Playhouse 22 | AUDITIONS

Playhouse 22 is looking for performers of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to audition for our November production of “The Cake”. Auditions will be held on Monday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 20 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Callbacks (if needed) will be on Friday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m.

Please familiarize yourself with the script prior to auditioning. Additionally, prepare a 1–2-minute monologue that effectively conveys the play's theme.

About the Play

On June 4, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a 7-2 ruling in favor of a male baker from Colorado, who declined to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, citing his religious beliefs and First Amendment rights. This decision came after years of similar encounters across the nation, where bakers have refused to support same-sex marriages, facing off against couples eager to celebrate their love.

In "The Cake," a poignant and topical dramatic comedy by Bekah Brunstetter (writer of NBC’s “This Is Us”), the narrative takes a fresh perspective. Della, a lively conservative baker from North Carolina, is gearing up to compete in The Big American Bake-off. With a deep passion for both cakes and her faith, Della is thrilled when Jen — the girl she lovingly raised — returns to ask her to bake a wedding cake for her and her fiancée, Macy. As Della navigates this request, her faith and beliefs are put to the ultimate test, leading her to confront one of the toughest decisions of her life.

As a kind-hearted Christian, Della must reevaluate her long-held convictions when she discovers there are not one, but two brides. In this heartwarming tale, faith, family, and frosting collide in unexpected ways. The revelation of Jen's relationship with Macy creates friction that compels Della and her husband, Tim, to reassess their own marriage, while Jen and Macy grapple with their own desires and identities.

"The Cake" poses essential questions about authenticity and the nature of love: What does it mean to be true to ourselves, and if we change, will our loved ones still stand by us? This clever, poignant comedy captures the essence of a contemporary controversy with humor and warmth, making it a resonant and timeless exploration of human connection.

Written by Bekah Brunstetter

Directed by Bill C. Fikaris

The show will run November 7-23; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Auditions will be held at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, New Jersey.

AUDITIONEES MUST BE AGE 18 OR OLDER
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN

Character Descriptions:

Della (female presenting) 40’s-60’s – from North Carolina, bakery owner, warm, funny, pleasant, round, religious, struggling beneath the smile.

Tim (male presenting) 40’s-60’s – from North Carolina, Della’s husband, a good ol’boy, plumber, conservative, happy with how things are.

Jen (female presenting) 20’s-30’s – from North Carolina, optimistic, dreamer, has dreamt of her wedding day her entire life, pulled between two worlds.

Macy (female presenting, African American) 20’s-30’s – Jen’s fiancée, New Yorker, progressive, wants more for Jen, tells it like it is.

George/Voice (British) – a judge on the Big American Bake-Off Show, voiceover part only, commanding voice.

Any questions can be directed to auditions@playhouse22.org.

OPTIONAL: After signing up, please email us your theater resume to auditions@playhouse22.org.