Prospect Theater Project

A special thank you to these sponsors for their support of Prospect's mission to promote community growth by presenting insightful and innovative works of theater in the greater Modesto area. We are grateful for your support! A limited number of tickets remain for PTP's Annual Fundraiser. Get them while you still can!

🎉 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: NOWHERE TO WEAR THIS
📅 DATE: Saturday, June 6th
⏰ TIME: 5PM
📍 LOCATION: Greens on Tenth, 953 10th St, Modesto
🎟️ TICKETS: General & VIP at the link in our bio
Join us on Saturday, June 6th, for a special evening of dinner and an auction at Greens on Tenth in support of Prospect Theater Project. Afterward, head to Lo-Fi Lounge for our after party at 9PM; the perfect way to celebrate and continue the festivities. Buy your tickets now!

👗 👕 DRESS CODE:
What dress code? You won’t find one here. Head to your closet and pick out something you love but don’t often get the chance to wear. An over-the-top tuxedo? Check. The t-shirt from your college band? Check. A custom hat you bought on vacation? Check. Your wedding dress? Absolutely check.

🍽️ 🥂 RESERVATIONS:
Want to reserve a table of 10? First, purchase 10 general admission tickets or 10 VIP tickets. After purchasing the tickets, a confirmation email will be sent to you with instructions on how to reserve a table.

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341

⭐️ AUDITIONS: PTP's One-Act Play Festival
📅 DATE: JUNE 12
⏰ TIME: 4-6PM (more slots to open as needed)
📍 LOCATION: PTP's Artist Lab, 1218 K St, Modesto
📝 SIGN UP: Link in bio, MORE INFO ON FORM

Local Central Valley actors ages 18 to 118* are encouraged to audition for an evening of 10-15 minute one-act plays. We are looking for actors of all experiences from novices to early-career professionals to retirees.

*one role in Sus Manos Hermosas may be cast as 16+ with parent/guardian permission

PRODUCTION DETAILS
Rehearsals are JUNE 22 through AUGUST 6, and will generally be weekday evenings and/or weekends 1-2 times per week for each one-act play until technical rehearsals. Meaning: if you are cast in a single one act, you may have rehearsal 1-2 times a week. If you are cast in multiple one-acts, you may have rehearsal 2-4 times per week, etc.
Tech/Dress Rehearsals AUGUST 1-6
Performances AUGUST 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

AUDITION INFO
Auditions will take place on FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 4-6PM in the Artist Lab at 1218 K St in downtown Modesto. Parking is available in front of the theater or across the street in the Stanislaus Law Library parking lot. If you arrive early, please wait outside quietly so as not to disturb other auditioners. Callbacks will take place on SATURDAY, JUNE 13, by invitation only. Callbacks will take place throughout the day 10AM-6PM.

What to prepare:
Actors should prepare one memorized monologue under 3-minutes in length. Auditions will be timed! We have a lot of talented people to see, so please come prepared.

What we are seeking:
We are seeking local actors ages 18-118, of all gender identities, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, and levels of experience to bring these locally written one-acts to life! Please note that though some plays have a m/f designation for characters, actors of all gender identities are encouraged to audition.

BREAKDOWN:

BEFORE THE DOOR by Andrew Fletcher - DRAMA, bittersweet. Four generations of men meet in a hospital hallway and reflect on life’s ups, downs, and what really matters.
AUGUST - Male. 60+ to play 80+ years old. Still, sharp, poetic. He is seated outside a hospital room throughout the play. Speaks gently, thoughtfully.
YOUNG MAN - Male. Early 20s. Brash, restless. Dismissive of reflection, full of fire.
MAN - Male. In his 40s. Stressed, overworked, angry. Feels trapped by responsibility.
OLDER MAN - Male. In his 60s. Quiet, tired, emotionally distant. Haunted by disconnect and missed connections.

