BY SANDY RUSTIN
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Set in 1923 England, Sandy Rustin's romantic farce is a Noël Coward-inspired comedy of manners centered on a cascading web of extramarital affairs.
The play opens with Sylvia Van Kipness and Beau at their annual countryside rendezvous. Sylvia, tired of secrecy, sends a telegram to both her husband, Clarke, and Beau's wife, Marjorie, exposing their year-long affair and demanding they start a new life.
The situation spirals into chaos with the arrival of the uninvited spouses, only to reveal an even bigger shock: Clarke and Marjorie are also having a long-standing affair.
As secrets and alliances shift among the six characters (including Marjorie's sister, Dierdre), the group must navigate their entangled betrayals through witty banter and physical comedy (including a prop porcupine). Ultimately, the characters embrace a liberated, non-traditional arrangement, rejecting rigid societal expectations in favor of a chaotic but honest resolution that questions the meaning of love and marriage.
​Director
Joshua Scott
Stage Manager
TBD
The Cast.
SYLVIA VAN KIPNESS— A “lovely and rash romantic”. Feminine, yet strong-willed, Sylvia's attempts at true love leave her frustrated and ever hopeful for a shocking turn of events. BRITISH RP ACCENT.
* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion when touch is not needed.)
* This role also requires moments of physical violence (slapping)
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BEAU — “Perhaps the best looking man in Britain” Logical to the point of pessimism. Beau is the type of fellow quite happy with the status quo, no matter what the status quo may be. BRITISH RP ACCENT.
* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)
​MARJORIE— EXTREMELY PREGNANT (8 Months), pragmatic and a tad spicy. Unflappable in every sense of the word. Unless of course, she's in labor. BRITISH RP ACCENT.
* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)
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CLARKE — Distinguished gent with a lover’s spirit. Always aiming to please, Clarke's kind-heartedness may lead others to take him for a fool. BRITISH RP ACCENT.
* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)
DIERDRE — An awfully pretty, sometimes wise, nincompoop. Gullible is Diedre's middle name. She's awfully sweet though, if you like that sort of thing. Surprisingly capable of unexpected clarity and insight. BRITISH ACCENT (RP/WORKING CLASS)
* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)
* This role also requires moments of physical violence (falling, slapping, fainting) and handling/use of a prop gun
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RICHARD — A “murderous, yet gentle soul.” Born to be half of a soul-mated duo, Richard is hell-bent on finding and keeping his true love (no matter what). BRITISH ACCENT (RP/WORKING CLASS)
* This role requires moments of physical intimacy (kissing, intimate touch, moments of romantic chemistry/passion.)
* This role requires handling/use of a prop gun
Female, 20-40s, any ethnicity
Male, 20-40s, any ethnicity
Female, 20-40s, any ethnicity
Male, 20-40s, any ethnicity
Female, 20-30s, any ethnicity
Male, 30-40s, any ethnicity
The Performances.
Thursday, July 30th
Friday, July 31st
Saturday, August 1st
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
​Thursday, August 6th
Friday, August 7th
Saturday, August 8th​
Saturday, August 8th​
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
2:00 pm
7:30 pm
​​Thursday, August 13th
Friday, August 14th​
Saturday, August 15th​
7:30pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
The Rehearsals.
REHEARSALS Monday through Thursday beginning June 22nd.
TECH REHEARSALS:
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LOAD IN Sunday, July 26th 1 - 11 pm
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TECH REHEARSALS July 27-29 from 5 to 11 pm.
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The Auditions.
AUDITION DATE June 2, 2026 from 6:15pm - 8:15pm @ The Electric Theatre - Lower Level
*Video Submissions will be accepted for those unable to attend in person.
CALLBACKS By invitation only TBD
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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
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Prepare 30 seconds to 1 minute comedic monologue.
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Choose a monologue that highlights your characterization, emotional depth, and storytelling.
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Fill out the online form found HERE: AUDITION FORM LINK
CALLBACKS - (by invitation only)
Callbacks may include:
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Cold Readings from the show
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Ensemble work
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Light movement work (no dance prep needed)
​Please know that The Stage Door insists on providing a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Auditioning, participating, and casting is open to all and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
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We are committed to providing a safe and creative environment for artistic expression.
“THE COTTAGE" is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Publishing Service (DPS).