Why not both? Parkland’s first two plays audition in two weeks

They say you can grow up to be anything you want, but this fall, perhaps you’ll want to consider a post-Pilgram Puritan settler or a lovelorn Italian? 

Saturday, August 26th is the date set aside for auditions to Parkland’s first two plays of the season: The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller and directed by Mathew Green, and Much Ado About Nothing, written by Shakespeare and directed by BJ Gailey. 

Both productions are high-caliber works directed by talented people. 

Both productions are accepting all members of the community — not just enrolled students. 

Both productions are casting gender-blind and to reflect a diverse community. 

The real answer to “why not both?” is probably along the lines of how it’d be difficult to balance the challenges of two plays’ rehearsal schedules and other obligations. But at least for auditions, since it might be impossible to choose between the two, you might as well let a trained professional do the choosing for you. 

Here’s the real meat of the press release: 

Auditions for The Crucible and Much Ado About Nothing will take place 9 a.m.–noon. Auditionees should check in at the Parkland theatre lobby.

Callbacks, if needed, will be held Sunday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. for The Crucible and 6:30 p.m. for Much Ado About Nothing. Individuals called back will be contacted the evening of Saturday, August 26.

The Crucible director Mathew Green is casting 20 actors (10 males and 10 females, although roles are not necessarily gender-specific.) This play presents a community, and the director hopes for a diverse cast. Ages 14 and older are welcome and encouraged to audition.

Actors will read from sides, which can be found online. No prior preparation is necessary, but the director strongly recommends that those auditioning familiarize themselves with the play.

Much Ado About Nothing director Bj Gailey is casting 12 actors, any gender, ages 15 and up.

Actors should come prepared with a monologue from Shakespeare or one of his contemporaries. If auditionees do not have a monologue, one will be provided for them to read.

Performances of The Crucible will run in Parkland Theatre’s Second Stage Sept. 28–Oct. 8. Performances of Much Ado About Nothing will be held in the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre Nov. 9–19.

No appointment is necessary to audition. All members of the community as well as Parkland and U of I students are invited to audition; Parkland Theatre encourages diversity. Those with additional questions should email [email protected].