Live theatre ‘for the community by the community’ has been entertaining and enriching the hearts and souls of area citizens and visitors for decades.

The Cranbrook Community Theatre Society (CCT) will be holding auditions Sunday, June 9 at 1 p.m. and Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. for roles in their 2019-20 productions of: I’ll Be Back Before Midnight – a thriller by Peter Colley; Fighting Days – a historical drama by Wendy Lill; and The 39 Steps – a mystery/comedy by Patrick Barlow and John Buchan.

For those who have thought about the theatre arts but have not yet dipped their toes in because the audition process seems intimidating, Production Manager Trevor Lundy says, “We are very casual and relaxed and really do want everyone to succeed.”

Newcomers are welcome and encouraged.

Lundy has offered the following description of the audition process for the public to consider.

To audition, or to declare an interest in backstage positions (costumes, props, lighting, sound, running crew etc.), dress comfortably and arrive prior to the designated starting time (1 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Tuesday). This year, due to building renovations, access will be at the rear stage door, also designated as the loading zone, of the Studio/Stage Door building 11-11th Ave. South in Cranbrook. Follow the signs.

Everyone will be given an audition form to fill out and have their picture taken. Those that are interested in backstage involvement can come, provide their preferences and contact information, and then be on their way.

Once everyone is there, each of the three directors will speak briefly about their play and about what they are looking for. Five female roles and four male roles in the age group of 20-40 have been identified, in addition to three to five female parts of various ages, plus one male role of age 40+ and one male role of age 50+.

The process continues with everyone escorted to the ‘waiting area’ (which depends on how many arrive). Each auditionee will choose (or be assigned) one audition piece from a selection of pieces, chosen by the directors. A time period will be allowed to get familiar with it and no memorization is necessary. Generally, it’s acceptable if an auditionee would like to prepare their own piece, however those pieces should be memorized.

Each auditionee will be brought back to the theatre, one by one, to perform their monologue for the three directors. The directors may ask for it to be delivered again after a small bit of direction. If you are not asked to do this, it does not mean they are not interested. The directors have the option to call people back at a later date before making a decision.

Once the directors have made their final decisions and all the successful cast members have accepted, all auditionees will be contacted. Find more information here.

Lead image: CCT Cast from ‘Making God Laugh’ (2015 production). Photo submitted

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