Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre & Dance announces fall semester theatre auditions for “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson.
When: Thursday, Sept., from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Performance Center Studio Theatre
Who: Auditions for acting roles in theatre productions at SMUMN are open to all Saint Mary’s students!
What is the fall theatre production?
“Silent Sky,” by Lauren Gunderson (2015, cast: 4 women and 1 man)
Based on historical characters from the early 1900s, the play centers around Henrietta Leavitt and a group of women “computers” at the Harvard Observatory who are charting the heavens for a renowned astronomer. Dramatists Play Service describes the play this way: “As Henrietta, in her spare time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love.” As she leaves her family home in Wisconsin and her close relationship with her sister to pursue what she believes is her “best life” on “the edge of the wide world”, she also faces questions of faith, womanhood, and reason.
Performances:
• The performances will be Oct. 27-30 in the Performance Center Studio Theatre
Rehearsals:
• Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Studio Theatre and will typically be Sundays through Thursdays from 6-10 p.m., with the exception of fall break. Technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals will require more time, beginning on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 23 from 2 – 10 p.m.; and Monday through Wednesday from 6-10 p.m. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, 28, and 29, and 3 p.m. on Oct. 30. Actors will be asked to arrive at least an hour prior to performance times for preparation.
What do I need to prepare for the audition?
Majors will present two memorized passages from any play, a minute to a minute-and-a-half each, total combined length approximately 3 minutes.
Non-majors may also present prepared pieces if they would like, OR they may perform by reading/acting from a printed passage that length, un-memorized. Passages to be read/acted may be provided by the actor auditioning or one will be provided for them, available when you schedule your audition appointment upon arrival.
When can I schedule an audition appointment? Just show up at the Studio Theatre at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, and we will be happy to schedule you for an appointment for that night. Call-back auditions (when you are asked to audition again for a specific role) are Friday, Sept. 2, from 6 –10 p.m., also in the Studio Theatre
What if I have questions? If you have any questions about the theatre auditions, please contact Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff at jbickers@smumn.edu. Two copies of the script are on reserve in the library under TA 175/TA 375.
