Grifters Wanted For Bay Street Gig

Bay Street Theater is accepting audition submissions now through February 25 for “The Grift,” an immersive, site-specific theater experience that will be offered throughout Sag Harbor village from mid-March through early April. A presentation of Diabolical Muse Productions, “The Grift” is conceived, written and directed by Tom Salamon. The piece originally premiered in San Diego in 2015 before opening to acclaim in London in 2018.

Part theater and part game, “The Grift” will begin and end at Bay Street Theater and move through several locations nearby in Sag Harbor. Dropping its audience of 50 per show into the middle of an adventure in which they are trained in the art of the con, participants meet characters, solve clues and get a master class in the ways of the grifter, all in the interest of pulling off one final grift to take down a seamy criminal mastermind. Audiences will have their intelligence tested and get trained in scams like The Pig In The Poke, The Round-The-Corner, and The Money Swap — but will they be sharp enough to take down an evil genius at his own game? An experience unlike anything ever performed on a stage, “The Grift” sweeps its audience into an adventure, turning everyday theatergoers into master cons. And when the show ends? They’re released into the world with a whole new skill set — one that can pay off for years to come.

The production is currently seeking male and female actors in the Sag Harbor area with strong improv skills. Housing will not be provided. Diabolical Muse Productions is currently accepting video submissions online at baystreet.org. The salary is $500 per week for four weeks including a week of rehearsals.

Tom Salamon has been in the immersive experience world for 13 years, starting with his first show “Accomplice: New York,” widely regarded as a pioneering work in the early days of immersive theater. In the years since, he has written and directed work in New York, London, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and produced work with Tony Award-winning theaters such as La Jolla Playhouse and Menier Chocolate Factory, as well as co-produced shows with Tony Award-winner Neil Patrick Harris. In 2020, upon commission by La Jolla Playhouse, he wrote and directed “The Wizards Of Oakwood Drive,” a live, Zoom-based online experience for young audiences. In addition, he has developed an online experiential campaign for Comic Con 2020 for a major streaming network with a top experiential agency.

Audition submissions for “The Grift” at Bay Street Theater are open online at baystreet.org through February 25. Performances begin Thursday, March 17, and continue through Sunday, April 3, with six shows each week. Masks and proof of vaccination are required for entry. Tickets start at $39 through the box office by calling 631-725-9500 Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at baystreet.org.