CLASS WITH DAVID BIANCULLI by Matthew Hanf - COMEDY, bittersweet. Retiree Clara decides to take a contemporary film class. She’s not here to learn, but to remember.
DAVID BIANCULLI - Male. 50+. A fictional version of David Bianculli from NPR’s Fresh Air. Clara’s film professor. This play has a lot of fast, sharp, funny dialogue.
CLARA - Female. 60+. Quick-witted, great sense of humor. A retiree looking to expand her horizons, and reflect on the past. This play has a lot of fast, sharp, funny dialogue.

STRANGE MECHANICS by Lexi Silva - DRAMA. Two young men, Nate and Levi, are mechanics working in a one-stoplight town just outside of Springfield, Missouri. Levi recently got out of jail. Nate’s dad owned the shop, but recently died, leaving the business to son.
NATE: He/Him. 25, Black. Smart, creative. Good with his mind. Yearning for experience, the extraordinary.
LEVI : He/Him. 27, white. Troubled, sensitive. Good with his hands. Yearning for purpose, stability.

SUS MANOS HERMOSAS by Melinda Gonzales - DRAMA, hopeful, poetic. A young poet reflects on her grandmother’s life as a mother, wife, farmworker, and now college graduate, and the sacrifices she made to build her family. All characters speak some Spanish.
GRANDDAUGHTER - She/Her. 20’s. Latina. College Student. A poet.
ABUELA (PRESENT) - She/Her. 60+. Latina. Cannery worker, mother, wife, grandmother, homemaker, student.
ABUELA (PAST) - She/Her. Late-20’s to 30’s. Latina. Farmworker, mother, wife, homemaker.
ABUELO (PAST) - He/Him. Late-20’s to 30’s. Latino. Farmworker, father, husband.
YOUNG TEEN - 18+ to play a young teen. Latino/a. Son to young abuela and abuelo. Written for a boy, but we will also consider girls for this role. Teens 16+ may audition with consent of parent/legal guardian.

TACOCAT by Chad Roslan - COMEDY. In a near-future gastropub, an automaton attempts to make the perfect taco. All roles are any-gender, age, or ethnicity.
TAQ-O - An automaton programmed to serve the most perfect taco. Polite and stable, at first. Obviously not human.
PILAR - A customer. Loves tacos and how they taste and feel. This is not their first time reviewing a taco.
JUNE - Any age. A customer. Deeply values the human experience. Suspicious of and does not like automatons, androids, robots etc.

THE PAST IS DONE by Carlo Martinez - DRAMA, hopeful. Elio must face his demons in order to move forward and celebrate life, love, and family.
ELIO - He/Him. 20+. Latino. A young man facing his troubles and trying to do better for himself.
CALIGO - He/Him. 20+. A shadowy figure in Elio’s life.
MOM - She/Her. 40+. Latina. A mom who loves her son and does all she can to support him.
ROBBY - Any gender. 20+. Elio’s friend who knows of his struggles and does their best to support him.

If you have any questions please feel free to email [email protected].

MEET THE CAST 🤩
Meet the fabulous cast of upcoming comedy Present Laughter!

PRESENT LAUGHTER 🎭
by Noel Coward, directed by Michael Hewitt
📅 DATE: JUNE 12,13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
⏰ TIME: Evenings 7:30PM, Matinees 2PM
📍 LOCATION: Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St, Modesto
🎟️ TICKETS: General & Student tix at the link in our bio

ADAM TORRIAN (Garry Essendine): Adam was last seen at Prospect as Adam Adam in Rough Crossing. Some of his past favorite roles include John in The Whipping Man (also at Prospect), Moses in Pass Over (The Pear Theatre), Frederick Douglass in The Agitators (The Pear), and Robin Hood in Sherwood (Cinnabar Theater).

