LIVE ARTS AUDITION INFORMATION To Kill A Mockingbird Written by Christopher Sergel, Based on the novel by Harper Lee Directed by Fran Smith In the GIBSON THEATER Audition Dates: Sunday & Monday, November 15 and 16 Rehearsals Start: Mid-December/ January Performance Dates: March 11- April 3 2016 “Moments of Heroism and Hope in 'Mockingbird'” The New York Times
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAY Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is captured here in all its warmth and depth, as young Scout Finch journeys from innocence to understanding in this beloved classic. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD reveals the racial tension and injustice of the depression-era South as seen through the eyes of a young girl. It’s a story of inequality, courage, and the very definition of compassion. Above all, it’s a story of hope in a hopeless time. Experience this legendary story told anew on the Gibson stage, and share it with those too young to yet know its profound treasures. CAST BREAKDOWN 8 women, 12 men townspeople of varying ages and backgrounds, including children AGE RANGE: Scout Finch: a young girl, 12-16 (if they look young for their age) Jean Louise Finch: “Scout” grown older, 25 – 45 Jem Finch: Scout’s older brother, 14-16 Atticus Finch: their father, 50 Calpurnia: the black housekeeper, 40+ Dill: a friend of Scout and Jem, 12-16 Miss Maudie Atkinson: a sympathetic neighbor, 50+ Miss Stephanie Crawford: the neighborhood scold, 50+
Mrs. Dubose: an elderly, bad tempered neighbor, 50+ Mr. Cunningham: a farmer and client of Atticus Finch, 40+ Mayella Ewell: a poor girl, 19 Bob Ewell: her father; a ‘bantam cock’ of a man, 40+ Mr. Gilmer: the counsel for prosecution in the trial of Tom Robinson, 40+ Nathan Radley: a pale, leathery man; ‘Boo’ Radley’s older brother and guardian, 40+ Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley: a mysterious, tall figure; nervous and withdrawn, 40+ Tom Robinson: a powerful, young black man, but with his left hand curled up to his chest, 30-40 Helen Robinson: his wife, 30-40 Reverend Sykes: a black minister, 40+ Heck Tate: the sheriff, 50+ Judge Taylor: the judge who tries the case of Tom Robinson, 50+ Court Clerk, 20+ Townspeople of all ages NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR Doing the play version of an American Classic movie has challenges. Most audience members come to the play knowing the story and have preconceived notions. The Mockingbird cast’s challenge will be to bring the story to life with real people and create first hand the heartfelt vulnerability of both the characters and the times. Of course we might give it a little Live Arts seasoning as we are apt to do. It would be a good idea to research an Alabama accent. Youtube is a resource for folks talking with an Alabama accent. It is lighter than most Southern accents. VITAL INFO PERFORMANCES MARCH 11- APRIL 3 Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Thursdays at 7:30; and Sundays at 2pm. LOCATION Performances take place in the Live Arts Gibson Theater (Downstage) at 123 East Water Street; the corner of 2nd SE and Water off the Downtown Mall. REHEARSALS begin Mid-December/ Early January. Rehearsals are usually scheduled from 6:30-10pm Sunday through Thursday. Generally, no rehearsals on Friday or Saturday. Not all actors will be called every day.
Frequency of rehearsals increases as Tech Week and performances approach.
▪ AUDITION SLOTS Sunday, November 15 OR Monday November 16 —
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If you cannot attend, let Tracie know – we may be able to schedule a different time Callbacks will be November 21st Auditionees under 18 6:30-7:30 both nights Auditionees over 18 7:30-10:00 both
▪ WHAT WILL YOU DO? o You will be asked to do a cold reading from the script. o Because this is such an ensemble piece, we’d like to audition folks in groups by scenes
▪ SCRIPTS & SIDES You should receive an electronic copy of the script for your perusal. Audition “sides” will also be available a week before auditions.
▪ CONFLICTS? At auditions, you will be asked to write down your schedule and conflicts for the rehearsal and performance period. Please bring your calendar and be thorough!
▪ TO RESERVE YOUR AUDITION TIME EMAIL, Tracie Steger Skipper, at
[email protected].
▪ WHICH CHARACTERS?
Along with your time preference for your audition, please include for which character(s) you’ll be auditioning.
MISSION For over 25 years, Live Arts’ mission has been Forging Theater and Community. As Live Arts is a community theater, actors are not paid to perform. QUESTIONS? You can also call the Live Arts Office at 434-977-4177 X 107 and ask for Tracie if you have burning questions regarding auditions.