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AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT:
Nana’s Naughty Knickers
By Katherine DiSavino
Directed by Paul James
Stage Manager: Chloe Clawson
Costume Design: Lisa Haselhorst
Performance Dates: February 27, 28, March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9
AUDITIONS: Monday, January 6 & Tuesday, January 7, with callbacks, by invitation, on January 8. Please arrive at 6:00 pm, and no later than 7:00 pm, either evening with your Audition Form filled out in advance.
This is an open call—no appointment needed, and all roles are available! No monologues. Auditions will consist of cold/warm readings from the script. Please DOWNLOAD and review the perusal script to properly prepare for your audition. Be sure to have your Audition Form with you and filled out in advance.
Rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 6 pm-9:30 pm+-, starting with the full-cast read-through on Thursday, January 9. Set build Saturdays are February 8 & 15. The show utilizes a six-week rehearsal schedule leading up to tech week, which begins Saturday, February 22, and culminates with eight performances over two consecutive weekends on February 27, 28, March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 with a brush-up rehearsal on March 5.
The Story: What happens when a sweet grandmother hides a saucy secret? Bridget is spending the summer with her sweet, lovable grandmother, Sylvia, in her charming New York City apartment. But what Bridget expects to be a quiet, peaceful summer quickly spirals into chaotic hilarity when she discovers that Nana is running an illegal lingerie business out of her rent-controlled apartment! Catering to a colorful clientele of senior citizens who crave a little spice in their wardrobes, Sylvia’s underground business is her pride and joy. With nosy neighbors, a persistent landlord bent on eviction, and an oblivious young cop keeping an eye on things, Sylvia must use all her wit and charm to keep her enterprise afloat—and under wraps.
The heart of the play lies in the generational clash between Bridget, the strait-laced law school hopeful, and her mischievous, entrepreneurial Nana. As Bridget tries to comprehend her grandmother’s wild business, she finds herself reluctantly pulled into Sylvia’s schemes, learning that life can’t always be about rules and structure—sometimes you need a little naughty to keep things fun.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS: Age ranges are flexible and fluid and represent stage ages only.
Sylvia Charles (Nana)
A sharp, witty woman in her early eighties who lives life with the energy and mischievous spirit of someone half her age. Sylvia has spent 60 years in her rent-controlled New York City apartment, where she now secretly runs an underground lingerie business called “Saucy Slips, Etc.” Despite her age, Sylvia is a risk-taker and a clever entrepreneur, resourcefully balancing her business with the ever-watchful eye of her landlord. She may act elderly, but she is anything but frail—always one step ahead of everyone around her, including her granddaughter and landlord. Sylvia’s charm, quick thinking, and sometimes zany antics make her the vibrant center of the story. Age range: Actors in their 50’s, 60s and older are encouraged to audition. (Must be able to convincingly portray a spry and energetic Late-70’s/Early 80’s character).
Bridget Charles
Bridget is Sylvia’s 20-something granddaughter, a bright and ambitious young woman about to begin law school. Initially, Bridget is completely unaware of her grandmother’s secret life and is shocked when she discovers that Sylvia is operating an illegal lingerie business. Bridget is the moral center of the story, or at least she tries to be! At first, she disapproves and is bewildered by her grandmother’s actions, but as the play progresses, Bridget becomes caught up in Sylvia’s world, helping her Nana keep her business running and out of sight from the landlord. Her journey through the play brings out her adventurous side as she learns that life isn’t as black-and-white as the law books would have her believe. Age range: 20s to 30s.
Vera Walters
Vera, Sylvia’s best friend and loyal sidekick, is the quintessential sharp-tongued, quick-witted elder, and a firecracker of a woman who brings a double dose of humor to the show. Equipped with two hearing aids and a collapsible walker, Vera might seem frail, but don’t be fooled—her mischief and energy rival those half her age. She’s a master of the deadpan zinger, and her sarcastic humor never fails to land. Despite her physical limitations, Vera is always ready to jump into the fray and assist Sylvia with her schemes, making her a feisty, lovable, and unforgettable character. With her quick comebacks, sharp tongue, and zany antics, Vera is the perfect sidekick in Sylvia’s naughty business. She might rely on a walker, but her energy is anything but limited. Age range: Actors in their 50’s, 60s and older are encouraged to audition. (Must be able to convincingly portray a 70-80 year-old character who is still full of unbridled energy despite her physical limitations.)
Tom O’Grady
Tom is the fresh-faced, optimistic neighborhood cop assigned to Sylvia’s beat. He’s new to the job, friendly, and as clueless as they come, particularly when it comes to Sylvia’s schemes. He’s got a heart of gold and a crush on Bridget, but his sweet, trusting nature means he’s completely oblivious to the fact that Sylvia is breaking the law right under his nose. Tom’s innocence provides much of the comedic tension as he gets unwittingly drawn into the madness around him, never quite catching on to what’s happening under his nose. Age range: 20s to 30s.
