You don’t want to miss this! On Thursday, Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., and for anyone who cannot make the other two times, plus callbacks, Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, Theater at the Ranch will hold auditions for the comedy “Calendar Girls.”
This script was written by Tim Firth, who wrote the screenplay for the movie of the same name. It is the true story about a group of mature women who decide to raise money for hospital waiting room furniture in honor of a deceased husband by posing for a “nude” calendar. The popularity of that venture tests both friendships and the meaning of success. Before you ask, no, we won’t tell you how we’re going to stage it! You’ll have to come see for yourself Jan. 30 through Feb. 2 in the Hermosa Ballroom. Tickets will go on sale in December, and we may be offering those online as well as in person.
There are roles for nine women and three men. No preparation or experience is required, just an outgoing spirit. Auditioners will be asked to read from certain scenes in the script and possibly do a brief improvisation. Roles have not been precast. Please bring a headshot (you can just take a cellphone photo and print it) to attach to your audition form (doesn’t have to be fancy—it’s just for ID so we remember who’s who) and wear comfortable clothes. If you’ve seen the movie, don’t try to mimic any of the actors, just be yourself. No British accents will be required (per the playwright, who says it’s been done in all accents, even Texan). No baring of breasts or other body parts will be required, so relax and have fun! You may want to bring water to drink. There may have been an online audition form announced in the Mid-week Scoop or elsewhere, which would be our preferred method to fill out the form (but as we write this in September, that has not yet been determined).
A very critical item for auditioning is knowing your schedule through the production dates, which will be required on the audition form, and barring emergencies or illness, you will be held to just those conflicts. There will be breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is likely that there will be three rehearsals a week until mid-January, when it will increase. Rehearsals are typically an hour and a half, except for run-throughs, tech, and dress rehearsals. There are no costs to participate except for an individual makeup kit that we’ll order for each actor (about $25). Costumes will be provided.
So, mark your calendars for our “girls,” and come have fun with us! It’s a great experience, and if you’d like to work backstage, we have plenty of opportunities for that, too. For more information, contact Deborah Dorman, producer/director, at [email protected].