Kentwood Players will hold open auditions for She Kills Monsters, a play by Qui Nyugen, on May 10 10:00am to 1:00pm and Sunday, May 11 6:00 to 9:00pm. Call backs Monday, May 12 7:00 to 10:00pm by invitation only. This non-equity production is directed by Shawn Summerer and produced by Alison Boole and Elizabeth Bouton Summerer. She Kills Monsters is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
Performance dates are Friday, July 18 through Saturday, August 9, 2025. Performance times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Saturday matinees at 2:00pm will be added on July 26 and continue through the rest of the run.
Agnes' family has been killed in a car crash. But that's not what this play is about. Instead, it's about Agnes discovering who her sister was (and maybe some new things about herself as well) while playing through an original Dungeons and Dragons adventure her sister wrote. She Kills Monsters is a comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games! In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and 90's pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
This is a non-union, non-paid theater production.
About Auditions
Kentwood Players is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and encourages actors of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities and identities to audition.
For in person auditions, no appointments are necessary. Please arrive in time to sign-in and complete paperwork during scheduled audition times. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and a short fight choreography combination. Bring a current headshot, resume, and your calendar: a rehearsal schedule will be posted and you will be asked to note any conflicts.
Video submissions will be considered providing the auditioner is able to attend the in person callbacks Monday night if requested. Email skm@kentwoodplayers.org for instructions.
For questions about this production or the audition process, please contact Director Shawn Summerer at skm@kentwoodplayers.org.
Character Descriptions
All roles (except Chuck) will include movement and stage combat. Experience with stage combat is a plus.
Agnes (Female presenting, 20-30, all ethnicities)
A stereotypical midwestern young woman, thinking about how serious she is with her boyfriend, Miles, and her job as a teacher at her old high school. When her little sister, Tilly, and her parents die in a car crash she delves into the world of Dungeons & Dragons and plays a campaign written by Tilly in an attempt to learn more about who she was, with surprising revelations. Requires opposite-gender kissing.
Tilly / Tillius (Female presenting, 18-25 to play 17, all ethnicities)
Agnes' little sister. A real "girl nerd". Significantly younger than Agnes and with different interests, they were never very close. Before her death she struggled with her sexuality and bullies at school. Plays "Tillius the Paladin" in Dungeons & Dragons. Requires same-gender kissing.
Chuck (Male presenting, 18-25, all ethnicities)
The local Dungeons & Dragons dungeon master and part of Tilly's circle of friends. He works at the hobby and gaming shop in town and is confident in himself and enthusiastic about D&D. Agnes recruits him to help her play Tilly's campaign.
Kaliope / Kelly (Female presenting, 18-25 to play 17, all ethnicities)
As Kaliope, in the Dungeons & Dragons game, she is a strong and athletic dark elf. As Kelly, in the real world, she has a mobility impairment and uses arm crutches or a wheelchair. So the game for her is a means of experiencing a life where she can move and fight without restriction. Performers with mobility impairments are encouraged to audition.
Lilith / Lilly (Female presenting, 18-25 to play 17, all ethnicities)
As Lilith, in the Dungeons & Dragons game, she is a broody, sexy, vampiress. As Lilly, in the real world, is shy, closeted, and questioning her sexuality. Ronnie's little sister. Requires same-gender kissing.
Orcus / Ronnie (Male presenting, 18-25, all ethnicities)
As Orcus, in the Dungeons & Dragons game, he is a wise-cracking, irreverent demon king. As Ronnie, in the real world, he is socially awkward and a bit of a goofball. Lilly's older brother.
Miles (Male presenting, 20-30, all ethnicities)
Agnes' boyfriend of 3 years. He's a little afraid of commitment, but has recently taken the leap of asking Agnes to move in with him. He isn't sure how best to support Agnes while she copes with the death of her family, and is resistant at first to the idea of her playing Dungeons & Dragons. Requires opposite-gender kissing.
Vera / Gabbi / The Beholder (Female presenting, 20-30, all ethnicities)
As Vera, she is Agnes' best friend and a (not very good) guidance counselor at the high school. She doesn't hold back any punches. As Gabbi, she is a high school cheerleader and may or may not be one of Tilly's bullies at school, represented in Dungeons & Dragons as a succubus. Will also play a boss monster, The Beholder.
Narrator / Tina / Farrah (Female presenting, 20-30, all ethnicities)
As the Narrator she will channel Cate Blanchett at the beginning of Lord of the Rings, telling the backstory. As Tina, she is a high school cheerleader and may or may not be one of Tilly's bullies at school, represented in Dungeons & Dragons as a succubus. Will also play a boss monster, Farrah the Fairie.
Steve (Male presenting, 18-25 to play 17, all ethnicities)
Nerdiness personified. In the real world, he is your stereotypical high school student struggling with class and social situations. In Dungeons & Dragons he plays "Steve the Adventurer" who… tries hard.
Fight Ensemble (All genders, all ages, all ethnicities)
We are looking for 3-4 fight ensemble members to play various monsters in the combat sequences and assist backstage with costume and set changes.
Notice
Those auditioning can take the Metro K Line to Kentwood to the Westchester/Veterans stop, just a short one block walk from the Westchester Playhouse. Those who drive, please note the small lot next to the Westchester Playhouse, street parking on 83rd Street and in the adjoining neighborhood. Do not park on our block of Hindry or in the RYDER parking spaces (on 83rd across Hindry from the theater) as cars parked there will be towed away. Please read all traffic and parking signs carefully.
Kentwood Players holds auditions for it's main stage shows 6 times a year