Auditions

During a meeting of diplomats from all over the world, the president utters one four letter word that is about to throw the White House into turmoil and spawn an international crisis. It’s up to the 7 brilliant women, on whom he relies, to save the commander in chief, and possibly the country itself, while risking life, liberty, sanity, and careers as their own lives are falling apart.

At its heart POTUS is a powerful homage to the strength and power of women used to doing it all to get the job done. As the curtain comes down, we want the audience to be rooting for these brilliant, accomplished, and savvy women to come out from behind the scenes and step into their own light.

Time: Perhaps not this administration……
Place: The White House

• Submit your resume and headshot via the the  online Audition Form
• Prepare a short comedic monologue (1-2 minutes)
• Read from the auditions sides that will be provided

Role descriptions and casting guidance are below.

► Please complete an online Audition Form ( linked here)

Questions?

Contact the Director, Kathy Strouse, at [email protected]

POTUS is a no holds barred, knock-down, drag out, lightning paced farce. The humor is both physically broad and verbally sharp. We’re looking for performers who can rise to the challenge of the physical demands and pacing while coming together as a seamless ensemble to embody these brilliant women at the top of their game. Our goal is to leave the audiences rolling in the aisles and holding their sides while wiping away tears of laughter.

What we’re looking for in every performer:

• There is no leading role in this show. POTUS requires all 7 women to become a seamless ensemble with the cohesiveness and reliance on each other to produce the comic energy and timing necessary.
• POTUS contains VERY strong language spoken by ALL of the characters. NO language will be cut or modified. All actors must be willing to speak the language as written. A complete list of language and who says what will be posted at auditions. Those interested may also reach the director at [email protected] prior to auditions for a copy of the list.
• POTUS is a VERY physical show. There are multiple chases, slaps, punches, tackles, dog piles, restraints, tying up of other characters, throwing of objects, and threatening characters with long and short guns. All actors must be physically able and willing to perform all of these actions. For questions about the levels and types of physicality, those interested may reach the director at [email protected] prior to auditions. Generic Theater is will be engaging a fight coordinator to ensure the safety of all actors.
• All actors must respect the process and fellow actors. Everyone is essential. We will be looking very closely at conflicts. The absence of even one character negatively impacts everyone.
• Rehearsals will begin January 5th. All actors are required to be OFF BOOK by that date. The physical demands are too challenging for actors to be carrying their scripts going into rehearsals.
• All those auditioning will be asked to provide 2 theatrical references for whom they have worked. These should be directors, stage managers, assistant stage managers, choreographers, or teachers, not other cast members.

HARRIET
While age is open, she is likely 30’s-50’s because of the job she does. Chief of staff to POTUS. Capable, efficient. Dreams of running for POTUS one day. According to FLOTUS Margaret she has traded youth and beauty for a life of service to someone undeserving. This character must have short hair as others refer to her “mannish” haircut.

JEAN
Is younger than Harriet. Press Secretary for POTUS. Harriet’s right hand. They are friends and in each other’s confidence. Jean is required to continually put out fires of POTUS’s making. She is always worried about what is possibly being kept from her. Former lover of Bernadette.

STEPHANIE
Late 20s – early 30’s. POTUS’s secretary. Young and overawed by Jean and Harriet. Has been trying to raise her own consciousness, with the help of Harriet’s self-help tapes and a Bitch Beats playlist, to be stronger and stand up to people, but often does not succeed. She does not recognize her own worth and is constantly afraid of being fired. Has a photographic memory and speaks 5 languages. Terrified of FLOTUS Margaret. This character must be comfortable appearing in a bra and underwear for most of the Act II.

DUSTY
Early 20’s. Most recent dalliance by POTUS. She is pregnant and suffering morning sickness. Frequently vomits blue from the slushies she drinks—the only thing she can keep down. In the beginning it is easy to believe that she is vapid and unintelligent, but Dusty has real smarts and discernment. Shares with the others that she is a certified conflict resolution mediator.

BERNADETTE
40’s – 50’s. POTUS’s drug dealing, drug smuggling, felonious, recently incarcerated, gun toting, thieving sister. She arrives seeking a pardon she says POTUS promised her. Former lover of Jean. No matter what the need, she’s “got a guy”. Must be comfortable handling a pistol. Tattoos desired.

CHRIS
30’s Black. Reporter trying for the big scoop while balancing motherhood and an impending divorce with the demands of her job. Her struggles are as visible as the vomit and breast milk stains on her clothes. Carries a breast pump which she frequently uses. Must be comfortable with simulating the use of a breast pump on stage with an open shirt and bra visible.

MARGARET
FLOTUS. Black. She has an impressive resume, a set of degrees, and multiple accomplishments. Other characters wonder aloud why she is not POTUS. Very aware of her image. Wears Crocs no matter the outfit because she was criticized in the press for wearing stilettos to a homeless shelter. Frustrated that no one reads her memos. Pretty fed up with POTUS. Must be comfortable handling a long gun and a pistol.

Auditions
Monday, December 1, 2025 | 7:00-9:30 pm
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 7:00-9:30 pm
Held at the Exhibition Hall of Scope (Not at Generic Theater!)

Callbacks
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 7:00–9:30 pm

Rehearsal Schedule
Monday-Thursday: 7:00-9:30 pm
Saturday: TBD depending on actor conflicts (possibly 10:00 am-1:00 pm)
Sunday: TBD depending on actor conflicts (possibly 6:00 pm-9:00 pm)
Days Off: Friday and 1 weekend day, TBD
First rehearsal: Monday, January 5, 2026, 7:00pm

Tech Week
Sunday, March 8 – 1:00pm call: Cue to Cue
Monday, March 9 – Wednesday, March 11 – 6:30 pm call
Thursday, March 12 – 6:30 pm call, Invited Dress Rehearsal

Opening Night:
Friday, March 13, 2026

Performance Dates:
Weekends March 13 – 29, 2026
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 2:30pm

We welcome both experienced performers and newcomers to audition and will make casting decisions based on the show parameters.

Headshots and resumes are strongly encouraged but not required.

Bring your headshot and resume (if you have them), any sheet music for musical auditions, and a list of potential schedule conflicts with you at the determined check-in time. Most auditions are first come first serve. If pre-registration is an option, it will be noted in the description.

Electronic scripts or sides are sometimes available to peruse; these will be listed in the audition details above if available. These will provide you an opportunity to get to know and understand the character(s) that you wish to audition for. We also encourage you to research the show online to learn more about the characters and themes.

Scope Garage is managed by the City of Norfolk and they charge everyone to park — cast, crew, volunteers, and patrons. MacArthur Center parking may be cheaper and sometimes you can find free street parking nearby. If you know of a generous donor or business who might be interested in underwriting parking for a show or season, please let us know at [email protected] and we’d love to speak with them.

Sign-up for audition notices and we’ll keep you informed about upcoming auditions!

Whenever possible, you’ll find relevant contact information listed in the audition details above. Otherwise, please feel free to email [email protected] with your inquiry. We’ll do our best to respond in a timely manner, but please remember that we’re a volunteer organization and sometimes responses take time.