Events at CenterStage North

CSN is committed to bringing together a diverse group of people. We encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, body types, and ages (15+) to audition.

Rehearsals begin the week following auditions and may include weeknights and weekends. The schedule will be discussed with actors when roles are offered. There will be no rehearsals over the holidays. Rehearsals take place at The Artisans Resource Center, 585 Cobb Parkway SE, Studio O, Marietta GA.

About the play

Set in 1942, Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers is a coming-of-age story about brothers Jay and Arty Kurnitz. When their father gets in too deep with a loan shark, he leaves the boys in the care of their strict, overbearing Grandmother and her fragile but warm daughter, Bella. The play explores family trauma, resilience, and struggles for independence.

What to expect at auditions

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. New York and German accents/dialects will be used in this production and actors are encouraged to try them at auditions. Dialect coaching will be given during the rehearsal process.

Character descriptions

Characters will be presented as written, but casting will not be gender specific.

Arty Kurnitz Early teens

Bright, honest, and playful, though somewhat timid. He is afraid of his grandmother but wants what’s best for his family.

Jay Kurnitz Late teens

Arty’s older brother. Assertive and protective. He is brave and stuck between wanting to help his father and chafing at the strict rules of his grandmother’s house.

Grandma Kurnitz 60s or older

A German immigrant whom trauma has hardened. She is stern and unbending. She thinks her rules are the only way to keep her family safe.

Aunt Bella 35–45

Neurodivergent. She loves her family but desperately wants to be independent. She experiences a lot of growth in the play.

Eddie Kurnitz 35–45

Jay and Arty’s father. In trouble with a loan shark. Lost his wife and is trying his hardest to raise his boys alone.

Uncle Louie 35–45

Very charming. A petty criminal. He is torn between loyalty to his family and the thrill of this criminal life.

Gert 30s

Very timid and fearful. Her experiences with her mother have resulted in a psychosomatic breathing disorder.