AUDITIONS Schedule

SYNOPSIS

A murder trial has ended, closing arguments have been made; now it’s up to a jury of twelve to decide the fate of a 19-year-old accused of murdering his father. It’s an open and shut case. Or is it? Tensions rise on the hottest day of the summer in New York City as racism, classism, and twelve very different personalities interact to obstruct their intentions of reaching a unanimous decision. Can one juror, in their pursuit of justice, save the life of a young man by changing the minds of their peers, one vote at a time?

ROLE BREAKDOWNS

All roles are open and will be cast without regard to race or ethnicity.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS

Juror #1: - Lead, All Genders, 35-65: Non-confrontational, Juror #1 serves as the foreman of the jury; he/she is serious about his/her authoritative role, but is a small, petty individual. They are quite formal, level headed and persistent and want to be as fair as possible.

Juror #2: - Lead, All Genders, 25-65: The most-timid of the group; Juror #2 is easily persuaded by the opinions of others, and cannot explain the roots of his/her opinions. They are naturally meek, shy, and hesitant, while being easily swayed and usually adopting the opinion of the last person to whom they have spoken.

Juror #3: - Lead, All Genders, 35-65: Juror #3 is immediately vocal about the supposed simplicity of the case, and the obvious guilt of the defendant; he/she is a very strong, powerful individual who is extremely opinionated. They are quick to lose their temper, and very intolerant of opinions other than their own and are very accustomed to forcing their wishes and views upon others. They are humorless and often infuriated with Juror #8 and the other jurors who disagree with his/her opinions. An antagonistic bully with a sadistic streak.

Juror #4: - Lead, All Genders, 30-65: Seems to be a person of wealth and position. A logical, cultural, analytical, well-spoken tech sector employee, who presents themselves well at all times. They seem to feel they are a bit above the rest of the jurors. Juror #4 urges fellow jurors to avoid emotional arguments and engage in rational discussions and the facts of the case, and they are appalled at the behavior of several of the jurors. They have a good mind for recalling many of the details presented during the trial.

Juror #5: - Lead, All Genders, 22-34: A street-smart young man/woman who is nervous and frightened about expressing his/her opinion, especially in front of the elder members of the group; they take their obligations in this case very seriously. He/she grew up in a very urban, impoverished area and somewhat identifies with the defendant in the case.

Juror #6: - Lead, All Genders, 35-65: Juror #6 is in the Construction field; He/she is slow to see the good in others. They come upon their decisions slowly and carefully. Always apologizing, defensive, and nervous. A person with a subdued personality and respectful of others opinions. They find it difficult to create their own definitive opinions, but instead must listen to and digest and accept those opinions offered by others, which then appeal to them the most.

Juror #7: - Lead, All Genders, 25-65: A slick and sometimes obnoxious salesperson; they have more important things to do than sit on a jury. They are quick to show temper and very vocal and impatient, also very quick to form opinions on things about which they know nothing. Juror #7 admits during Act One that he/she would have done anything to miss jury duty. They are a bully and, of course, a coward.

Juror #8: - Lead, All Genders, 35-65: Described as quiet, confident, steadfast, thoughtful and gentle. Juror #8 is usually portrayed as the most heroic member of the jury; He/she is devoted to justice, and is initially sympathetic toward the 19-year-old defendant. Someone who sees all sides of every question and constantly seeks the truth. Someone of strength tempered with compassion. Above all, they are someone who wants justice to be done and will fight to see that it is. They reargue the entire trial determined to uphold the tenets of justice and the concept of reasonable doubt.

Juror #9: - Lead, All Genders, 70-80: Mild, gentle, well-spoken old man or women, defeated by life and waiting to die. They are long since defeated by life, and now a person who recognizes themselves for what they are and mourns the days when it would have been possible to be courageous without shielding themselves behind their advanced age. They become an advocate for the defendant.

Juror #10: - Lead, All Genders, 35-65: The most abhorrent member of the group. Juror #10 is openly angry, bitter, tactless, and prejudiced; an antagonistic bigot who places no values on human life save their own; a person who has been nowhere and is going nowhere and knows it deep within. During Act Three he/she unleashes his/her bigotry to the others in a speech that disturbs the rest of the jury. An opinionated bully.

Juror #11: - Lead, All Genders, 30-65: A refugee with an accent from anywhere, Juror #11 has witnessed and experienced great injustices; he/she sometimes feels ashamed, humble, and self-conscious about his/her immigration; he/she conveys a deep appreciation for American democracy, the legal system, and patriotism and is willing to defend it.

Juror #12: - Lead, All Genders, 25-65: An arrogant, slick, and impatient business executive; anxious for the trial to be over so that he/she can get back to his/her career and social life. They are not particularly invested in achieving justice and believes their time would be better spent elsewhere, they see people as a number. Thinks of human beings in terms of percentages, graphs, and polls and has no real understanding of people. They are a superficial snob, but trying to be a good person.

Court Officer: - Bit Part, All Genders, 25-55: A court officer that opens up the jury room and provides evidence to the Foremen of the jury, as well as, checking in on the jurors when loud arguing is occurring.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:


The 39 Steps (TBA)