(Syracuse, NY)—Syracuse Stage is seeking community members to appear on stage alongside professional actors in two productions in the upcoming 2015/16 Season. In To Kill a Mockingbird, community members will appear as courtroom observers. In The Christians, a praise/gospel choir comprised of community members will sing throughout the show.
Prior experience performing on stage is preferred but not required. Selected participants are volunteers and will receive Syracuse Stage tickets, access to a professional rehearsal process, opportunities to mingle with professional cast members and other artists from around the country, and the chance to be part of a unique and inspiring production of an award-winning American play produced by the region’s leading professional theatre. Auditions will be held August 14 and 15 at Syracuse Stage. More information can be found below and online at www.syracusestage.org. To schedule an appointment, call Chris Botek at 315-443-4008.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Brief description of the play: Harper Lee’s classic American story of courage and justice. In a small Alabama town, a black man, Tom Robinson, stands falsely accused of raping a white woman. Many townspeople would see him condemned, but attorney Atticus Finch defends Tom and demands justice. Through the trial, Atticus’ children Scout and Jem and their friend Dill come face to face with reality of racism in their small town.
Seeking: Seven persons of color, ages 18 and up, to appear on stage as African American courtroom observers. These roles require the ability to walk up onto the stage and sit during the performance for 30-40 minutes of focused attention.
Audition Requirements: The audition will include a brief interview and a short improvisation.
Time commitment:
- Available for several rehearsals in February 2016.
- Available to participate in performances from February 24 through March 26, 2016, up to eight performances per week.
THE CHRISTIANS
Brief description of the play: Do you have the courage to change your heart? Pastor Paul is much-loved and much-respected, but he has a difficult sermon to deliver. What will be the impact of his words on his loyal congregation? What consequences for his family? For himself? Playwright-to-watch Lucas Hnath invites people of all faiths and beliefs, to engage in a conversation about the seemingly insurmountable distance between us. Set in a contemporary mega-church and performed as Sunday service with sermons, scripture, and a full choir, The Christians has quickly become one of the most talked about new plays in the country.
Seeking: Singers of all ethnicities, ages 18 and up, of all faiths, as well as non-believers, to be part of a 24-member praise/gospel choir. Hymns to be sung may include “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand,” “Catch on Fire,” “Farther Along,” and “I Feel Like Goin’ On.” Participant requirements:
- A strong voice and clear diction
- An understanding of harmony and blending your voice with others
- Ability to quickly learn and remember parts (Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass)
- Familiarity with traditional evangelical gospel/ praise hymns is helpful but not necessary
Audition Requirements: Community choir candidates should prepare one stanza of “Amazing Grace” to perform a cappella.
Time commitment:
- Available for about 4 rehearsals during the months of March and April.
- Ability to participate in performances from April 6 through April 24, 2016, up to eight performances per week.
ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE
Syracuse Stage is Central New York’s premier professional theatre. Founded in 1974, Stage has produced more than 300 plays in over 40 seasons including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays, and bold interpretations of classics and musicals, featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves more than 15,000 students from 14 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Syracuse Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York. Additional support comes from the government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.