Audition Notice

Perfect Arrangement is set in Washington DC in 1950. This is a time of great challenge in the United States. New colours are being added to the Red Scare. Two US State Department workers: Bob Martindale and Norma Baxter have been tasked to identify sexual deviants within their colleagues. There’s just one problem: Bob and Norma are gay and have married each other’s partners as a cover for their real relationships.

The play appears initially as a 1950’s sitcom however as the plot becomes more complex it challenges the couples to decide which lines they will cross and where their loyalties lie.

It is essential that Bob, Jim, Norma and Millie can all ‘pass’ as heterosexual and respectable for 1950’s America. American accents will be needed for all cast– however we may be able to get some support with this if needed. There is a requirement for some kissing.

I have most of the crew assembled but if you are particularly interested in working backstage please contact me.

BLT actively encourages auditionees from ethnic minority communities and any of the parts could be played by any race.

You do not have to be a member of the company to audition, but if you are cast you must join.

Characters

Bob Martindale - WW2 veteran, reserved a bit bookish but solid man’s man. Good humoured and well-mannered. 30’s / 40’s

Millie Martindale - Bob’s wife. Plays the ‘ditzy wife’ when people are around but actually very observant and quick witted. Clever enough to maintain the act. Late 20’s/30’s

Norma Baxter - Knowing, efficient and classy dame. Secretary at the state department but could just as easily be Secretary of State. Wise woman, great with wisecrack and level-headed in a bind. 30’s

Jim Baxter - Norma’s husband. A prankster type always ready with a comeback. A high school teacher with lots of energy. A little wired, good with a plan. Mid 20’s early 30’s

Theodore Sunderson - The boss. Bombastic, loud overbearing. Patriotic windbag. Old school sense of what is appropriate. 40’s-50’s

Kittie Sunderson - Ted’s wife. Legitimately dizzy. Brain seems to work on a different wave length to everyone else. Sweet, genuine but doesn’t seem to quite “get it”. 40’s – 50’s

Barbara Grant - A formidable opponent. No-nonsense, beautiful, brilliant, fearless and a little ‘scary’. 40’s