Auditions
Auditions are open to all Brandeis students, regardless of racial, cultural, and individual identities. We value diversity in casting. No experience required.
Auditions for "Bad Jews" by Joshua Harmon will be held April 17 & 18, 2023 from 5pm-8pm. Shana Gozansky will direct. "Bad Jews" will present in The Laurie Theater October 20-22, 2023.
Fall 2023 Season: "Bad Jews" by Joshua Harmon, Directed by Shana Gozansky and "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare (November 17-19, 2023), Directed by Robert Walsh, Associate Professor of the Practice of Theater Arts.
Audition Sign-Up
Audition Form
Audition Preparation:
All those auditioning should prepare a one minute contemporary monologue. If you do not have a monologue prepared, monologues from the show can be found in this folder.
Anyone auditioning for the roles of Daphna or Melody should also prepare a one minute song. You may sing a cappella or with a music track (please bring a means of playing your own music i.e. your phone, a bluetooth speaker, etc.). No accompanist will be provided.
Any questions about auditions should go to Assistant Production Manager, Shelby Art-Koljonen, via email at shelbyart@brandeis.edu.
Play Summary:
2F/2M
A fierce, biting comedy about family, faith, and what you choose to believe, when you're chosen.
Bad Jews The night after their grandfather’s funeral, three cousins engage in a verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. In one corner is Daphna Feygenbaum, a “Real Jew” who is volatile, self-assured and unbending. In the other is her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man, who has his shiksa girlfriend, Melody, in tow. Stuck in the middle is Liam’s brother, Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray. When Liam stakes claim to their grandfather's Chai necklace, a vicious and hilarious brawl over family, faith and legacy ensues.
Director:
Shana Gozansky is a freelance director and teaching artist. Her work has been produced at Trinity Repertory Company, The Hangar Theatre, The Calderwood Arts Pavilion, The Bowery Poetry Club, Dickinson College, Manhattan Theatre Source, and The Red Room. She has assisted on productions at Berkeley Rep, The Geffen, Manhattan Ensemble Theatre, Henry Miller’s Theater, and Trinity Repertory Company and has taught acting and directing at Brown University, College of the Holy Cross, the Hangar Theatre, and Trinity Repertory Company. Shana holds a MFA in Directing from the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company MFA Programs and a BA in Theater from Bard College, was an Artistic Associate at The Hangar Theatre, an Artist-in-Residence at chashama and The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. She is a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab and is a Drama League Directing Fellow.
Additional Department Information:
Conflicts Policy
Students cast in a production with the Department of Theater Arts are expected to attend all rehearsals unless they have an academic conflict. In general, rehearsals are held weekday evenings and weekend days. Cast members are expected to arrive on time to all rehearsals and performances. At the beginning of the rehearsal process, all academic conflicts must be communicated to the Stage Manager. Should other conflicts arise, the Stage Manager and the Director have the discretion to decide upon conflict approval on a case-by-case basis, based on the size of the actor’s role, nature of the conflict, and timing in regards to the rehearsal schedule. Tech Week conflicts, other than academic, are not permitted. While it may be that a weekly schedule is utilized, the Daily Call (your daily specific schedule) will be sent out each night with 24 hours’ notice.
Students cast in a production with the Department of Theater Arts are expected to attend all rehearsals unless they have an academic conflict. In general, rehearsals are held weekday evenings and weekend days. Cast members are expected to arrive on time to all rehearsals and performances. At the beginning of the rehearsal process, all academic conflicts must be communicated to the Stage Manager. Should other conflicts arise, the Stage Manager and the Director have the discretion to decide upon conflict approval on a case-by-case basis, based on the size of the actor’s role, nature of the conflict, and timing in regards to the rehearsal schedule. Tech Week conflicts, other than academic, are not permitted. While it may be that a weekly schedule is utilized, the Daily Call (your daily specific schedule) will be sent out each night with 24 hours’ notice.
Any questions or concerns regarding the conflict decisions of the Stage Manager and Director should be brought to Dmitry Troyanovsky, Chair of the department (dtroyanov@brandeis.edu)
Covid-19 Pandemic Information
Due to the ongoing uncertain nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will proceed with an abundance of empathy and consider anyone's changing situation and how it may affect their ability to participate in this production. The Theater Department's rehearsal protocols will follow the University's policies based on the current Covid color-level status.
Statement of Solidarity
We stand in solidarity with the struggle for racial justice. Our season reflects our goals to challenge discrimination and raise up marginalized voices. We intend to offer shows that challenge, uplift, and move our students and audiences. Please view our solidarity statement. This production seeks a truly diverse and inclusive ensemble of performers who will each play a wide range of different roles and will be cast in a way that celebrates individual identity and is intentional and respectful regarding race, ethnicity, and gender identity.