Quality community theater on Boston’s North Shore
Quality community theater on Boston’s North Shore
The Quannapowitt Players is holding open auditions for Tracy Letts’ fast-paced dark comedy, The Minutes!
This Pulitzer Prize Finalist takes place at a “Smalltown USA” town council meeting on a rainy night. Unfolding in real-time, the play begins with a simple pair of questions from the newest council member: Where is committee member Mr. Carp, and where are the minutes from the council’s last meeting that might explain Carp’s absence? As the council members—plus one beleaguered city clerk—try to answer and avoid these questions, the play’s fast-paced satire will be familiar to any audience member who’s ever had to sit through a committee meeting or deal with bureaucracy. As the meeting unfolds and tensions build, it opens up deeper questions about U.S. history and the stories (and secrets!) that history is based on. What will these characters be willing to do to avoid or uncover hard truths? What would we do?
A searing exploration of this country’s colonial past, The Minutes is part workplace comedy, part post-colonial horror, and 100% timely!
Show image by Jessica Mabanglo-Burgett
Please Note: Actors of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, or expression are welcome and encouraged to audition for any role. An actor of color is preferred for the role of Mr. Blake. Gender-neutral casting will be utilized across all roles regardless of the honorific attached to the character’s name. Ages in character descriptions represent the age of the character, not a strict requirement for the actor.
Mr. Peel (25–35) – The newest council member and a newcomer to town. As close to a protagonist as there is in this ensemble show. Curious, determined, and a bit headstrong.
Mayor Superba (50–60) – The mayor and head of the city council. A warm and welcoming presence with a firm control of the council: a skilled politician. Authoritative, folksy, and self-righteous.
Ms. Johnson (30–40) – The city clerk responsible for maintaining minutes of every detail of every meeting. Cautious, meticulous, and professional.
Mr. Blake (40s–60s) – A council member who can talk the talk, often motivated by what serves him best. Smooth, outlandish, and a bit manipulative.
Mr. Hanratty (mid 30s–50s) – A council member who looks out for what will help the town the most, often trying and failing. Well-intentioned, verbose, and passionate.
Mr. Breeding (40s–60s) – A council member closely aligned with Mayor Superba. Opinionated, self-aggrandizing, and dismissive of others.
Mr. Assalone (40s–60s) – Mayor Superba’s other major ally on the council. Aggressive, confrontational, and a bully.
Ms. Innes (60+) – The longest-serving member of the council. Focuses strictly on “her” agenda items. With a quiet institutional presence and seniority.
Ms. Matz (35–45) – A flighty and distracted member of the council who struggles to complete her actionable items. Unaware, erratic, and lost in her own thoughts.
Mr. Oldfield (65+) – The self proclaimed longest-serving member of the council with a bit of a temper. Can try the council’s patience by rambling over minute details. Testy, long-winded, and often off-topic.
Mr. Carp (40s–60s) – Missing for much of the play, then appearing in flashback for a powerful and paradigm-shifting revelation. Truthful, well-intentioned, and diligent.
Audition Format & Expectations
Sides & Script Reading: Auditions will consist of reading sides from the script. Sides will be available in advance shortly.
Actors are expected to review and prepare them prior to arrival. Reading the full play ahead of auditions is strongly encouraged!
In-Person Requirement: Auditions will be held strictly in person; video submissions will not be accepted.
Notifications: Callback invitations will be sent via email by late evening on Monday, October 19.
Link to Audition Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l6cxtpPrjVFCJOALyaVnV9GKoXjQXsPE/view?usp=drive_link
Content, Safety & Accessibility Notes
Content Sensitivity: Please be aware that the script contains strong language, adult themes, references to blood and violence, and depictions of systemic violence and historical trauma: including the use of a historical slur, reference to a sexual assault, and racist stereotyping, representation, and appropriation.
Safety & Intimacy: This production will utilize intentional staging and choreography for all scenes involving physical conflict or heated physical interaction to ensure actor safety and comfort.
Accessibility: The QP Playhouse stage and audition facilities are fully wheelchair accessible.
Logistics & Rehearsals
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will begin in November and typically run 3 evenings per week. Planned rehearsal days are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, subject to change based on actor availability. Audition Form & Conflicts: Please bring your personal calendar to list any potential conflicts. Actors must be available for all tech week rehearsals (January 10–14) and all performances.