Harry Lee and Michael Hoffman discuss the logistics and funding of a new community center project with the architect Laszlo. Tensions arise as Harry reveals new religious requirements for the building's design and introduces a pre-selected contractor to manage the budget.
HARRY LEE: Don't talk to him about money. I've spoken to our friends at the Bucks County Mayor's office who are warm to accessing local and state funding opportunities.
LASZLO: It's a community center for all people. What do they want? A prayer room?
HARRY LEE: I am under the impression they are expecting something more specific and meaningful than that for…
L…
Format: Scene · Genre: drama · Source: The Brutalist · Author: Brady Corbet · Characters: Harry Lee, Laszlo, Michael Hoffman
This compelling three-person drama centers on Harry Lee, Michael Hoffman, and Laszlo as they navigate the complexities of a new community center project. The scene quickly establishes a dynamic of power and negotiation, with Harry Lee introducing unexpected conditions that challenge the project's original vision. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore nuanced character reactions and the subtle shifts in control within a professional setting.
Harry Lee is presented as a pragmatic and somewhat cynical figure, clearly driven by external pressures and financial considerations, willing to compromise the project's integrity for funding. Michael Hoffman acts as a keen observer and a strategic ally to Harry, ensuring financial details and potential licensing are addressed. Laszlo, the architect, serves as the idealist, initially baffled and then increasingly frustrated by the pragmatic, almost underhanded, changes to his design. All three characters require actors to convey their internal thoughts and motivations through subtext.
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions due to its clear power dynamics and the rapid development of conflict, allowing actors to showcase a range of reactions and emotional shifts. The dialogue is grounded and realistic, providing a strong foundation for authentic performances rooted in contemporary issues of business and ethics. Its group format also offers actors the chance to demonstrate their ability to collaborate and react effectively within a multi-person dynamic, a valuable skill in audition settings.
This scene is ideally suited for male-identifying actors in their 30s to 50s, particularly those looking to portray nuanced business executives, authority figures, or professionals navigating complex negotiations. It's perfect for a self-tape submission, general practice, or an agent showcase where showcasing a pragmatic and slightly cynical tone is key. Actors comfortable with characters who must balance their personal ideals with practical realities will find this scene particularly rewarding.
When performing this scene, focus on the subtext and the characters' unspoken objectives. For Harry Lee, emphasize his underlying determination to secure funding, even if it means bending the rules. For Laszlo, let his initial disbelief slowly transform into a quiet frustration and resistance. Michael Hoffman should be played with a careful, observant demeanor, always calculating the financial and logistical implications. Pay close attention to how each character reacts to the others' statements, allowing those reactions to inform your choices and drive the scene forward.