Show Synopsis:
In this sharp media satire that explores the boundaries between fact and fiction, fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker Jim Fingal faces off against esteemed writer John D’Agata, whose new essay might be able to revitalize their fading magazine... if only he could prove its veracity. Taut, gripping and concerned with exactly how much we can stretch the truth in pursuit of a good story, The Lifespan of a Fact is based off Fingal and D’Agata’s critically-acclaimed nonfiction book of the same title.
Moving gracefully through discussions of Las Vegas geography, temporary lap dancing restrictions and accurately portraying the fullness of a teenage boy‘s life, the play shines with wit and wisdom. Under the watchful eye of their editor, Emily Penrose, Fingal and D‘Agata come head-to-head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth.
The show is one act, 90 minutes long, with no intermission.
CONTENT WARNING: THE SHOW DISCUSSES SUICIDE AND OTHER ADULT THEMES AND CONTAINS STRONG ADULT LANGUAGE
Character Descriptions:
Jim Fingal (Age: 20s–30s)
The Role: An eager, recently graduated Harvard intern working as a fact-checker.
Personality: Earnest, uncompromising, and deeply committed to protocols. He values black-and-white data over artistic expression and wants to verify every single detail to the letter of the law.
John D'Agata (Age: 40s–60s)
The Role: A celebrated, fiercely independent literary author.
Personality: Highly confident and unapologetic. He defends his embellishments as necessary to capture the "emotional truth" and aesthetic beauty of a story, arguing that literal facts only bog down a great piece of writing.
Emily Penrose (Age: 40s–60s)
The Role: The determined, ambitious Editor-in-Chief of a prestigious but financially struggling Manhattan magazine.
Personality: Caught in the middle of a high-stakes standoff. She desperately needs D'Agata's compelling, groundbreaking essay to save the publication, but she also needs to maintain her magazine's journalistic integrity
Instructions/Pertinent Information
Please sign up for one (1) time slot and date only.
All auditions and callbacks are held at the Baer Theater at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60643
Auditions will consist of monologue and side readings. Materials available here: https://bit.ly/4vyRBGy
Video Submissions: If you are unable to attend auditions, you may record a video of yourself reading one of the monologues from the audition materials link for the character you would like to audition for. Please email the video to vicepresident@beverlytheatreguild.org no later than 10 pm on Monday, July 6. Please include "Lifespan Video Submission" in your subject line.
Arrival Time: We kindly ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time to complete an audition form before your audition begins.
***Be prepared to list your scheduled conflicts on the audition form. Conflicts will not be accepted AFTER the show has been cast. We will not cast those with multiple conflicts, conflicts during Tech Week, or on performance dates.***
Parking and Entrance: Please park in the rear lot. Enter off 112th Street. Enter Morgan Park Academy using the stage door.
General Rehearsal Schedule
Beginning Thursday, July 9 2026
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Additional Rehearsals may be added at the Artistic Staff’s discretion. A master Calendar will be provided once it is prepared.
Performance Dates/Times:
Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Callback Information
We do not anticipate needing callbacks at this time. If the decision is made to hold callbacks, all involved will be notified as soon as possible by text, phone or email.
Code of Ethics Statement
The Beverly Theatre Guild welcomes auditionees of all races and types, and adheres to the Chicago Theatre Standards (“CTS”) code of ethics.
Contact Email for Auditions
If you have any questions about the audition process, please email the Producer at generalmanager@beverlytheatreguild.org or the Director at vicepresident@beverlytheatreguild.org.
Licensor Billing Statement
THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service
www.concordtheatricals.com