Do you want to be a star?

URI Theatre sets audition dates for two shows

Bonnie Bosworth

The University of Rhode Island Theatre Department is calling for actors to audition for two plays, “Good People” and “Spring Awakening.” 

The auditions are open to the public. 

To register, call the URI Theatre Department at (401) 874-5921 or visit the theatre office on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road, Kingston.

“Good People"

The department is seeking seven actors to star in its production of “Good People.” 

Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Good People” is an edgy, witty, powerful and funny investigation of class differences in today’s America, and it probes the theme of this fall’s URI Honors Colloquium topic, “Inequality and the American Dream.”

The plot follows Margie Walsh, a mother living in South Boston with her disabled adult daughter, who is about to lose her Dollar Store job and could face eviction. In desperation, she seeks help from her recently-back-in-town high school boyfriend of long ago, now a well-to-do doctor, husband and father living in the upper class milieu of Chestnut Hill.

The play is directed by Bryna Wortman, with sets by Cheryl deWardener, costumes by Morgan Clark, lighting by Jen Rock, and sound by Michael Hyde. The stage manager is Ally Schiller and the assistant director and dramaturg is Jen Spirito.

 CAST

• Margaret Walsh      50ish, well-meaning, can be brash, unpretentious, street smart and kind
• Steve      20ish, Dollar Store manager, trying to do a good job
• Joyce      30ish, Margaret’s disabled daughter, no lines, all physical acting and inner life
• Dottie      Margaret’s 60ish landlord who often cares for Joyce, and is a bit ditsy
• Jean      50ish, Margaret’s friend, astute and supportive, knows more than she’s saying
• Mike      50ish, attractive, well-educated doctor, likes the upscale life he’s achieved since escaping from Southie, self-centered
• Kate      Mike’s wife, 30ish African-American, well-educated, cultured working woman and mother, clueless about life in Southie, but well meaning

REQUIRED:

Auditions will require a contemporary monologue, 1 to 2 minutes in length, from a play other than “Good People.” Selections should be a scene to which you strongly connect and that best reveals you and perhaps something about the character in “Good People” you are attempting to reveal. No slang or foul language. Be prepared to read sides at auditions and definitely at callbacks. Please read the entire play before auditions – scripts can be found in the Theatre Office.

Auditions for juniors and seniors will be held in the Will Theatre of the Fine Arts Center on Sept. 6, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. All others will audition Sept. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m., also in the Will Theatre. Call backs will be held Sept. 8, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. in the same location. The first-read through takes place Sept. 10 at 12:30 p.m.

 “Spring Awakening”

The department is seeking 15 to 20 actors to star in “Spring Awakening,” based on the play by Frank Wedekind. With music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater, “Spring Awakening” explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The 2008 landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock ‘n roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation.

The play is directed by Paula McGlasson, while Lila Kane serves as musical director, with choreography by Dante Sciarra, set design by Kent Homchick, costume design by Toni Spadafora-Sadler, lighting design by Christian Wittwer, sound design by Michael Hyde and prop design by Laura Mernoff. Production manager is Alan Hawkridge and production stage manager is Kyle Fletcher.

CAST

• Wendla      Innocent, growing more curious about the world around her and her changing body. Both vulnerable and a willing participant in her evolution. Explores newfound sexuality with Melchior. May require partial nudity. Vocal range E3 bottom to E5 top.
• Melchior    Smart, headstrong boy who refuses to bow to society’s rules. An atheist and a radical student. Struggles with intense feelings for Wendla and his awakening sexual urges. May require partial nudity. Vocal range G2 bottom to B4 top.
• Martha        A schoolgirl who faces constant physical abuse from her father. She has a secret crush on Moritz. Vocal range E3 bottom to E5 top
• Moritz         Melchior’s best friend, a troubled student. He desperately tries and fails to please his father. His haunting sexual dreams and academic failures drive him to thoughts of suicide. Vocal range C3 bottom to A4 top.
• Thea           Wendla’s best friend, a schoolgirl who tries to stay innocent and pure. Vocal range Ab2 bottom to D5 top.
• Hanschen  A narcissistic classmate of Melchior’s. He is comfortable with his sexuality and uses his looks and intelligence to captivate Ernst. May double as Rupert. Vocal range E3 bottom to C5 top.
• Anna           A German schoolgirl and Martha’s best friend. Optimistic and a bit naïve, she has a difficult time understanding Martha’s trials. Vocal range E3 bottom to C5 top.
• Ernst           A schoolmate of Melchior’s. Naïve and easily manipulated, allowing him to fall in love with Hanschen. May double as Reinhold. Vocal range Ab2 bottom to A4 top.
• Ilse             Martha’s sister, who was abused and has run away from home to live in an artist’s colony. She reaches out to her old friend Moritz in his last moments of life. Vocal range E3 bottom to E5 top.
• Georg          A clumsy schoolmate of Melchior’s. He is overcome with feelings for his piano teacher. May double as Dieter. Vocal range Ab2 bottom to D5 top.
• Otto             A classmate of Melchior’s. He struggles with feelings he considers inappropriate. May double as Ulbrecht. Vocal range Ab2 bottom to D5 top.
• Adult woman Plays a variety of rigid adult roles. Character include: Wendla’s mother, school professor, Martha’s mother, etc. Age 40 to 50 with vocal range of D3 bottom to A4 top.
• Adult man  Plays a variety of rigid adult roles. Characters include: School professor, Ilse’s father, Moritz’s father, a doctor, etc. Age 40 to 50 with vocal range of D3 bottom to F4 top.

REQUIRED:

Auditions will require the performance of two contrasting songs or one song and one monologue. The song should be from the world of pop, rock or folk music. If performing two songs, one should be uptempo and the other a ballad. All lyrics must be memorized and 32 bars per song will be performed. 

Sheet music be provided to the accompanist. If presenting a monologue, it should be 1-minute long. Choose a serious and contemporary monologue revealing the passions of the youthful character you are portraying.

Auditions for juniors and seniors will be held in G Studio of the Fine Arts Center on Sept. 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. All others will audition Sept. 7, from 7 to 10 p.m., also in G Studio. Call backs will be held Sept. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the same location and will include dancing, singing and acting.

Rehearsals will begin in October. Please note that if you are cast in “Good People,” there may be an overlap with performances. Every attempt will be made to avoid casting the same actors in both productions.