Nonsense Productions is seeking 9 performers for a staged reading of HEAVY, a screenplay by Kyle David Perry, directed by Kyle David Perry.

HEAVY follows an obese Chicago performing artist as he navigates his way through an eating addiction, interpersonal conflict, grief, stage fright, and the CTA. HEAVY is a day in the life of Frank and company before, during, and after a vulnerable performance of Frank's most inner monologue, and how it affects everyone around him. The journey through this performance causes some relationships to fade, some to blossom, and some blow up completely.

Content Warning: HEAVY contains discussions of addiction, self harm, substance abuse, and suicide; depictions of drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco; depictions of an eating disorder; depictions and references of sexual content such as porn and sensual themes between characters; and a brief depiction violence.

Pay: $50 stipend

Character Breakdown:
FRANK (masc, any race/ethnicity, 20s) An obese theatre artist and poet. Friendly, compulsive, a hopeless romantic. Food addict and overeater.

AVA (femme, any race/ethnicity, 20s) Frank's work friend. Cool corporate girlie. Curious, confident, prepared. Caffeinated. One of those "runners high" people.

NORA (femme, any race/ethnicity, 20s) Frank's best friend and Jess' roommate. Unstoppable, problem solver to the point of stress, protective. Nicotine addict, cigarettes.

JESS (femme, any race/ethnicity, 20s) Frank's friend and Nora's roommate. Enterprising, funny, understands how the world works. Used to use heroin. In Narcotics Anonymous.

MILLIE (femme, any race/ethnicity, 20s) Frank's crush and Jess' girlfriend. Gregarious, goes with the flow, tells it like it is. Easily frustrated. Social media addict, a chronic scroller.

SAM (masc, any race/ethnicity, 20s) Frank's oldest friend and Arthur's roommate. Smooth until he's not. Talented, lazy, and trying his best. Alcoholic tendencies.

EUGENE (masc, white, 20s) Sam's friend from out of town. Relentless, antagonistic, insecure who has the capacity to be a violent bully. Addictive tendencies towards porn.

ARTHUR (any gender, any race/ethnicity, 20s) Sam's roommate. So chill and so androgenous. Patient, chaotic, thoughtful. Enjoys marijuana in all forms.

LESLIE (any gender, any race/ethnicity, 40s) Unhoused person that frequents train terminals. Hopeful with a zest for life. Gambling addiction. Slots, scratch-offs, sports, you name it.