| FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
about auditioning for the Randolph College Greek Play
-
- What if I can't come to the audition on
Sept 1 (and I *really* want to be in the show)?
- Get in touch with Prof.
Cohen *before* Sept 1. There's always a way.
-
- How do I prepare for auditions?
- Read the play (on reserve in the library).
Dress in comfortable clothes you can move in outside.
-
- What else?
- We value clarity with volume, versatility, the ability to take direction,
and a presence big enough to make an impact in the Dell. Chorus
members need to be able to stay on pitch, be heard, and be
able to take choreographic direction. If you can play a musical instrument,
we might be able to use that talent, too.
-
- Who can audition?
- Any Randolph student, traditional or prime time, regardless of major
or experience.
-
-
- Will there be callbacks?
- Probably not, but make sure we know how to reach you.
-
- Can I audition for the Greek Play and
audition for Splendora (the fall Theatre department show)?
- Yes. Auditions are always good practice. But be aware that you will
likely be cast in only one of the shows.
- Can I perform in the Greek Play and perform
in the Fall Theatre Show?
- Perhaps, although we will try to avoid this situation. Our rehearsal
schedules overlap a great deal. If you have already accepted a part
in the Greek Play you cannot honorably audition for Splendora
without fully disclosing your intentions to both directors in advance.
It is possible that an organized and motivated performer could manage
two productions at once, but a great deal will depend on your roles
and the willingness of both productions to schedule around you. Consult
closely with both directors before you make plans to be in both shows.
- Can I be involved in some other way in
the Splendora? Please?
- Yes, of course. Since Elektra will close four weeks before
the Splendora opens, much that needs to be done (Run Crew,
Box Office, etc.) could be done by you once the Greek Play is over.
- Wait a minute . . . what do you mean GENDER-BLIND
CASTING. What gives?
- If Greek male actors could play Medea, Clytemnestra, and Lysistrata,
Randolph women can surely play men, and Randolph men can surely play
women. In other words, our talented actors can handle whatever roles
they want. And they have, with great success. We may well have a man
playing Elektra and a woman playing her sister. Or vice versa. And
the Chorus will be all the musically richer for having male and female
voices. In the Greek Play you learn to walk like a man or not
walk like a man.
Do I have to be in the class?
- No. Anyone involved in the play MAY enroll in Classics 111P or
Classics/Theatre 275/275P, but you don't have to.
Can I be in the Greek Play if I'm in Dance
Concert?
- Yes. If you're planning to be in Dance Concert 2009, the Dance Department
has always been extraordinarily accommodating for their dancers in
the Greek Play. Our rehearsals are predictable and all over before
Fall Break.
- What if I play a fall sport?
- Our performances are October 8 and 9 at 9:30a.m., and October 10,
11, and 12 at 4p.m. If you don't have games those days, it's possible
that you could do both things, but you'd need to think carefully about
committing fully to practices and rehearsals (see schedule
below) and your schoolwork.
- Can I get credit?
- YES. Commit to working at least 20 hours on the Greek Play, and
enroll in CLAS 111P: Greek Drama Production Lab for .5 credit. Commit
to working at least 40 hours on the Greek Play, and enroll in CLAS
111P for 1 credit. OR . . . Take it as a real class: enroll in CLAS/THTR
275P: Greek Drama Practicum and CLAS/THTR 275: Greek Drama, for a
total of 4 credits. First you work on Elektra in depth by
putting on the play, and then, after Fall Break, you get back into
the classroom to add a little breadth with the rest of Greek drama.
-
- To what will I be committing myself if
I get a part?
- Mask and costume measurements.
Learning your lines and/or song lyrics ASAP.
Rehearsals for the whole company will begin with a dinner readthrough
on Tuesday, August 26 (after Convocation).
From then on, rehearsals are 7-9:30 Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, and 1-4 on
Sun.
Yes, that's two rehearsals on Sunday, but we have to have one time
a week to work in the sunshine.
The shows are during the morning of October 8 and 9, and 4pm October
10, 11, and 12.
We usually have an open runthrough on the Saturday of Family Weekend.
Cooperating with designers and crew.
Supporting and promoting the Greek Play for the duration of Elektra.
IT'S ALL OVER BY FALL BREAK.
- How long is the performance?
- We try not to let the show go longer than 75 minutes, with no intermission.
- Is it fun?
- The five plays we've done have been transformative (difficult, thrilling,
tiring, intense, exhilirating) experiences for everyone involved.
The comedy last time upped the giggle level considerably, and helped
us deal with the difficulties on campus, but we've always had lots
of laughs and formed lasting friendships. And, hey, one of the crew
positions is Chief Groupie. So . . . Yes, it's fun.
-
-
The source for more answers: director Amy
R. Cohen
Info on the tradition and past productions at www.randolphcollege.edu/greekplay
|