Gil Schmidt
Gil is the new landlord and the son-in-law of Sylvia’s previous landlord, who is now deceased. In his 60s, Gil is far less forgiving than his predecessor, and he is fixated on getting Sylvia out of her rent-controlled apartment, which bring in far less rent than what he feels is fair. Determined to evict her, Gil constantly tries to catch Sylvia in a violation of the lease, searching for any excuse to get rid of her. He is uptight, methodical, and money-driven, providing a perfect foil for Sylvia’s free-spirited nature. Gil is portrayed as rigid and unyielding, representing the gentrification of the city and the loss of its old-world charm. In the end, his ego takes quite a tumble in a most comedic way. Age range: Actors in their 50’s, 60s and older are encouraged to audition.
Heather Van Pree
Heather is a bold, confident, and ambitious young woman in her 20s, working for “Saucy Lips,” a company that sells risqué, racy lingerie that’s far more provocative and tawdry than Sylvia’s more discreet line of products. When Heather shows up at Sylvia’s apartment, she’s on the hunt for boxes of sexy lingerie mistakenly delivered to “Saucy Slips, Etc.” due to the similarity in company names. With her provocative wardrobe and fierce attitude, Heather is unapologetically self-assured, using her job as a stepping stone to further her modeling career. Her brash demeanor and the wildly contrasting style of her company clash hilariously with Sylvia’s quirky, secretive business, adding chaos to the already unpredictable world of Sylvia’s apartment. Heather’s over-the-top presence and single-minded focus heighten the comic tension as she threatens to inadvertently expose Sylvia’s operation. Age range: 20s to 30s.
Clair
Clair is a woman in her mid-60s, and one of Sylvia’s most devoted and daring clients. Despite her outward appearance as a refined and proper lady, Clair has an adventurous side that thrives in Sylvia’s underground lingerie business. Her character embodies the humor and charm of the show, revealing that even the most unassuming individuals can have a wild streak. Clair’s interactions with Sylvia are filled with comedic moments, as she navigates the absurdity of her secret shopping habits with a mix of excitement and discretion. Loyal to Sylvia, Clair adds depth to the quirky clientele that keeps the business running, proving that age is no barrier to mischief. Age range: Actors in their 50’s/60s and older are encouraged to audition.
Voice (Male or Female)
The “Voice” is a disembodied character, often heard over the intercom at the front desk. The “Voice” is sarcastic and perpetually bored with their job, adding a dry sense of humor to the play. The sarcastic quips and jaded attitude serve as a contrast to the chaos that is happening in Sylvia’s world. While the “Voice” has minimal stage presence, the voice adds to the comedic timing of key moments in the show. The actor who plays “Voice” may also double as the UPS Man/Woman (below) and will play additional and important roles backstage with some of the set surprises. Age range: Flexible.
UPS Man
A recurring figure, the UPS Man regularly delivers packages to Sylvia’s apartment. He is portrayed as somewhat charming but also a little lonely, unaware of the significance of the deliveries he’s making. His interactions with Sylvia are often played for laughs, as his unassuming nature makes him the perfect foil for the craziness going on inside the apartment. The actor playing this character may also play the “Voice” and fulfill other important roles backstage with some of the set surprises. Age range: Flexible.
UPS Man/Woman
The second UPS delivery person is strong, silent, and provides a contrast to the more affable UPS Man. Though a smaller role, this role’s presence helps to build the comedic rhythm of the play. The actor playing this character may also play the “Voice” and fulfill other important roles backstage with some of the set surprises. Age range: Flexible.
This production is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatrical.
AUDITION DATES for our 2025 Season Shows:
Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike
March 24 & 25
Always…Patsy Cline
June 9 & 10
Fiddler on the Roof
September 15 & 16
Theatre Location for Auditions
St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre
One St. Peters Centre Blvd.
St. Peters, MO 63376
The Performing Arts Theatre is in the City Hall building, Western(far right) most building at the opposite end from the Rec-Plex. Act Two Theatre performs in St. Peters to one of the largest average audiences of local St. Louis area theatre companies. Each show runs for 8 performances with attendance numbers ranging between 1500-2400 per show run. Act Two’s loyal, large and enthusiastic season ticket subscriber base allows many to receive the gift, joy and magic of live theatre that our talented actors, directors, tech crew and volunteers create.
About Act Two Theatre:
2025 marks Act Two Theatre’s 32nd Anniversary Season. We are proud to present another year of high-quality theatre in St. Peters, Missouri. We are located in the beautiful 318-seat Performing Arts Theater at the St. Peters City Hall Cultural Arts Centre, adjacent to the Rec-Plex. The theater has comfortable seating and a terrific stage!
Act Two Theatre performs to one of the largest average audiences as compared to other local St. Louis area theatre companies. Except for the Muny, Fox and Stages no other professional, regional or community theatre company boasts a larger following. Act Two’s loyal, large and enthusiastic season ticket subscriber base allows many to share in the joy and magic of live theatre that our talented actors, directors, tech crew and volunteers create.
