Audition Information

General Audition Information for All Shows

• Auditions are open to everyone including students and members of the community, except where noted.
  
• Those auditioning have the choice of working from sides (selected scene excerpts) or they may perform a prepared monologue. For musicals, audition information will be listed under the show.
  
• Scripts and sides are available for perusal for periods up to 24 hours from the Fine Arts secretary. Stop by or call 330-244-5151 between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Scripts and sides will also be available in the reserve area of the Stark Campus Library.
• Audition appointments are recommended, but not required. Stop by or call 330-244-5151 to schedule an audition appointment with the Fine Arts secretary.
  
• Technical production opportunities are also available, such as stage and assistant stage managers, assistants to lighting, scenic, sound and costume designers.
  
• Roles available and any additional audition requirements will be listed under each show.
• Brian Newberg is the director for all of the following shows.
  

I Love You Because

Book & Lyrics by Ryan Cunningham
Music by Joshua Salzman 

Performance Dates:
Feb. 15, 16, 22 & 23 at 8 p.m.
Feb. 17 & 24 (ASL interpreted) at 2:30 p.m.

In this romantic musical’s modern twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, a young, uptight greeting card writer’s life is changed when he meets a flighty photographer. Along with their eccentric friends and siblings, they learn to love each other, not in spite of their faults, but because of them. For mature audiences only.

Audition Dates:
Nov. 26 & 27, 2012 (Nov. 29 for callbacks if needed)
7 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre

Initial rehearsal will be Dec. 9. Regular rehearsals begin Jan. 2 and occur five evenings a week until opening.

Musical Director:
Laurel Seeds, M.M.
Associate Professor
lseeds@kent.edu
330-244-3358
118A Fine Arts

Roles:
Three male roles and three female roles available.

• Austin Bennet (tenor to A) - Male, greeting card writer
• Jeff Bennet (baritone to G [optional A]) - Male, pedi-cab driver
• Marcy Fitzwilliams (soprano, strong mix to F, belt to D) - Female, photographer
• Diana Bingley (alto to D) - Female, actuary
• Female cocktail waitress, baristress, neighbor, Chinese food restaurant manager, NYC woman (soprano)
• Male bartender, barista, waiter, Chinese food restaurant waiter, NYC man (bari-tenor)
  

Additional Audition Requirements:
Auditionees should prepare a song from I Love You Because, or from similar material, and bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella auditions please. Auditions may also include some acting work with the Stage Director, possibly using sides from the show.

The Crucible

Music by Robert Ward
Libretto by Bernard Stambler
An opera adaptation of the play by Arthur Miller.

Performance Dates:
June 7 & 8 at 8 p.m.
June 9 (ASL interpreted) at 2:30 p.m.

An unfaithful husband’s life turns tragic in this operatic version of an American classic that examines justice, honor and courage. He finds himself fighting against a monstrous political and religious “witch hunt†and is forced to face his past and reconcile his actions before the power of the court. For mature audiences only.

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR KENT STATE STUDENTS ONLY.

Audition Date:
Friday, Jan. 11, 2013
2 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre
Special arrangements will be made for call backs, if necessary.

Rehearsals will begin on May 13 after the end of the spring semester during Summer Intersession. Rehearsals may take place during the day or evening, and will occur approximately five days per week. Performers must be fully available during the tech week prior to opening. It is expected that students who are cast will learn their parts completely prior to the start of rehearsals, and receive appropriate voice coaching during the spring semester. This might include enrolling in applied voice classes or private coaching.

Roles:
This special production features Kent State University Music faculty and guest artists performing in a number of pre-cast roles along with Kent State students. The purpose of these auditions are to cast those roles available to students, which include: 

• Francis Nurse (bass)
• Mary Warren (soprano)
• Giles Corey (tenor)
• Sarah Good (soprano)
• Betty Parris (mezzo)
• Ruth Putnam (soprano)
• Susana Walcott (mezzo)
• Mercy Lewis (mezzo)
• Martha Sheldon (soprano)
• Bridget Booth (soprano)
• There will also be opportunities to be cast in the chorus for the production.

Additional Audition Requirements:
Those auditioning should prepare a memorized song in English from the operatic repertoire, or from Stephen Sondheim, that will provide a good opportunity to feature your ability to perform in this production. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key; an accompanist will be provided.

Music Director
Judith Ryder
j.ryderfrumker@csuohio.edu

Music Co-Producer
Melissa Davis
mddavis@kent.edu

Theatre Director
Brian Newberg
bnewberg@kent.edu

Voices from Hurt Street

By Kent State Stark Students

Performance Dates:
April 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8 p.m.
April 14 & 21 (ASL interpreted) at 2:30 p.m.

Written by students from Kent State University at Stark’s Devising Theatre course, this multi-genre theatre piece enacts true and personal stories of abusive relationships and social injustice that move the characters through the hopeful journey from hurt to healing. For mature audiences only.

Audition Dates:
Jan. 29 & 30, 2013
7 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre

Rehearsals begin Feb. 18 and occur five evenings a week (including Spring Break week) until opening.

Roles:
Using a variety of dramatic techniques, cast members will have the exciting opportunity to be closely involved in the new work process, and with powerful subject matter. There will be opportunities for a wide range of performers, both male and female. The script development process and results of casting will determine the number of roles available.

Note that it is anticipated that sections of Voices from Hurt Street may also be taken into various classes at Kent State Stark, and possibly into the community, accompanied by interactive sessions with audience members. Talk back sessions may also be scheduled after certain regular performances at Kent State Stark. This effort is part of the project's intention to stimulate education and healing about the many types of abusive relationships.

Check back for more information.

Past 2012-2013 Productions

Buried Child

By Sam Shepard

Performance Dates:
Nov. 2, 3, 9 & 10 at 8 p.m.
Nov. 4 & 11 (ASL interpreted) at 2:30 p.m.

Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama takes a macabre look at the disintegration of the American dream. Mystery and humor combine in the Midwestern home of a dysfunctional family with a very dark secret that plunges them into bizarre degeneration and finally, toward hope. For mature audiences only.

Audition Dates:
Sept. 4 & 5, 2012 (Sept. 6 for callbacks if needed)
7 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre

Rehearsals begin Sept. 9 and occur five evenings a week until opening.

Roles:
Five male roles and two female roles available. Ages listed are approximate and should not serve to deter anyone from auditioning for a role.

• Dodge - Male, age mid-70's
• Halie - Female, Dodge's wife, age mid-60's
• Tilden - Male, Dodge & Halie's oldest son
• Bradley - Male, Dodge & Halie's next oldest son
• Vince - Male, Tilden's son
• Shelly - Female, Vince's girlfriend
• Father Dewis - Male, Protestant Minister