Native Gardens
By Karen Zacarías
Produced by South Camden Theatre Company, Inc.
Directed by: Natalie Payán
Stage Manager: Abby Schechter
Audition Date: Thursday, June 25th (6:30-10pm)
Callbacks by invitation: Sunday, June 28th (4-9pm)
LOCATION: 400 Jasper St, Camden, NJ 08104
Virtual appointments are available for those who cannot attend auditions in person (June 19th - 24th).
What do I need to prepare?
Primary Cast: Please prepare one comedic contemporary monologue (up to 2 minutes). You will additionally be provided a short excerpt from the script to read during the audition (memorization is not required).
Ensemble Cast: Please prepare a 1-2 minute physical comedic monologue or story.
Important Dates:
Performance Dates: September 18 - October 4, 2026
Fridays & Saturdays @7:30 PM
Sundays @2pm
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will occur 3-4 times a week based on cast availability. Timing will be weeknights after 6pm and weekends any time.
Tech Rehearsals: September 13-17
Please refrain from auditioning if you can’t make tech week or performances.
Summary of Show:
Native Gardens is a sharp exploration of privilege, race, culture, and entitlement. This comedy centers on a seemingly polite property line dispute that spirals into an all-out border war.
Cast Breakdown/Requirements
TANIA (female-presenting, Latina, late 20s-30s) – Native to New Mexico, this passionate anthropology Ph.D. candidate is caught in a high-stress whirlwind of finishing her dissertation while preparing for motherhood. Despite being eight months pregnant, she remains highly energized, channeling her determination into building an environmentally responsible "native garden." She may not speak Spanish fluently, but she possesses a mastery of Spanish curse words! Smart and likeable.
PABLO (male-presenting, Latino, late 20s-30s) – A Chilean-born attorney with a mild Spanish accent. He is fiercely ambitious and determined to make partner at his prestigious new law firm. Highly image-conscious and the embodiment of the drive for the "American Dream." Smart and likeable.
VIRGINIA (female-presenting, Caucasian, 60s-70s) – A woman who spent her career as an engineer in a male-dominated field. She is highly assertive and direct. She likes to uplift the underdog, but fiercely defends the respect she’s worked for. Smart and likeable.
FRANK (male-presenting, Caucasian, 60s-70s) – A meticulous and sensitive retired government worker. He channels a fiercely competitive spirit into his pristine, English-style garden. Underneath his obsession with winning the neighborhood landscape wars, he’s easily excitable and radiates a warm "girl dad" energy. Smart and likeable.
ENSEMBLE* (18+, Latiné or BIPOC, any gender) – Act as silent storytellers who represent the passage of time and witness the unfolding madness. Use physical comedy to keep the audience entertained during transition vignettes that signal scene changes, provide crucial context, and keep the narrative moving seamlessly forward.
*Ensemble calls will be carefully planned; your time is important to us!
We value transparency and open communication; if you have any questions, please email the director at [email protected].
To submit for an audition, please prepare as follows:
Primary Cast: Please prepare one comedic contemporary monologue (up to 2 minutes). You will additionally be provided a short excerpt from the script to read during the audition (memorization is not required).
Ensemble Cast: Please prepare a 1-2 minute physical comedic monologue or story.
Click the link below to complete the audition form. You will be guided to an additional link to choose your in-person appointment time.