ROYA AMIRSHEYBANI (Daphne Stillington): A Modesto native, Roya has been involved in performing arts all her life. She got her start as a dancer performing with Central West Ballet before falling in love with acting and comedy. Roya graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC) in 2025 where she minored in theatre. Her favorite acting credits include Shelby Holcomb in John Proctor Is the Villain and Elizabeth Philpot in The Excavation of Mary Anning at SMC. Roya extends her gratitude and thanks to PTP for this incredible opportunity and to the stellar cast and crew of Present Laughter!

NORENE AUSTIN (Lady Saltburn): Norene returned to community theater after almost three decades in the belly dance community as dancer, choreographer, costume designer, and Troupe Director with the Arabian Jewels Belly Dance Troupe. She was thrilled to be cast as Momo in The Humans in 2021, followed by roles in Taco Jesus, PTP’s One-Act Play Festival 2024 and 2025, and two “Radio Cavalcades” all at Prospect Theater. She participated and performed in the improv scene at PTP’s Artist Lab. Recent roles include Ernestine Wintergreen/Agatha Withers in Any Number Can Die with Valley Repertory Theater and “Reader’s Theater” at Denair Gaslight Theater, Juror #9 in Twelve Angry Jurors with GCRC, and two seasons with GCA On Tour’s Bully Buster as the Bully and other characters. Prior to her immersion in the dance world, she performed in community theater, high school, and college. Outside of theater, she loves good coffee, froyo, family, friends, and fostering kittens.

SUMMUR BRALEY (Monica Reed): Summur Braley is a local Modesto Actor and is very excited to finally be gracing the boards at Prospect Theater Project. She works in any form of acting she can get herself into but finds the theater the most challenging and fulfilling. Summur would not be able to take the time and dedication to do such a show without this incredible cast and crew, and especially without her fabulous family; husband Matt and children Sinclair, Riette, Daisy, and Holiday.

CODEY COURT (Roland Maule): This is Codey Court’s third show with Prospect Theater Project. Codey played Dumaine in the PTP's Love's Labour's Lost. Most recently he played Christopher Boone in the GCRC’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. He attended San Joaquin Delta College where he portrayed Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, George Gibbs in Our Town, and Benny in Epic Proportions. Codey is excited and grateful to be here and would like to thank the cast and crew for their talent, support, and kindness, and you for coming to see the show.

LUIS FLORES (Fred): Luis is very excited to return to the Prospect stage with this hilarious show. Previously, Luis played Pavel in The Mother at PTP. He recently appeared in Hamlet at Stan State where he played Laertes. A passionate musical theater actor, Luis has taken on standout musical roles such as Pierre in Stan State’s production of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, and Prince Christopher in MPA's production of Cinderella. He was also a Musical Theater Initiative Dance Finalist at the 2026 American College Theater Festival. In addition to performing, Luis also works behind the scenes, co-directing She Kills Monsters at Stan State and assistant directing Shrek The Musical at Turlock High.

LEZLIE JACKSON-ACKER (Liz Essendine): Lezlie is delighted to return to PTP, a stage she has popped in and out of for the last 25 years. Since her first appearance as Hermione in The Winter’s Tale during PTP's inaugural season to her most recent role in 2021’s The Humans, she has cherished the joy of "coming home" between her various life adventures. When she isn’t directing a high school drama program, Lezlie relies on her husband and two beautiful children to "hold down the fort." She is deeply grateful for their support—and for the fact that they still recognize her when she finally crawls home from tech week.

TOM JOHNSON (Morris Dixon): Tom Johnson is delighted to join the cast of Present Laughter as Morris Dixon. He previously performed in Shakespeare in the Park productions for four years with Rio Arts Theater and spent two years appearing on the weekly live sketch comedy production The Farce Side Comedy Hour. Tom is thrilled to be back on stage and thanks the cast, crew, and audience for supporting live theater.

