In our postmodern world, is there such a thing as an original idea? How do we determine what is right, and what is wrong? When a young adjunct English professor accuses a graduating student of plagiarism in his essay on postmodernism, a battle of academic shrewdness and underhanded acts ensues, threatening to balloon and affect the professional and personal lives of four people. A co-production between Firebird and the Gunnison Arts Center coming this May, Steven Drukman’s ivy-latticed dramedy explores the real motivations behind and costs of ambition and competitive careerism in academia with witty, devious precision. Audition updates for this show will take place in the first quarter of this year.

DEATH OF THE AUTHOR was originally produced by Geffen Playhouse (Randall Arney, Artistic Director; Ken Novice, Managing Director; Behnaz Ataee, General Manager; Regina Miller, Chief Development Officer).

Death of the Author Auditions

Auditions for Firebird Theatre and the Gunnison Arts Center’s co-production of Steven Drukman’s Death of the Author will be hosted at the Blue Box Theatre (102 S. Main St.) on Friday, March 27th between 6pm and 9pm. There will be cold readings from the script provided to auditionees, so no prep work is required! Evening performances of this show will take place on May 21st-23rd at the Blue Box Theatre. Please come to auditions with your availability from now until May 24th to provide to the casting team. Additional information such as character descriptions and sign-up links can be found below. If you want to audition and are unable to attend in-person, please reach out to firebirdtroupe@gmail.com for alternative audition options! We hope to see you there!

JEFF, 30s. Adjunct Professor of English. Midwestern liberal from a working-class family. Tweedy vibe of the perpetual grad student. In his head. Hard worker.

BRADLEY, 21. Double major in Poli-Sci and Math. Exudes privilege, but not a slacker. Earnest. Conservative, preppy good looks.

J. TRUMBULL SYKES, 65. Celebrity Scholar. Arch, encyclopedic. Languidly plummytoned. Chalk on the elbows.

SARAH, 21. Double major in English and Philosophy. Exudes charm, even sweetness, but definitely not a pushover. Ambitious. Clever. Pretty.