Lost in Yonkers - Audition Request

"Lost in Yonkers" Audition Sign-up
Please use this form to show your interest in auditioning for one of the available roles for "Lost in Yonkers" by Neil Simon, and directed by Tara Althaus. Auditions will be held at The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th Street, Toledo. Auditioners should enter the parking lot Stage Door to check in. Casting requirements are 2 boys (13-18), 2 men (30s-40s) and 3 women (2 ea. 20s-30s, 1 60’s-older). All auditioners will be considered.

Audition dates are Nov. 23-24 (callbacks on the 25th if needed). No memorized monologues are needed. Auditioners will be asked to read from sides provided. They may also be asked to do cold readings from the script and some physical movement. Rehearsals start Monday, December 1, (read through) at 6:30 PM at the Toledo Rep lobby. The play runs Feb. 20 - March 1, 2025.
SHOW SUMMARY

Lost in Yonkers

Set in 1942 in Yonkers, New York - Lost In Yonkers is a poignant play by Neil Simon that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and generational trauma through the experiences of two brothers, Arty and Jay Kurnitz, following their mother’s death from cancer. We explore their adjustment to living with their stern grandmother in Yonkers while their father, Eddie, seeks employment to pay off a crippling debt. Arty, a bright but timid 13-year-old, is contrasted with his older brother Jay, who is more assertive and desperate to protect their father's interests, believing that enduring their grandmother's harshness is necessary for their family's survival. Lost In Yonkers reveals profound themes of resilience, interrupted childhood, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion-conscious casting are the lifeblood of theatre. As such, we encourage, enable, and celebrate all people auditioning to consider the character that speaks to them, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or attractionality, national origin, adult age, disability, and/or genetic information.
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I am available at the following time (check ALL that apply to help arrange groups for reading). I acknowledge that I will be contacted for a specific audition timeslot after my request has been received. (If callbacks are needed, it will happen Wednesday, November 25.)*

Sunday November 23, 1:00-2:00 pmSunday November 23, 2:00-3:00 pmMonday November 24, 6:00-7:00 pmMonday November 24, 7:00-8:00 pm
I am interested in auditioning for the following role(s).*

Grandma Kurnitz - Female, Age: 70s; Skill: Actor must be able to do or be willing to learn a German accent. The matriarch, a German immigrant, embodies a strict and unforgiving nature, stemming from a difficult past. Her harsh parenting style has left lasting scars on her children, creating a tense and emotionally stunted family dynamic. She argues that she treats her children this way in order to teach them to survive in life, even if this means sacrificing their happiness in order to do so. She represents the harsh realities of survival and the impact of generational trauma.Jay - Male, Age: 15; Jay is a 15-year-old Jewish boy from Brooklyn who is more academically inclined than and feels responsible for his younger brother Arty. He is often naive and misguided in his attempts to show his maturity but ultimately tries to be a good role model for Arty. He is loving to his family, but also gutsy and desperate to protect his father's interests. Jay is afraid of his grandmother—feelings shared by all members of the family.Arthur - Male, Age: 13; Arty is a 13-year-old Jewish boy from Brooklyn, New York and the younger brother of Jay. He is bright, honest, and funny but somewhat timid. Arty is more observant and often goes with the flow, but also demonstrates a childish side. Arty is much more inclined to make jokes when he is nervous or as a coping mechanism. He looks to Jay for approval, but develops his own opinions about his family’s situation.Bella - Female, Age: mid-30s; Jay and Arty's aunt is portrayed as loving and kind but mentally arrested. Bella has a tendency to make little to no logical sense when holding a conversation, jumping back and forth between the present and previous experiences and getting overwhelmed with what is happening in the moment. She yearns for love and connection, dreaming of creating her own family. Her childlike behavior and emotional vulnerability stem from her mother's coldness and lack of affection.Louie - Male, Age: 30/40s; Grandma's eldest son is a flamboyant, jovial uncle who is involved with the mob. He is portrayed as a survivor, but also exhibits a volatile temper and some of his mother's cruelty. He acts as the boys’ male authority figure while their father is gone. Louie is smooth-talking, erratic, and clearly mixed up in some crooked schemes.Eddie - Male, Age: 30/40s; Eddie, the father of Arty and Jay, recently lost his wife to cancer and now finds himself with a massive amount of debt. This forces him to leave for 10 months to earn money to pay off his debts, leaving his boys with his mother and his sister, Bella. He is described as being a loving father to his sons and is an emotional, sensitive man, tearing up and crying on multiple occasions. He resents his mother for how she treated him and his siblings growing up. Eddie never accepts any form of charity, so begging his brutal mother to care for his children is an act of severe desperation.Gert - Female, Age: 30/40s; Jay and Arty's aunt, experiences difficulty speaking due to a childhood trauma inflicted by their grandmother never allowing her to cry. This breathing tic, which causes her to suck in her breath in the middle of her sentences, is a physical manifestation of the psychological damage caused by Grandma Kurnitz. Gertrude acts as the referee between siblings, particularly for Bella and Louie, and is arguably the closest sibling to Bella.
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I agree to allow my image to be used for publicity, production and promotional photos representing both the play in which I am cast and The Toledo Repertoire Theatre.*

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I understand that I give up all rights to compensation or remuneration for any such photos, and all photos and publicity materials become the property of The Toledo Repertoire Theatre or the photographer with whom it contracts.*

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If cast, I agree to participate in strike (dismantling the set and cleanup of the stage) following the final performance.*

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I acknowledge that I will be auditioning at The Toledo Rep in person. I will perform a wellness check at home prior to arrival and will contact the Rep to determine an alternative audition format in the event that I am displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. If required I will wear a mask that covers my nose and mouth at all times except when performing my official audition.*

I accept the above statement
I acknowledge that the production will take place in person at The Toledo Repertoire Theatre on February 20-21 and February 27-28 at 7:30 pm and February 22, 28 and March 1 at 2:00 pm. Additional requirements of the role I am auditioning for will be discussed by the director at the time of my audition.*

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Rehearsals will begin December 1, 2025. Please list below dates and times of any conflicts you have with weekday evening rehearsals or weekend rehearsals (note, we do not need information on why, simply dates and times that you are unavailable).*
How did you hear about this audition?*

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"Lost in Yonkers" Audition Sign-up