The Sweetest Swing in Baseball
By Rebecca Gilman
Directed by Lennox Forrester
Performed on the Drury Stage at the Bartell Theatre
Summary
The Sweetest Swing in Baseball is a vibrant play that straddles the line between comedy and drama, written by the highly talented (and current Wisconsinite) Rebecca Gilman. This theatrical piece centers around the character Dana Fielding, a talented but troubled artist battling with alcoholism, a fading career, and mental health issues. Using a unique combination of drama and comedy, the play offers an examination of the art world, identity, and the American healthcare system. This play contains themes of suicide, alcoholism, and dissociative identity disorder.
Characters
Dana Fielding - mid 30s – An anxious artist who fears she’s at the end of her career. Makes friends with Daryl Strawberry, in the Disney sense, to commit insurance fraud.
- Roy/Gary
Roy - Mid 40s – Well meaning in an entirely selfish way. Dana’s (soon to be ex) boyfriend, also an artist.
Gary - 30s – Totally normal looking, definitely hasn’t tried to kill a news anchor.
- Rhonda/Dr. Stanton
Rhonda - Late 40s to mid 50s – Gallery owner, Dana’s art dealer.
Dr. Stanton - 50s – Runs the ward, a motherly figure.
- Brian/Michael
Brian - Early to mid 20s– The Art World’s new Golden Boy.
Michael - 20s to 30s – An alcoholic in recovery for the second time. Baseball fan.
- Erica/Dr. Gilbert
Erica - Mid 20s to early 30s – Rhonda’s assistant. Dana’s biggest cheerleader.
Dr. Gilbert - Late 20s to mid 30s – Dana’s psychologist at the ward, caring but firm.
The cast will consist of five actors with the doubling of Roy/Gary, Rhonda/Dr. Stanton, Erica/Dr. Gilbert, and Brian/Michael.
All actors will be considered for all doubled roles. We seek to practice inclusive casting.
Understudies
We are open to casting understudies for all characters - These are individuals that will only need to be called upon in case of a COVID case within the cast.
AUDITION INFORMATION
When: December 11th and 12th at 7:00pm
Where: Bartell Theatre at 113 E Mifflin St
Preparation
Please consider arriving early to fill out an audition form and conflict calendar.
Please be prepared with all conflicts between January 1st and March 23rd.
Here is a fillable pdf version of the audition form and conflict calendar (not all browsers support the fillable functionality)
Auditions will consist of provided cold readings from the script.
Dress comfortably to move.
No headshots required.
No acting resume required.
No monologues.
Additional Details
Auditions will be open and in-person.
All auditionees will be contacted regardless of being cast.
All participants will be required to sign and follow Madison Theatre Guild's Anti-Harassment Policy prior to participating.
Questions
Please do not hesitate to ask any/all questions you may have!
You may email forresterlennox@gmail.com with any questions/comments/concerns/requests.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin in January.
Rehearsal location is still being determined, however it will be in Madison.
Rehearsals will generally consist of a Sun-Thurs, 7pm-10pm schedule.
Performances
Tech week and all performances will be at The Bartell Theatre.
Tech week will start on March 10th
Opening will be March 15th
Closing will be March 23rd
There will be six performances over two weekends with two afternoon matinees.