The Privilege of Being Second
By Eric Satterfield & David Nonemaker
Directed by Eric Satterfield
Prison Performing Arts will hold non-Equity in-person auditions for a new play entitled The Privilege of Being Second on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 3333 Washington Avenue, Suite 203-B, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103.
Auditions will be held from 6:30-9:30 pm. Auditions slots are 15 minutes. Actors interested in auditioning should email a resume and headshot to: eric@prisonartsstl.org. Also include your three preferred audition times (between 6:30 and 9:15pm). Actors auditioning must be 18 years or older.
You will then receive an email containing your assigned audition time and audition sides. There is no need to bring printed copies with you to audition.
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, July 24, and will be held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings. Tech will be Oct. 1-4. Performances will be October 5-8 at 3333 Washington Avenue. Performance stipend is $500.00
The Privilege of Being Second: In a gripping dystopian tale, society is governed by a chilling rule: second born children are forcibly taken by the government. Within this bleak world, Reese Winter, a second born, has spent his life concealed within the confines of his home, shielded from a fate he dreads. However, as he nears adulthood, an insurmountable desire awakens within him, accompanied by seemingly unattainable dreams. Yet, lurking beneath the surface lies a family secret that holds the power to shatter the oppressive status quo and change everything. In this riveting tale, the resilience of the human spirit intertwines with a dystopian reality, weaving a suspenseful story that explores sacrifice, hope, and the power of truth.
PLEASE NOTE: This production contains explicit language, mature themes, and references to suicide ideation.
Actors of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Character Descriptions (Please note that we will be holding auditions for the roles of REESE and WYATT. Other roles have already been cast.)
Reese Winter - Male, 17 years old: The youngest son of John and Camille Winter. Reese carries the weight of his sheltered upbringing, which has left him emotionally stunted and struggling with immaturity. He yearns for a freedom that seems perpetually out of reach. As an artist, he pours his emotions into his work, channeling his deep-seated depression into a creative outlet that offers solace and an escape from the constraints of his existence.
Wyatt Winter - Male, 18 years old: As Reese's older brother and confidant, Wyatt embodies a unique blend of maturity and youthful spirit. Having experienced a comparatively freer upbringing, Wyatt stands at a pivotal crossroad - torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing inclination to unburden himself from the weight of their shared secret. A steadfast companion to Reese, he shares a deep bond of brotherhood and serves as a beacon of support as they navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives.
Prison Performing Arts is a multi-discipline, literacy and performing arts program dedicated to enriching the lives of youth and adults in Missouri’s criminal and juvenile justice systems. We foster individual and social change by providing incarcerated adults, justice-involved youth, and returning citizens with opportunities to participate in the arts as artists, students, and audience members. Participants learn creative and constructive ways to express emotions, build trust, and work in collaboration with one another. Our programs aim to improve literacy and communication skills, instill responsibility to self and others, and to promote non-violent expression of emotion.
PPA’s Alumni Theatre Company, one of the only prison alumni theatre companies in the United States, is currently made up of former inmates now living in the St. Louis area who worked with PPA while incarcerated. This program provides kinship, stability and a creative outlet as members re-establish themselves in the community.