Audition Notice:
Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
By Matt Cox
Director: Marianne Phinney
Performance dates:
January 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm; January 21, 28 at 2:00 pm.
For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.
This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.
Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.
AUDITIONS
Sunday, October 22, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Monday, October 23, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Callbacks if needed:
Wednesday, October 25, at 7:00pm
WHERE: 888 South Main Street Mansfield, MA 02048
Audition Contact: Please make an appointment to attend one of the audition dates on Sunday, October 22 and Monday, October 23. Fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/puffsmac or mail your audition request, your resume, and headshot to PuffsatMAC@gmail.com. You will be sent sides prior to your audition. Callbacks, if needed, will be held on Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 pm. Rehearsals will begin the week of October 29. Please be prepared to identify all known conflicts; we will try to organize the rehearsal schedule based on cast and crew availability. All cast members must be available for all rehearsals scheduled from January 2, including technical rehearsals. Cast members are expected to assist with strike after the closing performance on January 28.
If you cannot attend audition dates but are interested in auditioning, please contact us at PuffsatMAC@gmail.com and we will make accommodations to see you!
You must be 16 or older to audition for Puffs. Puffs does contain some strong language. Actors of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
NOTE: The production team is sensitive to the controversy around J.K. Rowling’s public statements about transgender individuals. Puffs is a parody and is not associated with J.K. Rowling or Warner Brothers. We want a diverse cast and a production that respects that diversity. Individuals of any gender may be cast for any roles. You must be willing to play the gender associated with the character (e.g., Cedric is described as male but may be played by a female or non-binary actor); Megan is described as female but may be played by a male or non-binary actor. Wayne and Sally kiss once as do Megan and Oliver.
Character Breakdown
(doubling based on the original production but is subject to change):
Narrator: The host of the evening. They know everything about the Puffs and A Certain School of Magic and Magic. A British accent is desirable but not required.
Wayne Hopkins: Our hero. An American 90’s kid obsessed with video games, pop music, and peak cinema like Free Willy. A kid with a great heart who is determined to be the hero, even if a certain boy with a magic scar keeps stealing all the thunder.
Megan Jones: If a Puff could be moody and goth, Megan found a way. Sarcastic, angry, and embarrassed at being a Puff. Deep down, all Megan wants is to feel loved and accepted.
Oliver Rivers: A math prodigy born to muggles; Oliver struggles with basic magic. Spastic, nerdy, and very enthusiastic about advanced mathematics, Oliver is Wayne’s best friend and develops a crush on Megan.
Cedric: The Puffs’ golden boy. Perfect smile, perfect attitude, and the perfect leader. Also plays Mr. Voldy, the Wizarding Dark Lord. Voldy is a real Snake.
Hannah Abbott: A socially awkward and painfully shy Puff. Hannah doesn’t have the best social cues. Also plays First Headmaster, Female Professors, and Xavia Jones. Professor McG could have a Scots accent.
Ernie Mac: Ernie wants to be “the best Puff.” Also plays Second Headmaster and Male Professors including A Certain Potions Teacher.
Leanne: An energetic and very excitable Puff. Leanne’s lived in a cabin in the woods and has never been around other children until being sent to Magic School. Probably the most innocent and pure of heart Puff. Also plays Ginny, Frenchy, and Helga.
J. Finch Fletchly: The youngest Puff. Very sweet and fun loving. Ernie’s best friend. Also plays Uncle Dave, Fat Friar, Clumsy Longbottom, Viktor, Zach Smith, Mr. Bagman, all of whom are very different from J. Finch.
Susie Bones: A sad and creepy Puff. Susie has a lot of scary stories about the wizarding family and their bad luck. Also plays Harry (also called Potter) and Myrtle.
Sally Perks: A near-sighted Puff who refuses to wear glasses. Sally has a crush on Wayne and would do anything for Wayne to notice. Also plays Blondo Malfoy, Rita Scooter, Bippy the House Elf.
