Auditions

— Plaza Suite —

(PLAY)
By Neil Simon
Directed by Jan Guarino

Over the course of three wildly different stories set in the same suite at the legendary The Plaza Hotel, two actors portray a range of couples confronting marriage, infidelity, nostalgia, and family chaos. The play showcases the emotional and comic versatility of its performers through rapid tonal and character shifts.

1.) Notice Type

Video Submission – Role of LEAD ACTOR

2.) Employer Information

Virginia Repertory Theatre
114 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220 

3.) General Information

Casting Personnel: 
Artistic Director – Rick Hammerly
Director – Jan Guarino

4.) Audition Notice

Rehearsal & Performance Dates

Rehearsals Begin: Week of November 9, 2026

Performance Dates: December 9, 2026 – January 17, 2027

• Performances for Plaza Suite will be held at the Historic Hanover Tavern (13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover, VA 23069).

To submit a video audition:

• Actors should record two (2) of the selections found at THIS LINK (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ohzuhsRZmkscldTrMPyaZBjockDfB9tf?usp=sharing ). Memorization is not required, but familiarity is encouraged. 
• Upload your submission using the form found at THIS LINK. (https://forms.gle/QvLx2Vob87xh1Yvz8  ).

• Please note: At this time we are only accepting video submissions for the role of Lead Actor. 

Deadline for submission – Saturday, October 24

Plaza Suite CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

 In casting Plaza Suite, Virginia Repertory Theatre endeavors to be as inclusive as possible. We invite all performers, including gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors, to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character, but we are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. 

Tone & Style: Classic Neil Simon comedy driven by rhythm, precision, emotional honesty, and escalating interpersonal conflict. The humor should emerge organically from relationships and desperation rather than caricature. Strong technique with pacing and verbal comedy is essential.

AT THIS TIME, WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING VIDEO SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ROLE OF LEAD ACTOR.

LEAD ACTOR (Male-presenting)

30s–50s. Any ethnicity.

Plays:

• Sam Nash — a practical businessman confronting emotional stagnation in his marriage.
• Jesse Kiplinger — a charismatic Hollywood producer reconnecting with an old flame.
• Roy Hubley — a frantic father desperately trying to get his daughter to her wedding.

The actor must possess exceptional range in both grounded relationship comedy and high farce. Requires strong verbal dexterity, impeccable comic timing, emotional accessibility, and the stamina to anchor all three acts. Ability to pivot seamlessly between understated realism, suave theatricality, and explosive comedic panic is essential.

Character Qualities Across Roles:

• Commanding stage presence
• Sophisticated comic rhythm
• Emotional intelligence beneath bravado
• Strong escalation technique
• Comfort with rapid tonal transitions

Notes: Leading comedic actor with major stamina and versatility. Experience with classic American comedy and farce highly beneficial. Strong chemistry and listening skills essential.