USD Playhouse to host auditions for Man of La Mancha
Auditions are open to the public. Individuals planning to audition should reserve a specific audition time by signing up on the theatre callboard in the College of Fine Arts or by calling (605) 677-5736. For singers and actors, please prepare two Broadway style musical pieces of 16 bars each and bring sheet music to the rehearsal. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions will occur in four-minute blocks of time. High school students are encouraged to audition for roles in the show or to interview for production-related positions.
Roles being cast for the production include prisoners/muleteers, the governor/innkeeper, Duke/Dr. Carrasco/Knight of Mirrors, Aldonza, Maria/housekeeper, Fermina/Antonia, Gypsy Girl, the Captain of the Inquisition and various guards. Professor Bruce Earnest, artistic director of the USD Playhouse and director of musical theatre, will play Cervantes/Don Quixote, while Dan Workman, adjunct professor of theatre and artistic director of the Children’s Theatre Company of South Dakota, will play Sancho Panza. Director of "Man of La Mancha" is Professor Eric Hagen, chair of the department of theatre, with musical direction by Nanette Hofer.
The USD Playhouse is initiating an apprenticeship program this summer. In this program, high school students can participate in all aspects of production – from acting to production – while gaining valuable touring experience. Spring 2009 high school graduates are also eligible for college credit.
Rehearsals for "Man of La Mancha" will begin in mid-May with performances scheduled for June 12-14 in Vermillion, June 19-21 in Sioux Falls (at the historic Orpheum Theater), and June 26-28 in Sioux City (Lamb Theatre).
For more information or to reserve an audition time, please contact Hagen at (605) 677-5736 or e-mail ehagen@usd.edu.