JAMES PERRY (Hugo Lyppiat): James Perry was born and raised in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. He joined the military when he was 19 years old and has been traveling the world ever since. After retiring honorably from the United States Army in 2020, James began passionately pursuing an education in theatre arts, earning an AA from Las Positas College in 2022, and a BA from San Jose State University in 2024. He has since performed in a number of film and theatre productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. James is a firm believer in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, both on stage and off. As he continues his theatrical journey, he remains deeply and eternally grateful for the unwavering love and support of his partner, Lindsey. Always more!

LESLIE SHAW KLINGER (Miss Erikson): A veteran actor who has performed with ACT, Diablo Children’s Theater, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Leslie studied the craft with Lee Strasberg at his west coast acting studio. In the 1990’s, Leslie left acting and concentrated on raising a family. She returned to the stage two years ago, performing first in PTP’s One-Act Play Festival in Modesto, and later at the Gaslight Theater in Denair. Leslie is very excited to work with the talented community theater people here in the Central Valley. When she is not acting, Leslie concentrates on breeding and showing Scottish Terriers under the tutelage of Tango Kennels in Oakdale, California.

FALINA VAN LEWEN (Joanna Lyppiat): Falina is elated to be in her first Prospect Theater production. She has been itching to perform in Prospect’s distinguished black box theater. She has taken to the stage on multiple occasions with GCRC and MPA over the years. Some of her favorite roles include Mrs. Hubbard in Murder on the Orient Express, and Mother in A Christmas Story with GCRC. She also enjoyed playing Mary Bailey in MPA’s last production of It’s a Wonderful Life. She has thoroughly enjoyed her experience working with director Michael Hewitt and is grateful to her amazing husband for his constant support. She appreciates each and every cast member and the expertise and creativity they have brought to their roles.

Present Laughter unfolds over the course of two weeks in the life of Garry Essendine, a popular stage actor preparing to embark on a touring production in Africa – unless his impending mid-life crisis and habit of getting entangled with admirers manage to tie him up at home indefinitely! Luckily for Garry, his whip-smart secretary, doting valet, and sarcastic-yet-patient ex-wife are there to take matters in hand. Like in any great farce, Present Laughter has plenty of doors, multiple misunderstandings, and sidesplitting wordplay delivered as only the great Noel Coward can.

Page 2 Stage discussion, June 21 in PTP’s Artist Lab

Talkback with the Cast and Director, June 28 in PTP’s Studio Theater

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341

👀 Not one auction but two! Last week you got a peek at some of the big-ticket items featured in our fundraiser’s live auction. Now get a preview of some of the goodies featured in our SILENT auction! Get your tickets before they’re gone and get to that silent auction table to bid on your favorites at PTP’s Annual Fundraiser...

🧳 2-Nights at the Donatello Hotel in SF
🧀 Joe the Cheesemonger’s Special Cheese & Charcuterie
🪷 70-Minute Massage
🧘‍♀️ Private Yoga Session with Be You Yoga
🎨 Art Class for 6 at The Paper Habit
⛳️ Golf for 4 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club
And much more...🍪 🍹 🐾 ☕️

🎉 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: NOWHERE TO WEAR THIS
📅 DATE: Saturday, June 6th
⏰ TIME: 5PM
📍 LOCATION: Greens on Tenth, 953 10th St, Modesto
🎟️ TICKETS: General & VIP at the link in our bio
Join us on Saturday, June 6th, for a special evening of dinner and an auction at Greens on Tenth in support of Prospect Theater Project. Afterward, head to Lo-Fi Lounge for our after party at 9PM; the perfect way to celebrate and continue the festivities. Buy your tickets now!

👗 👕 DRESS CODE:
What dress code? You won’t find one here. Head to your closet and pick out something you love but don’t often get the chance to wear. An over-the-top tuxedo? Check. The t-shirt from your college band? Check. A custom hat you bought on vacation? Check. Your wedding dress? Absolutely check.

