lot of her afterlife thinking about how she will never be able to raise a family of her own.
The Shadow-Josh's inner "high", his other half, his inner darkness. Possibly symbolic of the masculine pressure placed on Josh to "fit in" in the way his grandfather and others expect him to.
Actor 1-Actor 1 plays Josh's father, about 30-40 years of age, happily married. He loves his son but does not understand Josh's pain. The actor also plays Josh's grandfather, and the public defender in the court scene flashback.
Actor 2-Actor 2 plays the judge in the court scene and the prisoner who threatens Josh.
Actor 3-Actor 3 plays Josh's mother and the witness in the court scene.
Actor 4-Actor 4 plays the prosecutor and the psychotherapist Josh is forced to see.
Actor 5-Actor 5 plays the school principal, and old headmaster of Josh's school, slouches slightly and squints frequently, intimidating; the jury forewoman, and the police officer.
All five actors act as a chorus, coloring Josh's would-be monologues. They also are the rumors in school and the voices in the dark that haunt Josh. All character descriptions come from Wikipedia.
Please Note: This is a show written to be performed and viewed by teen audiences. We have included opportunities for young adults to audition as well because of the way this topic also impacts college students.
Rehearsals for Bang Bang You're Dead will be on Sundays from 12:30-3:00 pm and Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00-9:30 pm until December when our schedule switches to Sunday/Tuesday/Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Tech rehearsals will be held on January 12-15. Please bring a list of any conflicts you may have to auditions.
Performances will be held on January 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 8:00pm with a call time of 7:00 pm. There is a snow date of Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 pm.
Performances
Coming January 17th
| January 2020 |
|---|
| Su | M | T | W | Th | Fri | Sat |
|---|
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17
8:00 pm* | 18
8:00 pm* |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24
8:00 pm* | 25
8:00 pm* |
* Member tickets not valid for marked (orange) shows.
Seating for our benefit show is general admission and payment is made by donation, payable at the door by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover accepted). You may also purchase a ticket in advance using our online system. A non-refundable minimum donation of $15 is required for advance purchase (all proceeds will go to the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia). You may also reserve a seat by calling our box office at 610 363-7075. The box office opens at 7:30 and we encourage you to arrive early to get the best seats.
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