About Puffs orSeven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Directed by Kelsey Layton
Performance Dates: May 22 – June 7
Bastrop Opera House is holding auditions for PUFFS, the original two-act, adult version of Matt Cox’s fast-paced, hilarious, and heartfelt parody comedy.
For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story.
This is the story of the Puffs — the loyal, overlooked underdogs who just happened to be there too.
This production is an ensemble comedy that requires strong comic instincts, physical storytelling, quick character shifts and a collaborative spirit.
Audition Format
Auditions will be held by appointment only in individual 10-minute time slots.
Actors will:
Participate in cold readings from the script (sides are provided in advance)
Choose two sides to read in completely different ways
Additional side(s) may be given to you to read
Accents, physical comedy and bold choices are welcome
What to Prepare
Be prepared to cold read from selected scenes
Accents, physical comedy and bold choices are encouraged
This show rewards actors who commit fully, take risks and aren’t afraid to look ridiculous.
Who Should Audition
Ages 18 and up due to language and adult themes
All genders, races, body types and identities are encouraged to audition
Many actors will play multiple roles, often with rapid transitions. Versatility, strong ensemble awareness and comedic timing are essential.
Roles
WAYNE HOPKINS
American accent
The heart of the show. Totally uncool, endlessly loyal, earnest and lovable. Wayne is an everyman who stumbles into a magical world he barely understands, but faces it with optimism and sincerity. Strong emotional grounding with excellent comedic instincts required.
OLIVER RIVERS
American accent
Brilliant, cerebral and socially awkward. A math prodigy who struggles with no longer being the smartest person in the room. Oliver’s arc includes confidence, friendship and romance. Excellent comic timing and emotional range needed.
MEGAN JONES
American accent
Sharp, defiant and tough on the outside, with a vulnerable core. Obsessed with distancing herself from her family’s “Puff” legacy. Over the course of the show, her defenses soften. Requires strong presence, emotional depth and comedy.
NARRATOR
British accent
Our guide through the entire story. The Narrator keeps the audience oriented, energized and engaged. Must be an excellent storyteller with impeccable comedic timing. A sense of authority mixed with humor is key.
CEDRIC / MR. VOLDY
British accent
A major dual role requiring range and stage presence. Cedric is charming, athletic, kind and beloved. Mr. Voldy is flamboyantly evil — terrifying and hilarious. Strong comedic authority required.
ENSEMBLE TRACKS (MULTI-ROLE CASTING)
Each of the following tracks includes multiple characters, often played back-to-back. Actors should demonstrate versatility, strong physicality, accent work and comfort with quick changes.
ERNIE MAC / A VERY TALL MAN / SEAMUS / A CERTAIN POTIONS TEACHER / PROFESSOR TURBAN / GHOST HISTORY TEACHER / PROFESSOR LOCKY / MR. NICK / SAL / SECOND HEADMASTER / REAL MR. MOODY
Various European dialects
Requires bold character work and strong impressions. Ernie Mac is loud, proud and competitive. The professors and adults are heightened parodies and should be played fearlessly. Excellent comic instincts essential. (Impressions: Rickman/ Branagh/etc.)
HANNAH / FIRST HEADMASTER / PROFESSOR McG / PROFESSOR SPROUTTY / XAVIA JONES / PROFESSOR LANNY / RUNES TEACHER / MS. BABBLE
Various European dialects
Hannah begins painfully shy and grows over time. The adult characters are distinct, heightened and fast-moving. Ability to switch energy, posture and voice quickly is crucial. (Maggie Smith impression for McG.)
J. FINCH FLETCHLEY / UNCLE DAVE / GOYLE / A FAT FRIAR / CLUMSY LONGBOTTOM / HERMEOONE #3 / VIKTOR / MR. BAGMAN / ZACH SMITH
Various dialects
A wide-ranging comedic track. J. Finch is sweet and earnest; Zach Smith is an over-the-top, toxic sports bro. Strong physical comedy and improv instincts encouraged.
LEANNE / GINNY / HELGA / FRENCHY
Various European dialects
Eccentric, unpredictable and strangely heartfelt. Leanne is bubbly and optimistic to the point of absurdity. Requires commitment, energy and comedic confidence.
SALLY PERKS / HERMEOONE / BLONDO MALFOY / ROWENA / RITA SCOOTER / BIPPY / DRAGON
Various dialects
Sally begins sweet and naïve, later undergoing a noticeable transformation. Bippy (a house elf) is devoted, annoying and lovable. Actors must fully commit to heightened comedy and physicality.
SUSIE BONES / HARRY / COLIN / HERMEOONE #2 / RIC GRYFF / MYRTLE
Various dialects
Susie is perpetually gloomy and fearful. Harry is confident, famous and oblivious. Myrtle is melodramatic and comic. Strong emotional contrast and comic clarity required.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals begin Monday, March 30
Monday through Thursday evenings and some Saturdays if needed
Attendance at all tech week rehearsals and performances is required
Performances
Performance dates: May 22 - June 7 (Fri/Sat/Sun)
All cast members must be available for the full performance run.