🍽️ 🥂 RESERVATIONS:
Want to reserve a table of 10? First, purchase 10 general admission tickets or 10 VIP tickets. After purchasing the tickets, a confirmation email will be sent to you with instructions on how to reserve a table.

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341

PRESENT LAUGHTER 🎭
by Noel Coward, directed by Michael Hewitt
📅 DATE: JUNE 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
⏰ TIME: Evenings 7:30PM, Matinees 2PM
📍 LOCATION: Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St, Modesto
🎟️ TICKETS: General & Student tix at the link in our bio

Present Laughter unfolds over the course of two weeks in the life of Garry Essendine, a popular stage actor preparing to embark on a touring production in Africa – unless his impending mid-life crisis and habit of getting entangled with admirers manage to tie him up at home indefinitely! Luckily for Garry, his whip-smart secretary, doting valet, and sarcastic-yet-patient ex-wife are there to take matters in hand. Like in any great farce, Present Laughter has plenty of doors, multiple misunderstandings, and sidesplitting wordplay delivered as only the great Noel Coward can.

Page 2 Stage discussion, June 21 in PTP’s Artist Lab
Talkback with the Cast and Director, June 28 in PTP’s Studio Theater

Sponsored by SaveMart

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341

👀 Here’s a sneak peek at the one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll find exclusively through the live auction at PTP’s Annual Fundraiser:

🍽️ In-Home Italian Dinner Party
🎙️ Role in a 26/27 Season Radio Cavalcade
🌊 3-Day Resort Stay in Aptos, CA
🐋 One Week on the Oregon Coast (whale watching, anyone?)
And much, much, more...🐾 🌲 🍷 ️🌮 ☀️

Get your tickets before they’re gone.

🎉 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: NOWHERE TO WEAR THIS
📅 DATE: Saturday, June 6th
⏰ TIME: 5PM
📍 LOCATION: Greens on Tenth, 953 10th St, Modesto
🎟️ TICKETS: General & VIP at the link in our bio

Join us on Saturday, June 6th, for a special evening of dinner and an auction at Greens on Tenth in support of Prospect Theater Project. Afterward, head to Lo-Fi Lounge for our after party at 9PM; the perfect way to celebrate and continue the festivities. Buy your tickets now!

👗 👕 DRESS CODE:
What dress code? You won’t find one here. Head to your closet and pick out something you love but don’t often get the chance to wear. An over-the-top tuxedo? Check. The t-shirt from your college band? Check. A custom hat you bought on vacation? Check. Your wedding dress? Absolutely check.

🍽️ 🥂 RESERVATIONS:
Want to reserve a table of 10? First, purchase 10 general admission tickets or 10 VIP tickets. After purchasing the tickets, a confirmation email will be sent to you with instructions on how to reserve a table.

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341

⭐️ IMPROV IN MAY!
Learn more about each event and reserve tickets at the link in our bio ➡️📱

🌼 IMPROV DROP-IN
📅 DATE: Thurs, May 14
⏰ TIME: 6:30PM
📍 LOCATION: PTP’s Artist Lab, 1218 K St, Modesto
Join us in PTP’s Artist Lab for laughter, spontaneity, imagination, creativity, skill-building, and fun. This workshop is perfect for beginners eager to learn more about Improv and seasoned performers looking to build on their existing skills in a safe and supportive environment.

🎭 MODPLAYERS IMPROV SHOW 🎭
📅 DATE: Fri, May 22
⏰ TIME: 7:30PM
📍 LOCATION: PTP’s Artist Lab, 1218 K St, Modesto
The Mod-Players invite you to a fun-filled night of improv performance at the Artist Lab. Like "Whose Line?" but right in your backyard!

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341

🎭 JOIN OUR CASTING DATABASE

Fill out the form at the link in our bio to be added to our casting database and receive email notifications of audition opportunities throughout our season. Join before May 1st to receive early access to One-Act Play Festival auditions in June.

Questions? Contact the box office at [email protected] or 209-549-9341