January 13, 2014

Auditions set for spring theater productions

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Theater will hold open auditions for two upcoming spring productions.  Open auditions means community members as well as students, faculty and staff members are eligible to audition. 

“Radio Golf” auditions are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 24, and 4 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 25 in the McLeod Theater in the Communications Building, with callbacks at 4 p.m. on Jan. 26.  Production dates are April 24-27.  The director is Segun Ojewuyi.  Sign up for audition times with the theater office at 618/453-5741 or during auditions. 

Come to the audition prepared with a one- to two-minute presentation, preferably a dramatic selection.  There will be selections for cold readings.  Theater majors, however, must have a prepared audition piece. 

“Radio Golf” is a play by August Wilson, and the last of his 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle.”  This play tells the story of a black mayoral candidate who discovers he is involved in a corrupt real estate scheme. 

There are roles for one woman and three men.  In addition to African-American actors from both genders, the director encourages female actors of other racial or ethnic identities to audition. 

“Joan’s Laughter” auditions are from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 1.  Auditions will be in the C. H. Moe Theater in the Communications Building. Callbacks are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 2. Production dates are April 3-6.  The director is guest artist Megan Smith. 

Auditions are from provided scripts.  Actors should sign up for a time either by calling the theater department at 618/453-5741, or come to the auditions. The script is available in the theater department office during regular business hours for those who want to read through it. 

Jacob Juntunen, assistant professor of playwriting at SIU, is the playwright. The play looks at the last hour of Joan of Arc’s life as she prepares for execution.

There are roles for two women and three men.