(WEST HUDSON, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Co (WHATCo) will host open auditions for Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. The show will be WHATCo’s first Main Stage production of 2023. Auditions will be held in person Thursday, July 13th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm and Tuesday, July 18th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Call backs (if needed) will be Thursday July 27th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Auditions will be held at the theater, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, N.J. (the former Holy Cross School).
Puffs is a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs ... who just happened to be there too.
This fast-paced, clever play looks at a familiar adventure from a new perspective - of three potential heroes just trying to survive a rather dangerous school alongside a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. This hilariously heartfelt tale asks what it means to be a “side character” in an epic adventure.
There will be six performances from October 20-29, 2023. Performances take place October 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 @ 7:30pm and October 22 at 2:00pm.
Actors ages 18+ of any background are invited to audition. There is some adult language and magical battlefield violence within the show.
If unable to attend in person, submit a video audition via YouTube and completed audition form to puffs@whatconj.org by Tuesday, July 18th.
There will be a read through on Monday, July 31st @ 7:00pm. Rehearsals will be light in August and pick up after Labor Day. Rehearsals will mostly take place on weekday evenings.
The original production of Puffs cast 11 actors who doubled 60+ different characters. The character descriptions below reflect the original casting, but the director intends to be somewhat flexible with the cast breakdown. Please be honest on your audition form about the roles you would accept.
Each Puff must be energetic and sincere. All actors should have strong comedic timing.
Characters:
Wayne Hopkins (male) – The hero. Totally uncool, but full of charm and heart. Loyal to a tee. Likes comic books and video games, knows nothing about magic or this weird magic world he is now a part of. Best friends with Oliver and Megan.
Oliver Rivers (male) – One of the main trio. Incredibly smart and cerebral, he is a math wiz, and proud of it; lovingly a nerd from New Jersey. After ending up at wizarding school, he finds out he isn’t the top of his class, and instead begins a fantastical journey of friendship and even some love, better than any algebra class could ever promise.
Megan Jones (female) – One of the main trio; begins the show goth by only desiring to live up to her mother’s reputation: a dark wizard currently in Wiz Priz for being such a bad-ass Death Buddy in her youth. Over time, her tough veneer begins to soften, as a budding romance with Oliver becomes apparent. Defiant and headstrong on the surface, the audience begins to see that her adamancy of being completely unique and independent really stems from her desire to be loved and accepted.
Narrator – The narrator of the story. They guide us through our entire show of Puffy-ness. Hopefully a British accent. Must have comedic skills and be a great storyteller.
Ernie Mac – loud and proud. Pretty sure he’s the best. (A Very Tall Man, Seamus, A Certain Potions Teacher, Professor Turban, Ghost History Teacher, Professor Locky, Mr. Nick, Sal, Second Headmaster, Real Mr. Moody)
Hannah – Very, very shy. (First Headmaster, Professor McG, Professor Sproutty, Xavia Jones, Professor Lanny, Runes Teach, Ms. Babble)
J. Finch Fletchley – Boyish and fun. (Uncle Dave, Goyle, A Far Friar, Clumsy Longbottom, Hermeoone # 3, Viktor, Mr. Bagman, Zach Smith)
Leanne – Is either a genius or really dumb… She has the biggest heart. (Ginny, Helga, Frenchy)
Sally Perks – Nice and later enjoys attracting attention. (Hermeoone, Blondo Malfoy, Rowena, Rita Scooter, Bippy)
Susie Bones – Gloomy. (Harry, Colin, Hermeoone # 2, Ric Gryff, Myrtle)
Cedric and Mr. Voldy – basically the best guy ever and the most evil
Actors will be asked to read from sides during the auditions.
Please be prepared to show off your best (or merely okay) British accents! Wayne, Oliver, and Megan have American accents. Everyone else should have some version of an English one.
“Puffs (Two Act Edition)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Click here for more information about the auditions.
