The Lifespan of a Fact

Audition Dates: 

Oct 26 @ 7 – 9 pm
Oct 27 @ 7 – 9 pm

Callback Date:(if needed)

Oct 29 @ 7 – 9 pm

Performance Dates:

February 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 @ 8pm; February 14, 20 @ 2pm

Chapel Street Players is pleased to announce auditions for the comedy “The Lifespan of A Fact”, written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell, based on the non-fiction book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal. Director Stuart Wenger is looking for three talented actors for this comedic, and at times moving, telling of a real-life debate that took place between a writer, a fact-checker, and their editor.

Sign-in will begin at 6:30pm each night with auditions starting promptly at 7pm. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditions will be open, and the readings will be done in pairings or trios. We hope to have read-throughs and discussions in November ahead of on-stage rehearsals starting in December (after “Trouble In Mind” closes on December 12 th ). ALL CAST MEMBERS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE LOAD-IN ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 AND THE SET STRIKE ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21  . If you have any questions or can’t make the audition dates but still wish to be considered, please contact the director at wengerstuart@gmail.com.

Overview:

In this sharp media satire that explores the boundaries between fact and fiction, fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker Jim Fingal faces off against esteemed writer John D’Agata, whose new essay might be able to revitalize their fading magazine…if only he could prove its veracity. Taut, gripping, and concerned with exactly how much we can stretch the truth in pursuit of a good story, the play moves gracefully through discussions of Las Vegas geography, temporary lap dancing restrictions, and accurately portraying the fullness of a teenage boy‘s life. Under the watchful eye of their editor, Emily Penrose, Fingal and D‘Agata go head-to-head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth.

Characters (1W, 2M):

• Emily Penrose: 40s–60s, editorinchief of a highprofile Manhattan magazine. Ambitious, professional, and legally cautious, she balances commercial goals with editorial integrity, acting as the mediator (referee; adult in the room) between Jim and John.
• John D’Agata: 40s–60s, acclaimed literary essayist. Talented, creative, and proud of his work, he values beauty and narrative over strict factual accuracy. He often takes “poetic license” to shape his stories.
• Jim Fingal: Mid-20s, Harvard trained fact checker for a struggling New York magazine. Smart, earnest, rulebound, and tireless, he is driven by precision and protocol. His factchecking of D’Agata’s essay becomes an obsessive, sometimes comical, process.

Before the Audition

• Download CSP Audition Form before you show up! In order to save your time, please download the audition form, complete and bring it to the audition. ( Download Free PDF Reader ) * Copies will be available at the audition if you can not print at home.
• Please review the CSP Code of Conduct CSP Code of Conduct ensures that we not only have fun but that all feel welcome and that it is a safe environment for all. The purpose is to define accepted/acceptable behaviors, to promote high standards of practice and to establish a framework for professional behaviors and responsibilities.