The Sweetest Swing in Baseball

By Rebecca Gilman

Directed by Lennox Forrester

The Sweetest Swing in Baseball is a vibrant play that straddles the line between comedy and drama, written by the highly talented (and current Wisconsinite) Rebecca Gilman. This theatrical piece centers around the character Dana Fielding, a talented but troubled artist battling with alcoholism, a fading career, and mental health issues. Using a unique combination of drama and comedy, the play offers an examination of the art world, identity, and the American healthcare system. This play contains themes of suicide, alcoholism, and dissociative identity disorder.

Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St. , Madison

Performances: March 15-23, 2024

Performance Times:
Fri, Mar 15th '24 - 7:30pm
Sat, Mar 16th '24 - 7:30pm
Sun, Mar 17th '24 - 2:00pm
Thu, Mar 21st '24 - 7:30pm
Fri, Mar 22nd '24 - 7:30pm
Sat, Mar 23rd '24 - 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: $25.00

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

12/11/2023
12/12/2023

Preparation
Please consider arriving early to fill out an audition form and conflict calendar.
Please be prepared with all conflicts between January 1st and March 23rd.
Auditions will consist of provided cold readings from the script.
Dress comfortably to move.
No headshots required.
No acting resume required.
No monologues.

Additional Details
Auditions will be open and in person.
All auditionees will be contacted regardless of being cast.
All participants will be required to sign and follow Madison Theatre Guild's Anti-Harassment Policy prior to participating.

Characters
Dana - Mid 30s to Early 40s - A struggling painter who experiences a breakdown after her latest art show fails and finds herself in a psychiatric hospital. She is sharp, self-deprecating, and at times, deeply vulnerable.
* We are looking for a woman of color to play Dana Fielding

Roy/Gary
Roy - Mid 40s – Well meaning in an entirely selfish way. Dana’s (soon to be ex) boyfriend, also an artist.
Gary - 30s – Totally normal looking, definitely hasn’t tried to kill a news anchor.

Rhonda/Dr. Stanton
Rhonda - Late 40s to mid 50s – Gallery owner, Dana’s art dealer.
Dr. Stanton - 50s – Runs the ward, a motherly figure.

Brian/Michael
Brian - Early to mid 20s– The Art World’s new Golden Boy.
Michael - 20s to 30s – An alcoholic in recovery for the second time. Baseball fan.

Erica/Dr. Gilbert
Erica - Mid 20s to early 30s – Rhonda’s assistant. Dana’s biggest cheerleader.
Dr. Gilbert - Late 20s to mid 30s – Dana’s psychologist at the ward, caring but firm.

The cast will consist of five actors with the doubling of Roy/Gary, Rhonda/Dr. Stanton, Erica/Dr. Gilbert, and Brian/Michael. 

All actors will be considered for all doubled roles. Dana can be played by any type of woman. We seek to practice inclusive casting.

Audition Requirements
Please consider arriving early to fill out an audition form and conflict calendar.
A fillable audition form can be downloaded here.

The role of Dana Fielding has been pre-cast.

Understudies
We are open to casting understudies for all characters - These are individuals that will only need to be called upon in case of a COVID case within the cast.

Questions
Please do not hesitate to ask any/all questions you may have!
You may email forresterlennox@gmail.com with any questions/comments/concerns/requests.

Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin in January.
Rehearsal location is still being determined, however it will be in Madison.
Rehearsals will generally consist of a Sun-Thurs, 7pm-10pm schedule.