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| Created Date | September 28, 2012 | |
| Expiration Date | September 30, 2012 | |
| Posted by | Abigail Clinton | |
 | ||
| Country | United States | |
| State | Texas | |
| City | Austin | |
| Location | Dougherty Arts Center | |
| Project Type | Short Film | |
| Project Title | Hills Like White Elephants | |
Description:
Casting Call Details:
Project: Ernest Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants”
Category: Student Short Film
Location: Austin, TX
Casting for an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s short story “Hills Like White Elephants.”
The story is about a young couple discussing an abortion while waiting at the train station. They do not mention the word “abortion,” but they refer to it in the subtext of their conversation. The woman Jig cannot decide whether or not she wants the abortion and looks to the man, only referred to as the American, for the answer. The American insists that he wants Jig to do whatever she wants to do, but he tries to pressure her into getting the operation. In addition to their abortion dilemma, the couple’s relationship is already strained and they are quickly growing apart.
The adaptation will take place during present day and the setting is subject to change.
This is a student film for the University of Texas. This project is for a RTF366D Directing Workshop class taught by Ed Radtke. Actors must be available to attend an in-class rehearsal. This will be a great opportunity to have your performance evaluated by other filmmakers.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 29th from 10:30AM -1:30PM. They will be held at the Dougherty Arts Center in the Blue Room.
Dougherty Arts Center
1110 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
If you are interested in the role, but cannot make it to Saturday’s audition, email me and I will try to work something out with you.
Please email a resume and/or headshot to schedule an audition. Please specify your general availability in your resume. A copy of the script and character sketches will be emailed to you.
Breakdown:
| Role Name | Gender | Ethnicity | Age Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jig | Female | Any Ethnicity | 18-24 | Jig is pregnant with the American’s baby. They have been together for a long time and their relationship has gone stale. She is frustrated with their mundane routine together and she is getting bored with their relationship. Jig is uncertain about her own opinions and refers to the American before making decisions. She is childlike in the way that she defers to him. She cannot even decide how to drink her beer without his input. She is equally indecisive when it comes to getting an abortion. In some ways she dreads and fears having the baby because it would mark the end of her carefree lifestyle. On the other hand, she believes that having the baby will resolve the boredom she feels in her relationship. Initially, Jig agrees with the American that she should get an abortion. However, the longer they talk the idea of having a child appeals more to her. During their conversation, Jig realizes that her relationship with the American has been strained and distant for a long time. She realizes that nothing will ever be the same between them regardless if they have the baby or not because they are both bored with each other. Even though Jig feels this way, she is still insecure and needs approval from the American in order to feel good about herself. She resolves to get the abortion because making the American happy is how she measures her self-worth. |
| The American | Male | Any Ethnicity | 18-24 | The American has the authority in his relationship with Jig. He treats her like a child when he tries to convince her to have an abortion. He does not like change and he sees the baby as a threat to his relationship with Jig. He does not think that there is anything wrong with their relationship the way it is, and he is frustrated with Jig’s indecisiveness. The American does not understand why Jig is considering keeping the baby. He thinks the abortion is logical and the only answer to the problem. He is also frustrated with Jig’s visible boredom. He does not understand why she is unsatisfied and it upsets him when she brings up heavy subjects on their trip. He is considering leaving Jig because he is not having a good time with her anymore. The American feels like it is too much of an effort to try to make her happy. He does not handle conflict well and he deals with it by minimizing it. He tries to simplify his problems until they are no longer problematic. The American patronizes Jig, so he can manipulate her into agreeing with him. If he can get Jig to agree with him, then he will not feel guilty about forcing her to get an abortion. When he tries to talk Jig into getting an abortion, he is trying just as hard to convince himself that she really wants to get one. |
