This month the Vortex Theater (2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE) is auditioning actors for five roles that will test the comedic and dramatic acting chops of aspiring Albuquerque thespians.
Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, Clyde’s takes place in a Pennsylvania truckstop staffed entirely by workers who have all spent some time behind bars. As any American kitchen, the employees spend their shift daydreaming about the perfect sandwich and dodging the watchful eye of their boss – the titular Clyde who takes no mess and keeps her staff in line with a wit like fire and gasoline.
Here are the roles up for grabs:
Characters:
Clyde: Black Woman (30s – 40s). She’s a gambler and the queen of a rundown truck stop. “Imagine the woman version of Lou Gossett Jr, in the movie An Officer and a Gentleman, harsh, hilarious, tough, with a side of vulnerability — but don’t cross her.”
Montrellous: Black Man (40s – mid-50s). He’s a transcendental thinker who served time for good reason. “Montrellous is a kind, working class, caring type of man we want to protect at all costs. He has a good sense of humor, but at the same time he is a modern Buddha and a light in the dark for the young people he works with.”
Rafael: Latinx (20s) Formerly incarcerated, recovering addict and a wild romantic. “He is madly in love with Letitia, and he’s a bit of a nerd about it. He’s funny, he’s fun and playful. The actor who portrays Rafael has great comedic timing and lots of energy.”
Leticia: Black/Latinx (20’s). She’s streetwise with a sharp tongue but takes her job seriously. “She wants to follow in Montrellous’ footsteps. As a true romantic, what Leticia wants most is a partner she can rely on, who truly cares for her. Is that person Rafael?”
Jason: White (late 20’s to early 30’s). He’s a working-class racist, covered in tattoos, but he’s funny. “Jason is a formerly brainwashed, white supremacist trying to wake up. This role requires an actor with comedic chops and thick skin.”
If you plan to try out, you might want to study up on your sides — selections from the script — and be prepared to describe your favorite sandwich, and how you’d make it. After all, you’re gonna be playing someone who knows their way around a kitchen.
Sides are available here.
Rehearsals begin April 1, and production dates are May 16 through June 8. If you have questions contact Marya Errin Jones at clydesvortex@gmail.com or call the Vortex Theater at 505-247-8600.
You can reserve an audition here.
Auditions: Clyde’s at the Vortex
Feb. 15
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vortex Theatre
2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE