ABOUT THE PLAY – The Oldest Profession takes place in New York, just after Regan's election in 1980.
Five elderly prostitutes sit on a park bench, discussing diminishing clientele, increased competition, and
aching joints. With wit, compassion, and humor, they struggle to adjust to changing circumstances. This early
play by Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive, A Civil War Christmas), seldom performed, is an insightful and
entertaining look at the working world, aging, and friendship.
CHARACTERS
VERA: The youngest, 72. Loves the sun, Loves a good meal.
EDNA: Next in line, 74. A good time girl. Best friend of Vera. Loves her work.
LILLIAN: 75. Age has been gentle. Sure of herself, a woman of great style and great audacity.
URSULA: 79. Germanic, bossy, set and determined. Believes in rules, promotion, work ethic. Horsey and big
boned, she slumps now. Can by very crabby. Cannot stand the sound of Vera eating with loose dentures. Fond
of adages with harsh, moralistic messages.
MAE: 83. A self-made woman, a leader who finds the management of men ridiculously easy, and has
mastered the management of women as well. She looks after her girls.
AUDITIONS – These characters are all in their 70s and 80s. We’re not looking for actors only of a certain age,
but ones who can convincingly depict elderly women without falling into stereotypical behaviors.
When your audition time arrives, you’ll be called into the hall with the other members of your audition group. Please take a seat. The director will introduce herself and then assign you sides for cold readings. You will have a few minutes to look over the sides before being called to perform them. Most actors will read multiple scenes. Every attempt will be made to let you read for parts of specific interest, as noted on your audition sheet. We understand that auditions are nerve-wracking—we want you to relax, have fun, and show us what you can do.
NOTIFICATION – You will be notified, one way or another, before 5pm Monday, October 17. If you have given us an email address, we will use that to notify you. If not, we will call you at the number you have provided. Please make sure that your contact information is legible. If you have not heard from us by that time, please email
REHEARSALS – Rehearsals will generally take place at the director’s home on Wednesday or Thursday nights
at 7-10 pm, and possibly some Sunday afternoons or evenings.
CONFLICTS – Please be sure to indicate all potential conflicts on the calendar on the back of the Audition
Form. Every attempt will be made to accommodate conflicts, but once the schedule is set, it is very hard
to adjust it. If you do not have your calendar available at auditions, email with
additional conflict information.
PERFORMANCE – 8pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Unity Somerville.
FEEDBACK – We try to make our auditions as smooth and pleasant as possible. If you have comments or questions regarding the process, please speak to one of our staff, or email .
Thank you very much for auditioning for Theatre@First.