Casting Call: 'A Piece of My Heart'

Somerset Valley Players will have auditions for "A Piece of My Heart" late this August.

Written by Shirley Lauro and directed by Tina Lee, " A Piece of My Heart" is the story of six women who went to Vietnam, five nurses and a country western singer booked by an unscrupulous agent to entertain the troops. The play portrays each young woman before, during, and after her tour in the war-torn nation and ends as each leaves a personal token at The Wall in Washington.

Director Tina Lee is seeking six women, at least one black and one Asian; and two men, at least one black.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 and 7 pm. Aug. 26, at Neshanic Reformed Church, 715 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, and will include readings from the script. The show will run Oct. 25-Nov. 10, with Friday and Saturday evening performances and Sunday matinees.

For more information, call (908) 369-7469.

Martha	Strong, self-composed, aura of self-discipline, military bearing. Strong face, American, almost pioneer in feeling.
Mary Jo	Blonde, outgoing, bubbly personality. Texas accent, sexy, a funny comedienne quality, but sad inside. Must play guitar and sing.
Sissy	Sweet, feminine, outgoing. Sense of fun. Also sense of harmony and warmth to personality.
Whitney	Tall, slender, withdrawn, contained. Very aristocratic in bearing and quality. A Vassar graduate.
Leeann	Asian or Amerasian. Strong, tough, determined in nature. An urban, hip quality to her personality.
Steel	Afro-American. Extremely strong, military bearing. Very intelligent, outgoing, great sense of humor. A pragmatist. Southern accent.
American Men	Versatile actors needed for variety of roles.

This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.

Casting Call: 'Macbeth'

Hub City Players will hold a third and final night of auditions for William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” this Thursday.

A tragedy written for the coronation of King James II of England, “Macbeth” tells the story of its titular protagonist, who usurps the throne of Scotland following a civil war and rules by bloodshed and oppression until his fated overthrow. The title character and his wife already have been cast, but other major parts remain available.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Elijah's Promise and its work in New Brunswick.

Auditions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Greater Brunswick Charter School, 429 Joyce Kilmer Ave., New Brunswick. Enter from the parking lot. Bring a head shot and acting resume, if available; and come prepared with a 14-line monologue from one of Shakespeare's tragedies. You also will be asked to do a reading from the script. Performances will be held the second and third weekends in October, also at the charter school.

The following roles are needed, although multiple roles may be assigned to the same actor. Ages are approximate. Actors unable to attend the casting call may video record an audition and send it via YouTube to director David Learn at davidlearn at gmail dot com. Audition forms are available online. For more information, contact the director via e-mail.

Duncan	King of Scotland	50s-70
Macbeth	The thane of Glamis and a general in the king's army, Macbeth assumes the throne when he kills Duncan and begins a reign marked by butchery. This role is already cast.	30s-40s
Lady Macbeth	Macbeth's wife, she goads him into killing Duncan when he informs her that he has been told he will become king one day. This role is already cast.	30s-40s
Macduff	Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland, Macduff becomes one of Macbeth's greatest foes.	40s-50s
Lady Macduff	Macduff's wife.	40s-50s
Malcolm	Elder son of Duncan, and rightful heir of Duncan.	30s-40s
Donalbain	Younger son of Duncan.	20s-30s
Banquo	Thane of Lochaber, a general in the king's army and friend of Macbeth. This role is already cast.	late 40s
Fleance	Banquo's son. Actor may also play at least one other small part	Teens
Lennox	Nobleman of Scotland.	Early to mid-20s
Ross	Nobleman of Scotland. Ross' allegiances shift over the play as his discomfort grows over Macbeth's actions. This role is already cast.
Menteith	Nobleman of Scotland. Actor also will play at least one other small part.
Angus	Nobleman of Scotland
Caithness	Nobleman of Scotland. Actor also will play at least one other small part.
Siward	Earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces.
Young Siward	His son. Actor also will play at least one other small part.	Late teens
Seyton	Attendant and loyal henchman to Macbeth. This role is already cast.
First Witch	The maid. This role is already cast.	Teen to early 20s
Second Witch	The mother. This role is already cast.	30s to 50s
Third witch	The crone.	60s and older
Boy	Son of Macduff.	Teen or preteen.
Gentlewoman	Attends Lady Macbeth. Actor will play at least one other part as well.
Doctor	Attends Lady Macbeth during her illness. Actor will play at least one other part as well.
Sergeant	Actor also will play at least one other small part.

Other lords, gentlemen, officers, soldiers, murderers, attendants, and messengers

The show will be directed by David Learn, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 11-20. Stage manager is Laura Zahorbenski. Also needed are a fight choreographer and a costumer.

Casting Call: 'Ghost Train' auditions extended at Main Street

Main Street Players has added another night of auditions for its thriller comedy, "The The new night of auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Main Street Players, 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin. All roles are still available, but more men particularly are needed to come read.

"The Ghost Train" is a two-act thriller comedy about a party of passengers who miss their train transfer, and find themselves stranded in the waiting room of an isolated station on a stormy night. The station master tries to get them to leave citing the local legend of a ghost train that dooms all who see it. Is it all silly superstition? When a train whistle blows in the night, they may find out the terrifying truth.

In the style of the old black-and-white thrillers, "The Ghost Train" mixes chills, thrills, and laughter for an entertaining ghostly treat for those brave enough to sit through to the climax.

The show has six parts for men, and four for women. Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m.  Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, at Main Street Players, 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin.

