Monday, 19 May, 2008

Auditions for Pratt Community College’s summer play, Alice in Wonderland, will be held in Carpenter Auditorium on Thursday, May 29th at 7 PM. For those interested in being part of this classic story on stage, bring a schedule of conflicts for June and July plus a willingness to read from the script in acting scenes.
Rehearsals for the play will begin June 9th. They will continue through the performances on July 11th and 12th at 7:30 PM. The times of rehearsals will vary according to the conflicts of the actors and those involved in the show.

The auditions will be for all ages. Initially, those auditioning will fill out an information form with contact info and scheduling conflicts. Next, children will be asked to improvise and move on stage, while older children, teens, and adults practice scenes, using the script to read from. Finally, during auditions, those scenes will be performed.
The parts for the play are taken from the original novel by Lewis Carroll. “Alice” can be played by a girl, teen, or woman, who auditions exceptionally well and who can handle a part where she is on stage the entire time. This part is the quintessential “Alice” full of wonder, curiosity, and confusion. The actress must be willing to be at every rehearsal, since this role acts through the entire play.
Along with Alice are the following parts. The White Rabbit is everywhere in Wonderland. Alice bumps into him all over the place. He is a busybody who knows what should and should not be done. The Caterpillar is a contradictory character, and the Duchess is a loud, and almost dislikable sort. The Cook and the Frog Footman are servants to the Duchess.
Moving onward in Alice’s journey, she meets the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, totally zany characters at a tea party, to which Alice is NOT invited. Along with these two is the Dormouse, a quiet character who seems to live in the teapot and who often remarks “Twinkle, twinkle” as a commentary on the events of the play.
Since this Wonderland’s garden “moves,” the Garden Flowers will be played by children and families, especially smaller children or those who have never been in a play before. These parts are perfect for young children who are getting started in theatre or for families who want to be involved in the play, but who don’t have as much time to commit to major roles.
Additionally in Wonderland exists the Mock Turtle who quizzes Alice on arithmetic and dance, and Gryphon who is Turtle’s sidekick and who helps to quiz Alice. Plus there is the classic pair, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, who recite poetry and who dance with Alice. They start her thinking about right and wrong and about making up her mind.
Finally, Alice comes upon the court of the Red Queen, the White Queen, the King of Hearts, and other royalty. These characters engage Alice in croquet as well as in a trial over the Knave of Hearts, who did NOT steal any tarts. The Knave is really a very nice man, but he is caught in the absurd trial being brought against him.
Other roles may include the Walrus, the Carpenter, and the Oysters, although these roles are optional.
Be part of this classic story this summer at Pratt Community College. The summer show last year was a huge success for families, children, and teens, and audiences loved the family fare on stage. With Alice in Wonderland, this summer theatre should continue that success. For more information, contact Rose Beilman at 546-2449.