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The Attic Ensemble has announced audition dates for the first production of its 40th season, a non-union production of Sam Shepard’s dark comedy True West (for a synopsis of the play, click here). The production, to be directed by Christine Dalzell, will come to the Barrow Mansion for performances in late September and early October.

The theater troupe is looking for three men and one woman in the following roles:

• Austin (30s): A squeaky clean Ivy League graduate who works as a screenwriter. Austin has a wife and children in Northern California, but is working at his mother’s house in Southern California while she is away in Alaska. By all accounts he is a success.
• Lee (30s): Austin’s brother. Lee is a beer-swilling desert rat and petty thief who has come to their mother’s house to loot the neighbors of household appliances. He is the exact opposite of his brother in looks, sensibility, and degree of success.
• Saul Kimmer (40s and up): A slick Hollywood producer. While Shepard’s characterization of Saul could easily have descended into parody, Saul remains real all the way through the play. He is as sincere as anyone who is motivated only by profit can be.
• Mom (50s and up): An absurdist vision of a powerless mother. Mom thinks Picasso is coming to town and quietly asks Austin not to kill Lee.

Familiarity with the script is strongly encouraged; sides will be provided for cold readings, monologues are not required. No appointment necessary; auditioners will be seen on a first come/first served basis. There is no pay for the role.

Auditions will be held Monday and Wednesday, July 19 and 21 from 7 to 9 pm at the Attic Ensemble (inside Barrow Mansion), 83 Wayne St. Callbacks will be held on Thursday, July 23, if necessary.