(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Jesse Eisenberg's 2011 play Asuncion on Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The production will be directed and produced by Craig Tiede.
In the play, Edgar, who is aimless and socially inept, lives with Vinny, his former T.A. in Binghamton, NY. Both are committed to being actively anti-racist. In fact, Edgar maintains a blog condemning American imperialism, and Vinny is three-quarters into a Ph.D. in Black Studies. When Edgar’s older brother Stuart announces his marriage to a young Filipina woman named Asuncion, and begs them to take her in as their new roommate while he cleans up a problem from her past, the boys have a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how open-minded they truly are. They each spectacularly fail, revealing their subconscious biases and real connection to each other.
Asuncion will have ten performances from June 12-27, 2026.
Auditions will be held at Nutley Little Theatre (47 Erie Place) in Nutley, New Jersey.
Sides will be given to actors at the audition. If you have a headshot and resume, please bring a copy of each with you. If you do not have a headshot, they may ask to take a photo of you at the audition.
AVAILABLE ROLES
They are seeking a total cast of four to play ages 27-25. All roles are available. If a specific gender identity, age, race, or ethnicity is required/indicated by the script, it has been noted below.
EDGAR: Male, 27, White Jewish. A socially awkward, neurotic, messy, and unmotivated aspiring journalist. He’s a patronizing, hyper-verbal, and self-involved intellectual who clings to left-wing ideals, often behaving like a needy, anxious puppy seeking approval from his roommate–for whom he has unresolved feelings.
VINNY: Male, 30, White. Edgar’s roommate and former TA. A charismatic, self-assured, flirty, and occasionally cruel PhD student in Black Studies at Binghamton University. Has a dominant streak that he enjoys playing out with Edgar–for whom he has complicated feelings.
ASUNCION: Female, 27, Filipina. Stuart's wife from the Philippines. An open-hearted "blithe spirit" filled with curiosity and youthful enthusiasm.
STUART: Male, 35, White Jewish. Edgar’s older brother and Asuncion’s husband. An overbearing Wall Street executive who prides himself on being an active problem-solver and has little tolerance for his younger brother’s inertia.
Audition FAQs
What roles are available? All roles are open. No roles have been precast, officially or otherwise! For additional information about each role, see the character list.
What are you looking for when making casting decisions? First and foremost, they are looking to cast talented performers who display the greatest awareness of character, story, and self. Secondly, and no less important, they’re looking for people with a positive attitude who are willing to work collaboratively with the other performers and members of the production team to do the work necessary to create the finest production possible.
How many people are you looking to cast? Asuncion has a cast of 4. This includes 3 Males and 1 Female.
Does everyone have a speaking part? Yes.
When will rehearsals be scheduled? They will rehearse approximately three times per week until tech week, which begins on June 7. Rehearsal days and times will ultimately be decided based on the cast’s availability, but are likely to be scheduled evenings after 6:00pm and weekend days before 5:00pm. Rehearsals will be held
at Nutley Little Theatre. Specific call dates/times will be dependent upon the schedules of those cast and the needs for each rehearsal, as determined by the production staff. Though they will do their best to accommodate conflicts known at the time of casting, if cast it is their expectation that THEY become your conflict.
How honest should I be on my audition form? Completely! Please list all known conflicts where indicated and please be upfront about the role(s) you’d accept. You will only be considered for the role(s) you indicate on the form and could be cast in any you list. If you will not accept a role if offered, please do not list it!
Will there be callbacks? If callbacks are necessary, they will be held Wednesday, April 15. Casting decisions will be sent out by Friday, April 27. Rehearsals will start soon after.
If cast, what will be expected of me?
* You will be expected to attend every rehearsal for which you’re called, unless listed as a conflict on your audition form (or an unexpected life event occurs).
* For rehearsals you miss, it will be your responsibility to follow up with the production team and your castmates to get up to speed. The rehearsal schedule is compact and they won’t have lots of extra time to go back and duplicate their efforts.
* You will be expected to be present for strike (Sunday, June 28, after the final performance). Many hands make light work and Nutley Little Theatre has always asked its cast and crew members to help make the strike go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
* If cast, you’ll be hired to do one job: Perform the role assigned to you. The’ll expect you to do all that entails to the best of your ability, and to keep in mind that each other member of the cast and production team also has a singular job that is no less, or more, important than yours. Let others do their jobs and focus on yours.
Audition FAQs
Does Nutley Little Theatre pay its performers? As a community theater, they do not provide compensation to actors.
Do I need to pay a fee or become a member of Nutley Little Theatre to participate? No.
What can you tell me about Nutley Little Theatre? Started in 1934, Nutley Little Theatre prides itself on providing a range of live theater. The all-volunteer organization presents five mainstage shows per year, showcasing a range of genres including musicals, comedies, and dramas. It also offers free Readers’ Theatre performances, special events, and creative workshops that bring together people from all walks of life from in and around Nutley .
