AUDITIONS FOR TECH THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Spring 2009
 Scripts and music may be borrowed now from the Visual & Performing Arts office to help in preparing for Tech Theatre auditions for two spring productions, The Dining Room and The Robber Bridegroom. Open auditions for both shows will be held on Tuesday, January 13, and Thursday, January 15, from 7:00–10:00 p.m in McArdle Theatre (207 Walker, for "The Dining Room") and the Band Room (208 Rozsa, for "Robber Bridegroom"). Holding the auditions on two nights allows actors to audition for both shows if they wish.
The Dining Room, a comedy by A. R. (Pete) Gurney, is a series of eighteen scenes which depict life in a New England family over fifty years. Some are funny, some are poignant; all are insightful. Six to twelve actors play all fifty-nine characters, so a variety of actors is needed. Dennis Kerwin, lecturer in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance at Michigan Tech and a veteran of Hollywood films and television, will be a featured artist in the play.
Performance dates for "The Dining Room" are February 25-28 in McArdle Theatre. Rehearsal begins Sunday, January 18, at 6:00 pm, with a Sunday-to-Friday rehearsal schedule. Not all actors will be called for every rehearsal during the first three weeks, although everyone will be in rehearsal on Fridays. Beginning about February 12, actors will need to be available for all rehearsals. Rehearsal times will vary, with most at either 4:00-7:00 pm or 7:00-10:00 pm.
More information on "The Dining Room" is available from Roger Held, rheld@mtu.edu, 487-1080.
The Robber Bridegroom, a folk musical set in 18th century Mississippi territory, along the Natchez Trace, will be performed in the Rozsa Center on April 9-11. The plot involves a mischievous robber who sets out to steal the daughter of a wealthy planter. The trouble is, she’s quite willing to be stolen, although not by him. Colorful characters abound in this charming folktale. The music offers a variety of styles including blue grass, country ballads, and western folk dances.
Auditions for "The Robber Bridegroom" will be held in the Band Room (208 Rozsa; enter from second floor Walker) on January 13 and 15. Auditioners will sing the chorus parts together, and then perform individually the selections which they've prepared in advance. Call-backs to read will occur the following week.
Audition Music Packets, which contain descriptions of the characters, instructions, and the music, are available from the Visual & Performing Arts office, 209 Walker (open 8:00 am to 5:00 m, Monday to Friday). Scripts are also available for borrowing.
Music rehearsals for "Robber Bridegroom" will be held twice a week in February, with regular Sunday-through-Thursday rehearsals beginning March 4 (except during MTU's Spring Break, March 7-14). Director Patricia Helsel can be contacted for more information at 487-3283 or helsel@mtu.edu. |
