The Attic Ensemble, Theater for a New Jersey City, will hold auditions for a non-union production of The Bad Seed a thriller by Maxwell Anderson based on the novel by William March, directed by Billy Mitchell. Auditions are Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, September 23rd and 24th 7:30-9:30 p.m at the Attic Ensemble, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City. ALL ROLES ARE OPEN: Rhoda Penmark (9-12) "A neat, quaint and pretty little girl." A very large role for a young actress, Rhoda is the "bad seed" of the title, and she must have the maturity to perform dramatic scenes which are intense and emotional at times. Christine Penmark (28-32) "She is somewhat under thirty, very pretty, gentle and gracious ... quite obviously dedicated to her husband and child." Christine is the central character in the story, and the role will be somewhat challenging physically and emotionally. Colonel Kenneth Penmark (35) "A good-looking officer of thirty-five or so." Handsome, straight-arrow type. Possible double casting opportunity. Monica Breedlove (40-50) "A widow of forty-five or so, plump, intelligent, voluble and perhaps over-friendly." Christine's neighbor/landlady and devoted friend, Monica carries much of the humor, but is not without her own intensity. Genuinely loud and effusive, but not a clown. Emery Wages (35-45) "A few years younger than (his sister Monica), but also plump and friendly." Emery provides a calm contrast to Monica's determined oration. He is conversational, tolerant, and stable. Leroy (30-45) "The houseman or janitor." Leroy is an embittered man who feels under-valued in life and takes his revenge where he can, mostly under his breath. He and Rhoda have a certain connection that provides a source of tension and insight into both of their inner thoughts. Miss Fern (35-50) "As the head of the most aristocratic school in the state, she has achieved a certain savoir fare ..." A spinster-ish woman who runs a tight ship and expects others to cooperate and contribute. Reginald Tasker(30-40) "... has made himself a minor expert in the history of crime." A friend of Christine and Monica's. Should have an air of mystery -- should have a wish to have an air of mystery. Possible double casting opportunity. Mrs. Daigle (35-45) "She has been drinking." Mother of a murdered little boy. Distraught, confused and very self-conscious around Christine. Mr. Daigle (35-45) "Please, Hortense." Husband of Mrs. Daigle, embarrassed at her assertions and her not-quite-sober condition. Possible double casting opportunity. Richard Bravo (55-65) "Handsome once, but somewhat stern and weary." Christine's father, a once-famous homicide detective-turned-author. Messenger - Will be double cast from within the ensemble. Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to attend. Familiarity with the script is strongly encouraged; sides will be provided for cold readings, monologues are accepted, but not required. Performances are November 7-16, 2008. Rehearsals will be held in the evening with weekend rehearsals as needed. There are no appointments necessary; auditioners will be seen on a first come/first served basis.There is no pay/no fee. The Attic Ensemble is located just two blocks from the Grove Street PATH Station, in the Historic Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City. There is free parking after 7 p.m. in the parking lot 1 ? blocks away on Christopher Columbus Drive. For directions and further information: www.atticensemble.org; phone (201) 413-9200, e-mail: auditions@atticensemble.org.