Actor sought for play that portrays Vermont’s assisted suicide law in practice

Jan. 13, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout  

Rob Merman. Courtesy photo

Pushcart Productions announces open auditions on Saturday, Feb. 4, for a lead male actor in a new play titled “Act 39” written by Circus Smirkus founder Rob Mermin. 

Open auditions for the paid role will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier.

Directed by Monica Callan and produced at the Haybarn Theater at Goddard College in Plainfield, “Act 39” is scheduled to be on stage in June. 

The play is described as “a heartfelt story based on true events.” The role to be filled by these auditions is for the character, Rob, played by a male actor, 50-60 years old. 

Rob and the other main character, Bill, are two older bachelors and best friends who live in neighboring apartments. They play catch, tell stories, drink beer, and banter about life, love, women, magic, metaphysics, circus, and films.

Bill is diagnosed with terminal cancer and asks Rob to help him end his life when he is ready by utilizing Act 39 – Vermont’s medical aid in dying law. The synopsis asks: What do you do when your best friend, dying of cancer, asks you to help end his life?  

A humorous and soulful story, the play exposes the vulnerability of the human spirit when facing mortality head-on.  

Information for actors interested in the role: Rob’s character is 50-60s in age, athletic, playful and expressive, with a philosophical bent and nonconventional ideas, though occasional bouts of doubt and melancholy cloud his enthusiasm. Recently diagnosed with a medical condition, he observes his almost unperceivable tremors with curiosity. 

The production is looking for a good storyteller who’s able to learn and execute basic magic tricks.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare and bring to the audition a short, comedic piece. The audition also will involve reading from the play, and sides will be available ahead of time. 

To make an appointment for an audition time slot, receive audition materials, and for any questions, contact Donny Osman at donnyosman8@gmail.com or call 802-522-7775. 

Additionally, anyone interested in auditioning but unable to make the Feb. 4 date should email to see if other arrangements can be made.