Auditions
The Theatre Department invites all students to audition for the 2025 spring semester productions
Friday, November 1 from 6 to 9 pm at Mahaney Arts Center, Room 232
THE LOVE OF THE NIGHTINGALE
By Timberlake Wertenbaker
20+ roles / 10-13 actors, 3 performances: April 3-5 in Wright Memorial Theatre
Directed by Sheila Bandyopadhyay
The Love of the Nightingale is a contemporary retelling of the Greek myth of Philomele. The play’s themes include patriarchy’s oppressive limitations on female identity, the cycles of violence that can result from toxic masculinity, the consequences of a culture of silence, and familial loyalty. Philomele is an adventurous and curious young woman. Her levelheaded sister Procne marries the Thracian king Tereus. When Procne, lonely in Thrace where she is a foreigner, asks for her sister to join her, Tereus, eager and full of violent designs, sets out to bring Philomele back to Thrace. This production will utilize movement, music, and imaginative staging. Alongside the named characters, a strong choral ensemble will play multiple roles and further the dramatic action through physical storytelling.
Content advisory: At the center of this play is the rape of the mythical character Philomele. A theatrical exploration and representation of sexual assault and its aftermath will be a part of this rehearsal and production.
THE WALLS
By Griselda Gambaro
3 roles (any gender) / 3-6 actors, 4 performances: May 1-3 in Seeler Studio Theatre
Directed by Claudio Medeiros
Why do human beings accept, without resistance, abuses against their dignity? Why do we accept authoritarian regimes as normal, or false information as truthful? How many times must the walls fall upon us? A young person is invited to a government building to confirm their identity. The well-appointed room where they have been taken seems innocuous and the host pleasant. But is that the whole truth? Are they accused of anything? What does their host want from them? When will they be able to go home? In this beautifully balanced, frightening play, Argentinian playwright Griselda Gambaro forces us to ask why we remain passive when systems of victimization use the theatricality of language to subvert the logic of reality and our sense of who we are. A thriller without a single moment of physical violence depicted on stage.
Casting note for both shows: Although most characters identify as male or female, all genders are welcome and encouraged to audition. BIPOC performers, dancers who act, actors who move well, and those with additional musical talents are strongly encouraged to audition.
Spring Student productions: TBD
Call Backs
November 2 & 3, times TBD
For student directed productions: TBD
All Students will be contacted via email. Final cast lists will be posted (on the Theatre bulletin board) prior to registration.
Additional Information:
Come to the MAC lobby at 5:45pm to sign up for a slot. We will hear people individually in the order they have signed up. All are requested to have a 45 - 60 second monologue, memorization and preparation are strongly preferred.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to attend auditions in person, please send a short video of your monologue to Professor Claudio Medeiros. Videos received by Thursday October 31st will be considered for the callbacks.
Need a Monologue?
You can bring your own or the Theatre Department has a few options available for you here (you must be signed in to Google with your Midd credentials).
Interested in getting involved in productions not as a performer?
Interested in being part of a production but not as a performer? There’s more to theatre than what the audience sees! You can enroll in THEA 0210 A or B as a stage manager or assistant stage manager (requires permission from director), or enroll in THEA 0119 A and create lighting, scenery, and props. Student shows need designers, stage managers and light and sound board operators.
Email Jim Dougherty at jdougher@middlebury.edu for more information!