Audition for "The Santaland Diaries"

For the first time since 2002, we are holding auditions for our insanely popular holiday production, David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries.  Auditions are Tuesday, October 9 from 6-8 pm at Asheville Community Theatre.  All audition material is provided, so really, there's no reason not to come.

Yesterday, we caught up with director Betsy Puckett (who you may know as Augusta Wind on the LaZoom Tours or as one of the founding members of the all-female sketch comedy troupe LYLAS or from her numerous onstage roles at ACT).

Betsy, who's the perfect person to fill those curled toed shoes?
First of all, it's someone who's had a lot of life experience.  He's comfortable in his body and can express comedy from head to toe.  He's someone who can think on his feet, who's interested in a collaborative process, who is excited to try new things.  This should be someone with plenty of personalities and characters rolling around in his head - the more the merrier!  It could be someone with a background in sketch, or stand up, or just someone whose family thinks they're funny!

Rhymes with sunny: Director Betsy Puckett
Photo by Karri Brantley

Does he like romantic candle-lit dinners and walks on the beach?
Ha ha ha - why not?  Who wouldn't want to stroll along the seashore in candy cane striped tights?

What else should a potential auditionee need to know?
This script is by David Sedaris, who is a brilliant writer.  When Sedaris just stands behind a podium and reads his words, it's hilarious.  So trust the script.  I'm going to be there as a "tour guide of sorts" - yes, my quotes - and together we're going to have fun!