Big Love
Production Information:
Directed by Nick Zagone
Synopsis: Based on Aeschylus’ The Suppliant Women from 450 BC, Big Love is still one of the most shocking plays to ever be staged. Reimagined by Charles L. Mee, Big Love is less a play than a complete theatrical experience. It is at once an art installation, a poetry slam, and a comedy with songs, ultimately culminating in an incredible over-the-top cinematically violent climax.
50 brides are being forced to marry their cousins in Greece when they escape to Italy. The grooms follow. What happens next is stunning. Big Love was one of the most produced plays of the 2000’s and resonates even more today.
Audition Information:
- Date: Thursday, August 20
- Time: 5 - 7 p.m. *Call backs after 7pm
- Location: Studio Theatre - D40, Stanislaus State
Audition Requirements:
- Please prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue.
- Dance and singing experience a plus, but not essential.
- Sides will be provided at Call-Backs.
How to Sign Up for Auditions:
Please sign up for a 5-minute audition slot
Rehearsal Dates:
Begin on Monday, August 24, and will be generally held every Monday through Friday from 6 - 9 p.m. until just before Tech week at which point rehearsals will expand.
Performance Dates:
October 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m. and October 4 & 11 at 2 p.m.
Participants must commit to all rehearsals and performance times.
Character Breakdown:
- Thyona - fierce, radical, angry, distrustful of men, betrothed to Constantine
- Olympia - opposite of Thyona, a romantic, betrothed to Oed.
- Lydia - the middle ground between her sisters. Betrothed to Nikos and the only sister who ultimately refuses to kill her husband.
- Piero - owner of the Italian manor and the attached terrace by the ocean where the play takes place. Oldest son of Bella.
- Bella - the mother of Piero. Has 13 sons.
- Constantine - misogynist, violent. Groom to Thyona.
- Oed - dopey, follows Constantine. Groom to Olympia.
- Nikos - loves Lydia.
- Eleanor - wedding guest
- Leo - wedding guest
- Giuliano - Bella’s grandson. Wears a half-wedding gown, half-tuxedo costume.
- There will also be 2 extra brides and grooms: dance and fight choreography experience a plus.
Additional Information:
The script is available in the Theatre Office D15 at Stanislaus State.
While students receive priority in casting, alumni and members of the community are welcome and encouraged to audition
Any questions or if you if you need a pdf of the script please email Nick Zagone at nzagone@csustan.edu
Mr. Burns
Production Information:
Directed by Carin Heidelbach
Synopsis: A three-act dystopian theatrical tale extending to 75 years after the apocalypse. It’s a world where pop culture, myth, and legend are all based on a TV episode of The Simpsons that revolved around the film Cape Fear. You read that right. A new take on The Theatre of the Absurd, playwright Anne Washburn asks the question, “If there was a prolonged period of no electricity, what stories would we remember and tell around the campfire? And then, what myths, religions, and fragmented operas would sprout from those stories? And disturbingly, what absurd capitalism would continue?” The New York Times lists Mr Burns: a post-electric play as one of “The 25 Best American Plays since Angels in America”.
Audition Information:
- Date: Friday, August 21
- Time: 5 - 7 p.m. *Call backs after 7pm
- Location: Studio Theatre - D40, Stanislaus State
Audition Requirements:
- Please prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue.
- Singing experience is a plus, but not essential.
- Sides will be provided at Call-Backs.
How to Sign Up for Auditions:
Please sign up for a 5-minute audition slot
Rehearsal Dates:
Begin on Monday October 19 and will be generally held every Sunday through Thursday from 6 -9 p.m. until Tech week.
Performance Dates:
December 2, 3, 4, 5, at 7:30pm and December 6 at 2 p.m.
Participants must commit to all rehearsals and performance times.
Character Breakdown:
- Matt: The newest member of the survivor group in Act I, originally from New York. He helps piece together the "Cape Feare" episode of The Simpsons. In later acts, he morphs into the role of Homer and Scratchy.
- Jenny: A no-nonsense, conservative survivor from Baltimore who values logic and information. She becomes a key writer for the acting troupe in Act II. She later plays Marge Simpson.
- Maria: A practical, original resident of the Act I camp area. She doesn't know The Simpsons as well as Matt or Jenny initially. She grows into the role of Lisa Simpson and Itchy.
- Sam: The initial leader of the survivor group who maintains order. He eventually transitions into performing as Bart Simpson and the titular Mr. Burns.
- Gibson: A thoughtful and analytical survivor who eventually tackles roles like Loving Husband, Sideshow Bob, and Homer.
- Colleen: A survivor dealing with profound loss (the death of her daughter) who pours her trauma and energy into the theater. She eventually plays Lisa Simpson.
- Quincy: One of the core survivors who takes on various ensemble and lead duties, including Bart Simpson.
- Edna Krabappel / Susannah: Ensemble members who round out the original group and contribute to both dialogue and musical elements in later acts.
Additional Information:
The script is available in the Theatre Office D15 at Stanislaus State.
While students receive priority in casting, alumni and members of the community are welcome and encouraged to audition.
For further info or questions, email Carin Heidelbach cheidelbach@csustan.edu
Updated: July 26, 2026