UIS Theatre Program holds auditions for fall 2009 production

The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold open auditions for the first production of its 2009-2010 season – Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things – on Tuesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 7 p.m. both nights in the Studio Theatre, located on level one of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. Call-backs will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 10.

Auditions are open to anyone, with or without experience. Auditions will consist of “cold readings” from the script, and prepared monologues and resumes are appreciated but are not required.

The Shape of Things is set in a liberal arts college, in a conservative Midwestern town. In the production, four characters struggle to find their voice in matters of love and art. After a chance meeting in a museum, Evelyn and Adam become embroiled in an intense affair. Before long, Evelyn steers Adam toward a new appearance and character. The final, shocking exhibition reveals Evelyn’s true intentions and challenges long-held ideas about art and love.

UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct. Production dates are November 13-15 and 19-21. Beginning with this production, evening curtain times will be changed to 7:30 p.m., instead of 8 p.m. as in the past. Sunday performances remain at 2 p.m.

Those interested in working backstage (stage managers, props crew, sound research, costumes, dresser, running crew) are asked to attend one night of auditions to fill out an audition form and indicate area of interest. Thibodeaux-Thompson will meet with those interested in working backstage and discuss the area of interest.

For more information about auditions, the play, or helping behind the scenes, contact Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613, or go to www.uis.edu/theatre.