Auditions for "Failure: A Love Story" by Philip Dawkins

January 7, 2026

About the play

By the end of 1928, all three Fail sisters will be dead -- expiring in reverse order, youngest to oldest, from blunt object to the head, disappearance, and finally consumption. Tuneful songs, and a whimsical chorus follow the story of Nelly, Jenny June, and Gerty as they live out their lives above the family clock repair shop near the Chicago River, before their time unexpectedly runs out. A magical, musical fable where, in the end, the power of love is far greater than any individual's successes or failures.

About the production

The play is directed by Eva Gil.

This production will have a lot of creative storytelling through movement. Actors who enjoy collaboration, improv, movement, dance, and physical storytelling are encouraged to audition. A reader copy of the script is available in the Theatre office, it’s highly advised you read any play you are auditioning for.

Important Dates

Rehearsals start week of February 23, 2026, Mon-Fri, 6-9 pm
Break for Finals Week and Spring Break March 16-30
Resume rehearsals March 31- April 10, Mon-Fri, 6-9 pm
Tech Rehearsals: Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12 from 10 am-8 pm
Dress Rehearsals: April 13-April 16 from 6 pm-10 pm
Performances: April 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 pm and 2 pm on April 18 and 25
Strike: April 27, 28 times TBD

Character Breakdown

Gerty Fail- direct, smart, capable, worker bee, keeps it all going, the eldest sister
Jenny June Fail- confident, adventurous, determined, caretaker, the middle sister
Nelly Fail- dreamer, wants to be a singer, bubbly, romantic, charismatic, youngest sister
John N. Fail- a loner, vet and friend to animals, huge heart, quiet strength, adopted brother
Mortimer Mortimer-charismatic, romantic, confident, at other times lost, looking for love
Chorus (any genders) - We will be casting 5 additional actors to play a variety of other parts in the show such as: Dog, Gramophone, Clocks, Moses (a snake), Mae and December (monk parakeets), Grantland Rice, Johnny Weissmuller, Marietta, Henry and more. All the Chorus lines will be divvied up amongst the ensemble.
Gramophone (part of the 5 actors in chorus). This character sings the musical themes of the play (1920s jazz standards) and will also be assigned chorus lines (and maybe plays an instrument).

The characters of John N., Nelly, Mortimer, and Gramophone all have songs or snippets of songs to sing. The ensemble may potentially join in for some of the songs. You do not have to be a strong singer to be considered for other characters or chorus.

Understudies to cover the main characters will be cast from the chorus/ensemble.

Content Disclosures

The play deals with themes of grief and death.

Intimacy Content

The characters of Mortimer and Nelly share one kiss, this will be choreographed with consideration for actor boundaries.

Conduct

We ask that if you accept a role, you will maintain professionalism in all rehearsals and performances by arriving on time, prepared to rehearse and learn as a vital member of the production. Behavior that is disruptive to the rehearsal process may result in a cast member being removed from the piece. Thanks for your work to ensure a safe and supportive rehearsal environment for all.