Created Differences
by Mercurial Theatre
Dec. 09 - Dec. 10 (2016)
The stage is a sloppy mixture of a practice room and a performance venue. Crossed wires, loose paper, and empty beer bottles litter a raised platform for the drummer. A banner reading “Rock Bottom” hangs crookedly from the ceiling, while amps and instruments line the walls facing the audience.
As the audience enters, a musician on stage strums at his guitar, finding his way through the melodies that will mark the play’s most important music. As seats are filled, he slowly pieces out the songs, finding the rhythm, changing chords, making notes of his work along the way. The rest of the band filters in as the audience does the same. Mics are checked. Monitors adjusted.
When the last of the audience has taken their seats, the lighting changes. The equipment hums to life as the singer introduces the final song of the last stop on their tour.
“This is our last song,” he begins.
The third and final show of Mercurial Theatre’s breakout inaugural season combines live music with theatrical narrative to create an entirely original experience. Created Differences showcases the feeling of watching talented Austin musicians breathe life into their art form, taking music from concept to performance, with all the pitfalls that go with it.
The story centers around Grant, the band’s lead songwriter, as he grapples with feelings of doubt, fear, and failure, while searching for inspiration and learning to navigate the band’s budding success in a crowded music scene. Action alternates between live performances on tour, and the narrative of the band’s struggle to find their voice on the road and in the studio.
Created Differences
written by Tim Olivares and Christopher Inniss
directed by Richard Anthony
assistant directors Justin West, Dan Wolff
stage manager Amber Wilson
Auditions will take place at 7 pm, Fri-Sat., December 9th & 10th at a recording studio in South Austin.
Interested actors and musicians should email auditions [AT] mercurialtheatre.com with a resume, headshot, and desired audition day. Video showcasing musical instrument, play style, and proficiency is highly encouraged. Please include any scheduling conflicts.
We will review all submissions and respond with an additional questionnaire. Sides will be provided for all characters in advance, although memorization is not at all a requirement.
Mercurial Theatre values diversity, and as such most roles are gender-neutral, so be prepared to read for any role.Actors will be required to play their own instruments for this show.
Because Mercurial Theatre believes all actors should be compensated for their time and effort, all actors will be provided a small stipend at the end of the performances.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
GRANT (Male, 20s-30s) – Main songwriter; passionate, perfectionist, a bit of a control freak. Struggling to maintain creative control while others seek to get their own voices heard.
AYLA (Female, 20s-30s) – Former girlfriend of GRANT, now in a relationship with GEOFF. Serves as a muse for GRANT, and growing frustrated with Grant’s ongoing reliance upon her for inspiration.
ROGE (20s-30s) – The “wild card.” Erratic, unstable, and destructive. Wants to live free of the constraints of rules and organization. Often escapes through drugs and alcohol.
GEOFF (20s-30s) – The “cool” one. Smooth and stylish, but not too bright. Wants to play music because it’s cool. Tends to push the band to do things that will get them better recognition rather than artistic merit.
JAY (20s-40s) – Smart statesman of the group. Knowledgeable about music theory and history. Quiet, reserved, and intelligent.
PERFORMANCES AND REHEARSALS
Performances and rehearsals will take place at Shirley’s Temple, an all-ages, DIY space located at 6910 Shirley Ave. Performance dates are tentatively scheduled for Fri-Sun, Feb 23-25, and March 2-4.
Rehearsals are scheduled for Mon-Tues from 7-10 pm, beginning January 3. Additional rehearsals may be added as needed as opening day draws closer.
