Running October 29 - November 9, 2025 at artspace
Auditions
Auditions will take place from 6:30-10:30pm on Sunday, September 14th at artspace gallery (2833-A Hathaway Rd.) with callbacks at the same times the following day, Monday, September 15th.
Director Candace Hudert is seeking 7 actors for the play's ensemble of public defenders. The roles are as follows:
- JACOB - Nothing has gone right for Jacob in a very, very long time. Taking control via carefully managed meals, regardless of which people are attached to those meals.
- GREG - A reader, a thinker, a listener, but not a decider. Will go with the flow to a point but is always gently assessing and pushing things towards peace.
- HANNAH - A Boss (TM) who is overwhelmed but holding it together by being guarded. The cracks are showing.
- TAL - Wears heart on sleeve and feels like the world is falling apart. Dancing through the pain - with body glitter!
- MITRA - Observant and accidentally effortlessly sociable. An 'it girl' by the fact that they are skilled and don't say much.
- NICOLE A tryhard who we must love wholeheartedly. Never quite getting there but gosh do they want to be there. Skilled at job, just not at socializing.
- TUTTLE/??DAVID?? - A direct communicator who is so FREAKIN excited to have a BREAK and to GET AWAY gOD. Intuitive./Longs for connection and doesn't quite understand what went so terribly wrong. A survivor. (Must handle solo stage time and audience connection well.)
A note on casting from the playwright, Adrian Einspanier:
Re: CASTING: Character’s ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical shapes/sizes/abilities are mostly unspecified and in development we have found various/multiple compelling maps/versions. Names, pronouns, references might change accordingly – or not. As long it’s *thoughtful* to the story it’s telling. That said, quite practically, this play draws inspiration from a public defender office in the Bronx. There should be more women and trans people than cis men. Racial diversity is a must
As such, BIPOC folks and people with marginalized genders are strongly encouraged to audition! It does not make sense to have a play like this in Richmond, VA without a cast that reflects this area.
What do I need to prepare for the audition?
The director is expecting a short contemporary monologue, comedic or dramatic. Please err towards vibrant physical performances. Sides will be provided on site for actors who would prefer to read from the play.
Please bring a resume and headshot. If you do not have those, be prepared to have your picture taken and to write out some of your performing experience.
What's the play?
Dragon Fruit! Black Beluga Lentils! Perfectly Soft-Boiled Eggs! Amidst the distinct fear/feeling that the world is, always has been, always will be going to sh*t, seven public defenders seek meaning, belonging, and some semblance of order via their frenzied quest for the perfect lunch (bunch).
What should I expect while working on this production?
Pay for all collaborators is a flat fee of $250.
Rehearsals begin on September 25th. They will primarily take place at artspace (2833-A Hathaway Rd.). There are expected to be no more than 14 rehearsals, not including tech. This production is expected to be fast-paced and physical.
Performances will be on the following dates at 7pm:
- Wednesday, October 29
- Thursday, October 30
- Friday, October 31 (yes, a Halloween show!)
- Friday, November 7
- Saturday, November 8
- Sunday, November 9
Who's putting it on?
Hi! I'm Candace Hudert, and I'm a Richmond native theatre artist. My most recent works that you may have seen are sound designing for 5th Wall's production of H*tler's Tasters or directing and sound designing I Tried to Say, "I Love You" But I Had a Cigarette in My Mouth (or Cigarette Play for short) at the Basement. Cigarette Play had a fully sold out run and I was nominated for an RTCC award for Outstanding Sound Design for my work on H*tler's Tasters. I've trained at Sarah Lawrence, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp, the Kennedy Center, and Accademia del'Arte.
All that to say: you're in good hands, and I'm excited to see your work at auditions!
If you have any questions at all, please direct them to me at candacehudert [@] gmail.com.