The Road Company Theatre is opening its doors for auditions for a powerful new staging of Fences, the iconic play by August Wilson, at their Williamstown location. This production promises to bring Wilson’s celebrated exploration of African American life in 20th century America to the New Jersey stage, blending poignant drama with a compelling historical perspective.
Auditions are scheduled for Sunday, December 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with callbacks by invitation on Monday, December 8, at 7:00 p.m. at 405 S. Main Street, Williamstown, NJ 08094. Actors interested in auditioning must complete and submit the online form prior to attending. Conflicts with tech week or any performance dates cannot be accommodated, as full commitment is required for the cast. A mandatory meet-and-greet with the cast and production team will take place on December 14, giving participants an opportunity to engage with directors, stage managers, and producers before rehearsals begin.
Rehearsals are set to commence in January 2026, with a schedule tailored to the needs of the cast and production. The show is slated for performances on March 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, and 22, providing multiple opportunities for audiences to experience this acclaimed work.
The Road Company is seeking non-equity actors, with a small stipend offered based on opening night ticket sales. The theater maintains a strong commitment to non-traditional casting, encouraging actors of all races, genders, ages, abilities, and identities to audition.
Actors should prepare a two-minute dramatic monologue in the style of Fences, with the option to select a piece from the play itself. The production team is seeking performers capable of conveying the emotional depth and complexity of Wilson’s characters, from fathers and sons to friends and family navigating life in the 1950s.
Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson, a former African American League baseball player whose unresolved trauma and personal struggles profoundly affect his family relationships. The play examines themes of ambition, regret, race, and generational conflict, offering actors the chance to explore rich, emotionally nuanced roles. Key characters include Troy’s wife Rose, his sons Cory and Lyons, his brother Gabriel, and his close friend Jim Bono, each providing unique perspectives within this family-centered drama. Young Raynell, Troy’s daughter, completes the ensemble, highlighting the generational stakes of Wilson’s narrative.
The production is led by Director Arthur Leo Taylor, with Assistant Director April Johnson, Producer Danielle Harley-Scott, and Stage Manager Chimere Lynn overseeing the rehearsal and performance process. Together, they aim to cultivate a collaborative environment that honors Wilson’s work while challenging actors to deliver authentic, dynamic performances.
This audition represents an exciting opportunity for local performers to engage with one of the most important works of modern American theater, while audiences will soon have the chance to experience a production that blends historical insight with raw, human emotion. Interested actors can learn more and prepare for the audition by visiting the theater’s theatre page for details on submission, character breakdowns, and performance expectations.
The Road Company’s production of Fences promises a compelling and immersive theatrical experience, offering performers and audiences alike a deep dive into August Wilson’s exploration of family, ambition, and the African American experience in mid-century America. This is a rare opportunity for New Jersey actors to be part of a meaningful, high-quality production in a professional, supportive environment.
