The Shark is Broken

by Joseph Nixon and Ian Shaw

Directed by Tom Hall

Show Dates: September 25, 26, 27, October 2, 3, and 4, 2026

Open Call: Please attend one of the following:
Tuesday, July 28, 6:30-8:00pm
Wednesday, July 29, 6:30-8:00pm

Location: Penny Smith Theater rehearsal hall, 118 Cussewago Square, Meadville, PA. Please enter from the east parking lot entrance.

Audition Details: Those auditioning only need to attend ONE audition session.
Scenes for a cold read will be provided.  You may be asked to read for more than one character.

Show Details: The Shark Is Broken is a three-character play that imagines the real-life interactions between the stars of Jaws during the long delays caused by the malfunctioning mechanical shark, “Bruce.” The action takes place aboard the Orca while filming is stalled.

Character List:

Robert Shaw
Age: Early 50s
Occupation: Acclaimed British actor, writer, and playwright; plays Quint in Jaws

Robert Shaw is the dominant personality aboard the Orca. Intelligent, witty, and highly articulate, he is a classically trained actor with a formidable reputation. Beneath his confidence lies deep insecurity about aging, relevance, and his dependence on alcohol. Shaw often masks vulnerability with sarcasm, storytelling, and intellectual superiority. His contentious relationship with Richard Dreyfuss drives much of the play’s conflict, while his struggles with alcoholism and perfectionism reveal a more tragic side.

Richard Dreyfuss
Age: Mid-20s
Occupation: Rising Hollywood actor; plays Matt Hooper in Jaws

Richard Dreyfuss is young, ambitious, energetic, and eager to prove himself. He possesses a sharp intellect but is often insecure and sensitive to criticism. His enthusiasm and need for validation frequently clash with Shaw’s cynical worldview. Dreyfuss alternates between confidence and self-doubt, creating a character who is both humorous and sympathetic. His rivalry with Shaw is fueled by generational differences, competing egos, and contrasting approaches to acting and success.

Roy Scheider
Age: Early 40s
Occupation: Established American actor; plays Chief Martin Brody in Jaws

Roy Scheider serves as the mediator between Shaw and Dreyfuss. Practical, grounded, and emotionally mature, he often attempts to keep the peace when tensions escalate. While less outwardly dramatic than the other two men, Scheider has his own frustrations with the troubled production. His calm demeanor, dry humor, and observational nature allow him to function as the stabilizing force of the trio. He frequently acts as the voice of reason amid the others’ arguments and insecurities.

MCT is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all our productions. We provide equal opportunity in casting as far as our contracts allow.