Open Auditions:
Sunday & Monday, July 17 & 18
These Shining Lives
By Melanie Marnich
Directed by Laura Jackson
Performance dates: September 16 – October 2, 2016
Don’t be shy, you were born to be a star! Join us at open auditions for These Shining Lives at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre.
These Shining Lives chronicles the true story of four women who worked at the Radium Dial Company in 1920s Illinois. Catherine, a wife and mother of two, is hired for what seems like a dream job: decent wages, newfound independence, and bonding with her female coworkers. The job is to paint the numbers on watch dials using a glow-in-the-dark radium compound. The women begin to glow themselves, but the company assures them the radium poses no health risks and is even beneficial. When they develop serious ailments, they are denied a proper diagnosis and are eventually fired. With the support of each other, they find the strength to fight all the way to court, refusing to be expendable, and paving the way for the safer working conditions we all enjoy today. Their story is joyful, funny, empowering and very moving.
Auditions will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday & Monday, July 17 & 18, at the theater– 619 South Main Street in the Baird Hardware complex. You don’t have to be present both nights, but it doesn’t hurt. Expect cold readings from a provided script; dress comfortably and be prepared to move. Performance dates are September 16 – October 2, 2016.
Needed: 4 women, 2 men
Roles:
Catherine Donohue
Frances, Catherine’s coworker and friend
Charlotte, Catherine’s coworker and friend
Pearl, Catherine’s coworker and friend
Tom Donohue, Catherine’s husband
Mr Reed, Catherine’s supervisor at Radium Dial
All roles other than Catherine play multiple parts.
Although auditions, by their very nature, require that performances and their suitability to any individual role be judged, we won’t judge YOU (except maybe to tell you how awesome you are). You’ll find that the people here are very warm and welcoming, and happy to read with you, whether it’s your first time on stage or your thousandth. Backstage help is needed, too– please contact us if you would like to get involved!
If cast you will be compensated by the roar of applause and the joy of being part of the Acrosstown family 🙂
We look forward to seeing you at auditions for These Shining Lives!