Arden Theatre Company (LORT C) is seeking submissions from local, non-AEA individuals to understudy their production of Toni Morrison’s THE BLUEST EYE adapted by Lydia Diamond.  Auditions will be held 10am-2pm on Friday, February 2 at the Hamilton Family Arts Center.

 

Pecola, Female. African American. 20+ to play teenager; actor does not need to physically look like a child. A shy, quiet, resigned and somewhat pained presence; she should be completely innocent; we must love her and want to take care of her, but not pity her; perhaps there is a certain quiet pride that won’t let us tip over into pity.

 

Claudia, Female. African American. 20+ to play teenager; actor does not need to physically look like a child. Precocious, sensitive girl; she must be able to move gracefully between the innocence of youth and the wisdom of the narrator who has lived through it all; dexterity with direct address a must.

 

Frieda/Darlene, Female. African American. 20+ to play teenager; actor does not need to physically look like a child. Claudia’s older sister; somewhat more practical than Claudia; possibly more stern, slightly less personable

 

Mrs. Breedlove, Female. African-American. Character is in her mid-30s to 50s. An older version of Pecola, also has a dark brown complexion; painfully shy and insecure, and still very adept at addressing the audience

 

Mama, Female. African-American. Character is in her mid-30s to 50s. She possesses an imposing presence. She loves her children and this should be evident despite her stern manner.

 

Cholly, Male. African-American. Character is in his mid-30s to 50s. The shell of a man who may been physically impressive at one time.

 

Soaphead Church, Male. African-American. Character is in his mid-30s to 60s. Charismatic, odd, charming, mature.

 

 

Production Information

 

THE BLUEST EYE

by Toni Morrison

Adapted by Lydia R. Diamond

Directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges

 

1st Reh: 02.06.18

1st Preview: 03.01.18

Opening: 03.07.18

Closing: 04.01.18

Possible Extension: 04.15.18

 

 

Arden Theatre’s Understudy Program:

Arden Theatre Company understudy program is an excellent opportunity to observe the production process, earn EMC points, and be seen by Arden’s artistic staff.

 

Understudies are invited to attend as many of the main cast rehearsals as possible.  They have at least five rehearsals on their own with the Assistant Director, Tai Verely, culminating in a fully-teched run through of the show for family and friends (attended by Arden’s artistic staff) soon after opening.

 

Once the show opens, we encourage understudies to attend one performance a week to keep the lines, music, and staging fresh.  They will be paid $50 for every performance if they are called on. During the entire run of the show, understudies must be within one hour of the theatre.

 

Arden Theatre Company is an EOE/AA employer and values diversity in the workplace.