Auditions for Pith
Fire Exit Theatre
Auditions: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7 – 9:30pm
Callbacks: TBA
Fire Exit Theatre is seeking performers for its May 2026 production of Pith by Stewart Lemoine directed by Mark Lewandowski.
SYNOPSIS
An itinerant sailor leads a widow and her housekeeper on a treacherous journey into the South American jungle…without ever taking them out of the living room. With creative bravado, Jack Vail propels two women from Providence, Rhode Island to the imaginative landscapes of New Orleans, Panama, and the Amazon. As they encounter explorers, international playboys, and all manner of tropical wildlife, they dig deeper into the mystery behind a disappearance, with life altering consequences.
We are looking for:
JACK VAIL
Male, 20s-40s
Jack is a believer in the power of imagination. He is confident without being overbearing. He plays several different characters (comedically, but convincingly) including a government official, a crooked Southern businessman, a Russian lothario, a Swedish geologist and others.
- Must do accents at least Southern US and Russian.
- Dancing (Charleston or swing) an asset
VIRGINIA TILDFORD
Female, 30s-40s
Virginia has put her life on hold for ten years awaiting her missing husband. Living the life of a widow, she is severe and cold, yet when she embarks on the journey, she dives in becoming adventurous, spontaneous, and playful.
NANCY KIMBLE
Female 20’s-30’s
Nancy is Virginia’s maid. She is utterly loyal and tries to be subservient as belies her station, but she can become fierce and brash when defending Virginia.
- She feels like the traditional comedic side-kick with a heart of gold (think Rosie O’Donnell-type)
- Dancing (Charleston or swing) an asset
NOTE: All characters need to navigate screwball comedy-type language, fast talking with a broad vocabulary.
Age ranges are those of the characters, not the actors. As well, genders are of the characters, not of the actors.
SCHEDULE
Rehearsals will begin in February or March 2026 taking place on evenings and weekends. Tech rehearsals are May 2 – 5 with performances running from May 6 – 10 at Engineered Air Theatre, Werklund Centre (formally Arts Commons).
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a headshot and resume, indicating the interested role(s) to Val Lieske at val@fireexit.ca requesting an audition slot.
Those who have worked with the director (if available for rehearsal period and run) should apply, but may be invited directly to callbacks without the need for an audition.
HOW TO PREPARE
Auditioners will be asked to prepare two monologues/dialogues from the play. Options will be provided by FET. (Only two pieces are required even if interested in more than one role)
Fire Exit Theatre is a non-equity semi-professional theatre company. Actor honorariums are paid.
Fire Exit Theatre produces excellent, innovative art that unlocks the soul of its audience through an artistic community exploring what it means to be fully human while seeking the divine.
Telling Stories That Matter. www.fireexit.ca
