The Cremation of Sam McGee
by Cardboard Cinema Productions
May. 29 - Jun. 05 (2021)
Video auditions invited for a role in The Cremation of Sam McGee. Based off the poem by Robert W. Service, this 10-minute play adapted by Cassidy Ochs explores the relationship between two prospectors, Donald and Sam, as the natural elements of the Yukon grow to overwhelm them physically and mentally.
The roles being auditioned are:
Donald (M, 30s-40s) - An experienced prospector, well-acquainted with the cold and harsh terrain.
Sam (M, 20s-30s) - The less experienced of the two prospectors, somewhat characterized by naivety and wanderlust.
Auditions open on May 29th, 2021 and run through June 5th.
The script is roughly 10-minutes in length.
The rehearsal process will be four 2-hour rehearsals followed by a filmed staged reading.
This production will be a part of Cardboard Cinema Productions' Summer Staged Reading Series. These roles are not paid and are non-equity. This production will be directed by Brandon Lindsey.
The audition sides are below. You are welcome to audition for both roles.
The expectation of the actors is to attend 2 rehearsals via Zoom and 2 in-person rehearsals, as well as the in-person performance.
Rehearsal Schedule:
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July 19th, 6:30pm-9:00pm, via Zoom
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July 21st, 6:30pm-9:00pm, via Zoom
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July 26th, 6:30pm-9:00pm, in-person. Rehearsal location TBA.
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July 28th, 6:30pm-9:00pm, in-person. Rehearsal location TBA.
The performance will take place on July 31st, the location is TBA.
In your audition video:
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Please slate with your name and which character you are auditioning for.
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Please provide a 1-minute reflection on the poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee." Much of the rehearsal process will be on translating the poetry into the characters. This reflection can be how the poem made you feel, what imagery stands out to you, or how you think it might influence the characters in the sides below.
To submit audition material:
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Record your audition piece.
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Make sure the recording is in mp4. format before sending.
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Email CCPro @ cardboardcinemaproductions@gmail.com with the following attached:
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Your resume
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Your most recent headshot
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Your audition piece as an attached file. If the file is too large, you may send a link via Google Drive.
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In the subject line, please write your name followed by "Auditions for Sam McGee."
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Character Sides:
Donald speaks the excerpt as if it were a memory.
Donald:
(An exerpt from the poem)
There are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales that would make your blood run cold; The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, but the queerest they ever did see was the night on the marge of Lake Labarge I-
(To Sam)
-the dogs are all feed and chained up for the night.
(Looking up, admiring the sky)
It’s a nice sky out tonight. Almost as if God made it just for us as a little Christmas present. Damn, sure is pretty.
Sam realizes he is dying and does not want to die
Sam:
Donald, I’m going to tell you something and I want you just listen to what I say.
[Starts into a coughing fit again. Donald moves to help him, but Sam holds his hand up to say no.]
I’ve been freezing cold ever since I stepped off the train, I feel like my bones are frozen solid and I don’t know how much longer I can take it. I don’t want the ice to be my final resting place, I’d sooner shove toothpicks under my fingernails than be buried out here. So for my last request, I want you to cremate my remains. Can you promise me that you’ll do that? I need you to promise me that you’ll do that.
