Everyman Theatre

The Crucible is due to be performed at Chapter Arts Centre from 16-20 November 2010. Please note that this will include a Saturday matinee performance on Saturday 20 November.

Gerry Watson will be directing the production.

BACKGROUND

Salem, Masachusetts, 1692. The setting for the true and infamous Witch Trials and the tragedy that occurred within the Calvinist community. After 8 months of terror the Salem witch trials ended, with 20 innocent people dead and land that nobody would touch for over 100 years.

Salem, a Calvinist community whose belief was Predestination – Election – Salvation – a belief that the fate of individual souls was predetermined by God. God had made up his mind from the start who would be saved, “the elect” and who would be damned, “the wicked.” They believed the history of the world followed God’s will.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals:  Tuesday and Thursday 7-10pm; Sunday 11- 5p.m.,

Rehearsals are due to commence from Tuesday 7 September 2010.

The play will be staged in period, Salem Massachusetts, 1692.  Men please note: long hair was the fashion of the day.

The play has 20 characters, 10, male 10 female.

Deemed one of the most powerful plays of the 20th century with strong characters, both young and old. Salem is a closed community founded on Calvinist beliefs; a society of intolerance and a fundamental belief in one’s duty to God and submission to God’s will.

Salem is notorious in history for the persecution and loss of innocent life of people condemned by children for witchcraft; consequently, because of the depth of characters and acting ability that is necessary for the success of the play, I would like the children’s roles to be performed by an older cast aged 18+.

For example, it is not always possible to stick to the actual age of the people in Salem at the time who are depicted in the play, otherwise there would be a 60 year-old John Proctor and a 12 year old Abigail.

Because of requests from Everyman members, auditions are being held either side of the August Bank Holiday, so that this will hopefully accommodate everyone and also cover members who might be away at some period over the summer.

Rehearsals will start on Tuesday, 7 September, at 7pm.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday 24 August 2010 | 7pm. Clubroom
Thursday 26 August 2010 | 7pm. Clubroom
Thursday 2 September 2010 | 7pm Clubroom
Sunday 5 September 2010 | (Possible recalls: 11am)

Because of the nature of the play, auditions will be in groups and there may be a recall on the Sunday.
 
It would be helpful to you if you were familiar with the play and characters before the audition, as it will help you to show your individual interpretation of the role that you may be especially interested in playing.

There will be an opportunity for you to show a piece that you may have worked on if you are keen for that particular role.

To book an audition time and to receive information on audition pieces for the relevant characters, please contact the director on (029) 2056 7543 (before 8pm if possible)