Performances run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 25- Nov. 9. For more information, visit the Main Street Players web site, or contact director John Correll III, at deadpan80@gmail.com
 

Richard Winthrop (30/40s)	An average-looking, middle-class business man. He thinks of himself of something of a leader, and is more than willing to take over any situation. He is quick-tempered, but also quick to cool off; he never loses control of his action. The only person whom he cannot dominate is his wife, who costs him endless frustration, but he is totally devoted to her.
Elsie Winthorp (30s)	Richard's wife. A pleasant and well-mannered woman who is at constant odds with her husband. She almost instinctively always takes an opposite position to his. She fancies herself a brave and independent woman, but inside she is very much the opposite. She is never a damsel in distress — but she would rather have a man at her side when push comes to shove.
Charlie Murdock (20s)	A rather undistinguished young man. A little slow-witted, he is most comfortable in predetermined situations where he does not have to take a strong position on a given subject. He is a little cowardly, and does not want to find himself in the middle of a confrontation or argument. He is doubtful of his abilities, which leads him to commit to tough decision. He relies heavily on his newly married wife, Peggy. Even with her he is insecure, which leads to intimacy issues and embarrassment.
Peggy Murdock (20s)	Charlie's blushing bride. She is petite and cute, a complete contrast to her taller and lankier beau. Unlike him, she is not shy to speak her opinions and feelings. She is a little feisty, though not quite to overstep her bounds. She is also more than willing to spend any alone time she can with Charlie, and his unwillingness to do so causes much sexual frustration and tension between them.
Teddie Deakin (30s)	A former vaudeville performer. Somewhat a middle-class twit, he seems take joy in annoying the others with his tired jokes, or he is just completely unaware of their displeasure. He seems to either have boundless angry and little fear, or he is just too stupid to be afraid. However, despite his overt idiocy, there is wit and intelligence.
Miss Bourne (50s/60s)	An old spinster type. She is prudish and quick to make judgments. She is also quickly irritated, perhaps bitter due to a life not lived to full potential. She is most annoyed at the perilous situation and takes it out on anyone close to her. Most of her verbal jabs are targeted at Teddie. She is also very superstitious.
Saul Hodgkin (50s)	A little man with a haunted face. He is a lower class, blue-collar worker, and the station master of the lonely Cornwall station. With a family to support, he has struggled to make ends meet, and every day of that struggle shows on his weathered face. He knows the secrets of the station and the ghost train. He is a typical smalltown doomsayer.
Herbert Price (50s)	A stern and intimidating man of very little patience or humor. He is an affluent member of the town, though his well-dressed and groomed appearance hides a sinister secret. He is really a lowly arms smuggler and dealer, ruthless and murderous. He allows no one to get in the way of what he wants.
John Sterling (30s/40s)	Well-groomed and mannered, he portrays himself as a kindly and patient doctor who tends to and is engaged to Price's niece Julia. In reality, he is one of Price’s henchman, more or less the brains of the smuggling operations.
Julia Price (30s)	Price's beautiful and haunted niece, she portrays herself as a damsel in distress haunted by the memory of seeing the accursed ghost train ride through town. That memory causes her to have spells which lead to temporary periods of blackouts and madness. In reality, she is the leader of the unholy three, very cunning and perhaps the most ruthless member.

'Not Your Mother's Black Box' and 150 Central Concert at Villagers Theater

Villagers Theater will hold two one-night events: "Not Your Mother's Black Box," and a concert by contemporary Christian band 150 Central.

"Not Your Mother's Black Box" is a series of stand-up comedy performances by various artists. It features Valerie DiMambro, Ryan Houssein, Ty Raney, Mike Holsworth, Steve Kupp, Joe Stahley, and Dan Bocchino. The show may not be child-friendly.

The show will start at 8 p.m. August 24. Wine and cheese will be provided before the show.

The 150 Central concert will start at 8 p.m. August 17.

Tickets for "Not Your Mother's Black Box" are available online. Concert tickets also can be purchased online. All tickets cost $15. 

Proceeds from the events will support the Villagers Theatre general operating fund.

Villagers Theater is located at 475 Demott Lane, Somerset.

Casting Call: 'The Ghost Train'

Main Street Players is looking for actors for a Halloween thriller about a ghostly train that portends doom.

"The Ghost Train" is a two-act thriller comedy about a party of passengers who miss their train transfer, and find themselves stranded in the waiting room of an isolated station on a stormy night. The station master tries to get them to leave citing the local legend of a ghost train that dooms all who see it. Is it all silly superstition? When a train whistle blows in the night, they may find out the terrifying truth.

In the style of the old black-and-white thrillers, "The Ghost Train" mixes chills, thrills, and laughter for an entertaining ghostly treat for those brave enough to sit through to the climax.

The show has six parts for men, and four for women. Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m.  Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, at Main Street Players, 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin.

Performances run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 25- Nov. 9. For more information, visit the Main Street Players web site, or contact John C., at deadpan80@gmail.com

Circle offers stage fighting class

Ever wonder how other actors pull off convincing stage fights, or how you could learn to fight onstage safely? Now you can!

Veteran stage combatant Erik Hall will teach"Fighting for Actors" at Circle Players, from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10. Students will learn proper technique to physical actions that they have a high probability of encountering in most stage work. Tickets cost $20, and are available only online.

Techniques to be covered include slaps: forehand and backhand; punches: cross, uppercut and jab; knaps: self or first person, secondary and third person; falling: front and rear; kicks, hair-pulling and choking; and rolling, if time allows.

Students will be paired at the end of class and given a scenario and allowed to create a “fight” to showcase to the class for critique.

Students should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. If they have difficulty kneeling or sensitive knees, knee pads are recommended.

Erik Hall has many years of experience staging fights on the stages of local theaters, as well as the New Jersey Renaissance Fair, where he was an actor, writer, and director for over 10 years.

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