Auditions are planned for a fall production of “In Praise of Sparrows,” presented by Mill Race Theatre Company.
Auditions will be held Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, 2611 Fairlawn Drive. Those auditioning will take part in readings from the script, and everyone will be given time to read and practice, director Nicole Cunningham said. No experience is required for auditions.
Printed audition forms and waivers will need to be filled out upon arrival. Forms and more information can be found at millracetheatre.org.
“In Praise of Sparrows,” written and directed by Cunningham, follows the experience of two women in two different time periods and the trauma they share and bond over. It explores themes of death, women’s rights, marriages and family relationships.
“I will say that this isn’t a super lighthearted play, it is a heavy drama,” Cunningham said. “There are of course moments of levity and humor because audiences need that, but for any actor who’s interested in auditioning, there’s so many different roles and there are a lot of speaking parts. And I tried really hard as a writer to not have any throwaway lines. I feel like everything has to mean something.”
Twenty-nine speaking parts are available to audition for, including a couple for child actors. Those age 10 and up are welcome to audition, though Cunningham clarifies that mature themes are present in the play.
“There are senior citizens represented in this play and I would really like to have a diverse cast, not just ages, but different cultures,” Cunningham said. “I’d like it to look diverse.”
“In Praise of Sparrows” will debut Friday, Oct. 3 in Columbus East High School’s auditorium at 7:30 p.m., followed by a performance on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m.
