Audition Announcement: “2 Across,” January 14 & 15
By Jerry Mayer
Directed by Barbara Gertzog
PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org with the date you plan to attend.
Two strangers, a man and a woman, board a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. They’re alone in the car, both are doing the New York Times crossword. She’s an organized, sensible psychologist. He’s a free-spirited, unemployed ad exec. She is a crossword pro. He always quits. When he tosses his puzzle away, she urges him not to give up, explaining, “Crosswords are a metaphor for life, those who finish, succeed, those who don’t, fail.” This starts an eighty-minute ride filled with hilarious, witty, and romantic banter. As the train ride ends, it’s obvious each has solved more than a crossword together.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
- A non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.
- A membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, all actors (and in fact, all volunteers), are required to become members of Providence Players of Fairfax ($25 per individual or $60 per family – three or more) for the season (if not already a member).
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 2 roles (1 female, 1 male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds, ages, ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition!
Download all three documents: Audition Announcement, Form and Theater Access Schedule
Audition Dates
- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025
- 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025
- Callbacks (if needed) are by invitation only and will be held at 7:00 p.m on Thursday, January 16, 2025
PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org with the date you plan to attend.
Actors who audition one night may be asked to come back a second night, if available. You are not required to be available multiple evenings to be considered. The Director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response.
Audition Location
James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Rd
Falls Church, VA 22042
Auditions will be held in the theater.
Performance Dates and Times
Preview: Thursday, March 20, 2025; 7:00 PM
Evening Performances: Thurs., Fri. & Sat,. March 21-April 5, 2025; 7:30 PM
Matinees: Sundays, March 23 & 30, 2025; 2:00 PM
About the Director: Barbara Gertzog
Barbara Gertzog has been active in Community Theater in the DC Metro area as an actor and in numerous production roles backstage for over 25 years. She has performed in many roles at PPF, and recently with Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) and Stagecoach TC, among others. This is her 4th directorial venture, all for PPF, including The Shadow Box, which was the Ruby Griffith Award recipient for best play (2011-12 season). Barbara is an avid student in the theater arts and recently completed courses in character study at LTA and the Theater Lab. She is a graduate of Drew University (Pol Sci and English) and American University Law School. Barbara has had a successful banking career, while always making sure to take a “literary approach” to the numbers.
From the Director, Barbara Gertzog
This is a witty comedy that involves plenty of banter, subtle flirtation, some arguing, and a lot of smart dialogue in a rom-com style. The relationship and chemistry between these very different characters is the most important and entertaining element. An affinity for the NY Times Crossword puzzle is a plus!
The play consists of the two actors, and a recorded announcer’s voice (will be casting). The roles call for much banter and comedic, verbal sparring between two strangers who meet at 4:30 AM on the BART Train, as they share The NY Times crossword and much more. There is a romance brewing over these 53 pages, including some kissing/hugs. The parts are about equal.
REHEARSALS: Download a copy of the Theater Access Schedule for this show. This is NOT the specific rehearsal schedule (which will be supplied by the Stage Manager), but it will give you an idea for the commitment you are making in terms of rehearsals and performances, and how to identify conflicts.
Stage rehearsals begin February 18, 2025. In addition to the stage rehearsal schedule, cast readings of the play and some selected scene study and character work may be scheduled based on actor availability in Jan/Feb prior to the stage schedule. The schedule for these rehearsals will be finalized a week or two after casting. Unless indicated otherwise, all rehearsals will happen at the James Lee Community Center. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings from roughly 6:30/6:45 to 9:45 pm and possibly Saturdays and Sundays during the final two weeks (set build, tech, dress).
Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts with rehearsal or the performance schedule. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.
About the Play
Place
On the BART train in California (San Francisco bound), 4:30 AM
Time
Present day
Cast of Characters
- JOSH (male, aged 48-55) – Jewish, scattered, part free spirit, part ne’er do well, Josh is a paradox. Disheveled and attractive. Funny and seemingly unserious. Intellectual and yet seemingly ineffectual. A deep thinker who flies by the seat of his pants. But just might bring the spontaneity to life that Janet needs.
- JANET (female, aged 48-55) – Catholic, accomplished, quick, polished. Follows all the rules. Smart, attractive, funny, does everything well, but needs to up the fun quotient!
Additional Audition Information/Instructions:
- HOW WE WORK: Most PPF auditions have actors up and down to read multiple times in multiple combinations and scenes. This play is about a relationship. Most of the sides will call for combining she/he audition partners. As space allows, you will be able to watch all the auditions. You may be asked to go into the hallway with audition partners and work a bit on a scene. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading with different he/she combinations. The Providence Players strives to make our productions open to interested and engaged actors.
- AUDITION PROCESS & SIDES: You may prepare a short comedic monologue of one minute or less (optional). Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions.
- AUDITION FORM: Please COMPLETE the attached 2 Across Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition. Resumes and headshots will be accepted but are not required. We may ask to take a picture of you, but this is for internal use only and will not be shared.
We look forward to seeing you at Auditions!