(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company, a professional not for profit theater company located on the campus of Centenary University in Hackettstown, will be holding an EPA call for their upcoming production of Wasabia by Wendy Herlich. This production will be produced under an AEA SPT 2 contract, and both AEA members and non-union actors will be seen by appointment. Auditions will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 10:00am – 6:00pm.

Wasabia is a new dark comedy written by Wendy Herlich, making its world premiere at Centenary Stage Company after winning the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation award during the Women Playwrights Series reading in the spring of 2024.

When Vivian, a fiercely independent woman facing the early stages of dementia, meets Carla, a young hospice volunteer desperate to shine, they strike up an unlikely friendship, which is thrown into question when Vivian enlists Carla’s help in getting life-ending drugs from a hapless musician. Along the way, Val (Valium) and Di (Digoxin) appear in alternate realities—from the set of Married at First Sight to a game show to a departures-only airport—as Vivian and Carla explore life’s choices.

To schedule an appointment, call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. Walk-ins will be seen as time permits. Auditions will be in the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ.

Performers should prepare a monologue appropriate to the material or read from sides provided on the day of auditions. Sides will also be made available online at centenarystageco.org. Also, please bring recent headshot and resume stapled together. The first rehearsal will take place on March 18, 2025, and performances will run April 3-13, 2025.

Character Breakdown

Note: Roles are open to all ethnicities

Vivian (Female, 73) - A woman grappling with the earliest hints of a dementia diagnosis. Independent, energetic, irreverent and sharp-witted. Somewhat introverted with a prickly exterior, but deeply loyal and caring with those she holds close. Can be manipulative. Doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

Carla (Female, 19) - A committed and passionate hospice volunteer. Naturally warm and friendly, with a surprising core strength and independence that comes from having to grow up too fast. Her sunshine exterior belies the wounds from her mother’s recent death. A young adult trying to wrestle her demons and find her path forward.

Digoxin (AKA Di) (Female presenting or non-binary, 20s-50s) - Physically agile. A drug, not human, but presents as one. A self-important, strident diva who craves fame and adulation. Laser-focused on her cause of helping people with medically assisted dying. Has a tendency for tunnel vision and black[1]and-white thinking. Character singing required.

Valium (AKA Val) (Female presenting or non-binary, 20s-50s) - Physically agile. A drug, not human, but presents as one. A super chill nurturer dedicated to protecting people from discomfort. Driven to make medically assisted death a viable option, but recognizes that it might not be for everyone. Quietly powerful, and happy to be Di’s wingperson (usually). Character singing.

Brody (Male, 24) - A struggling musician, and high school and military dropout. A bit dim, and though ambitious, he lacks direction. Things don’t usually go very well for him. He’s becoming increasingly aware that he’s just one bad decision away from disaster. Has a fear of blood and a good heart, and is constantly in a state of contradiction, which he thinks is typical of everybody. (NOTE: Doubles as television announcer/interviewer in live voiceover.)

Auditions Requirements: Prepare a monologue appropriate to the material or read from sides provided on the day of auditions. Sides will also be made available online at centenarystageco.org. Please bring recent Headshot and resume.   

How to secure audition slot. To sign up for an audition time please call the box office at 908-979-0900. Walk-ins will be seen only if time permits, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged. AEA and non-union welcome to audition.

Important dates: First Rehearsal: March 18, 2025. Performances April 3–13, 2024.

Personnel Expected to Attend: Zoya Kachadurian - Director; Carl Wallnau – Producing Director; Wendy Herlich - Playwright

Centenary Stage Company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts. We welcome performers of all ethnicities, races, genders and backgrounds to audition. We encourage all to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the audition.

An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ.

The 2024-25 Season of Performing Arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and grantors like the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the CSC corporate sponsors, including Explore Warren, the House of the Good Shepherd, Hackettstown Medical Center Atlantic Health System, Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, and Fulton Bank, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.