Website handbagtheater Hell in a Handbag Productions
Chicago's campiest and most ridiculous queer theater
Hell in a Handbag Productions is seeking actors for our upcoming remount of David Cerda’s 1999 Chicago fringe favorite, Joan Crawford Goes to Hell directed by Cheryl Snodgrass.
This production is a ridiculous romp exploring the life of Hollywood legend Joan Crawford through campy parody and scathing satire. After passing away, Joan finds herself in Hell, where she meets the Devil and is forced to view her life through the eyes of Christina Crawford, author of the infamous tell-all book, Mommie Dearest. Due to the scale of the story, we are seeking three actors to portray different versions of Joan throughout the production.
Material to Prepare:
A side will be provided but feel free to prepare a favorite scene from Mommie Dearest or a Joan Crawford film to showcase your best Joan personality.
Actors unable to attend July 3 can submit a video or book July 7 if needed.
Time Commitment:
Rehearsals begin 07/20, and generally run Monday-Thursday, 7pm-10pm, and Saturdays 11:00am-3:00pm.
Dates are as follows: Tech/Load in August 14, Tech August 15, 16, Dress August 17-20
Previews: August 21, 22, 23, 28 Opens: August 29
Runs: Thru September 27 with possible 1 week extension
Character Type/Restrictions:
Please note- we are seeking performers familiar with the camp/parody/ridiculous comedy style. Go big or go home!
Child Christina Crawford/various roles: 5 years- 10 years. Any race or gender. 18- 30 (no kids please). She starts out adorable and innocent but soon becomes Joan's biggest adversary. Petite is idea but we're open to all sizes. Must have wicked comic timing.
Carol Ann/Various Roles: 30 plus- Any gender or race. Joan's trusted and slavishly devoted maid/personal secretary. Carol Ann is actually an amalgamation of various secretaries and maids that served Joan. Carol Ann would lie on top of a grenade for Joan.
Joan Crawford (Understudy): Are you a Mommie Dearest Joan or a real Joan?: 25- 60 Any gender or race. Seeking confident, actors that can make strong, melodramatic choices and go from heartbreaking to horrible in seconds.
Must be comfortable wearing heels and stunning gowns.
Ensemble and various Understudies: Seek all types various characters in the show and understudies that can play multiple .
To apply for this job email your details to handbagproductions@gmail.com