Public invited to audition for WWU Theatre's summer productions

The Western Washington University Theatre Arts Department will hold public auditions for three summer productions, “High School Musical,” “Things That Fly,” and “Private Lives” on Sunday and Monday, April 25-26, at 6 p.m. in PAC 399 on WWU’s campus.

The public is invited to audition; callbacks will be held Tuesday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in the same location.

Actors should come prepared with a one-minute comedic monologue and 16 measures of a musical pop song. Please bring sheet music for an accompanist or be prepared to sing “Happy Birthday” in a pop-music style.

A variety of ensemble and leading roles are available for a wide range of ages and types:

• “High School Musical,” the musical sensation that started it all, is now coming to WWU. Following a pair of high school juniors from rival cliques, the story has been considered a modern adaptation of the classic love story, “Romeo and Juliet.” This production will be directed by department Chair Deborah Currier. The performances will take place in the Underground Theatre (PAC 199) on the WWU campus on July 22-25, July 29- Aug. 1, and Aug. 5-8.
• “Things That Fly” tells the story of 11-year-old Robert, who with the help from his little sister Sally, has built a flying machine in their backyard. On launch day, when the machine fails to operate as expected, Robert is ridiculed by his older brother as well as local neighborhood kids who have come to watch. Little Sally comes to his rescue and together they take a trip to the stars. WWU Theatre faculty Charlotte Guyette will direct this production. The seven matinee performances will take place outdoors at the Fairhaven Village Green on July 10, 17, 24, and Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28.
• “Private Lives,” by Noel Coward, is one of the most sophisticated, entertaining plays ever written. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear and a roundelay of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then part, and new partnerships are formed. This uniquely humorous play had numerous successful Broadway runs, boasting such stars as Coward, Laurence Olivier, Tallulah Bankhead, Gertrude Lawrence, Tammy Grimes, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Guest artist Jon Kretzu from Portland’s Actor’s Repertory Theatre (ART) will direct this production, which will perform in Old Main Theater on the WWU Campus. Performance Dates are July 28-31 and Aug. 4-7.

The faculty and staff of the Western Washington University Theatre Arts Department are committed to a liberal arts approach to theatre education while maintaining a balance of both academic and practical approaches to the art of theatre. For more information on the auditions or performances, contact Deborah Currier at (360) 650-2387.