The Arkansaw Bear
Auditions
Dates
Saturday, Sept. 8, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 9, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Callbacks: Monday, Sept. 10.
Place
Industrial Strength Theatre
269 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon VA. (Directions)
Audition Process
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
Come dressed for movement.
Summary
The Arkansaw Bear by Aurand Harris (Author of last Fall's "Androcles
and the Lion")
Tish's grandfather is dying and she doesn't know why. Was it something she
did wrong? Forbidden from seeing him, Tish runs away to the meadow where she
wishes on a star to understand why her grandfather is dying. Star Bright grants
her wish and she meets the World's Greatest Dancing Bear, an aging circus bear
who is running away from death in the person of the Great Ringmaster. Bear is
accompanied by Mime who helps him with his hats. Together Tish and Bear realize
the best way to honor the circle of life and death is to teach Little Bear (who
happens along after a wish on Star Bright) all Bear's dances and to make Little
Bear the new Worlds Greatest Dancing Bear. Having accomplished that, Bear is
ready to take the hand of the Great Ringmaster and end his time. Bear asks Tish
to whistle the tune her grandfather taught her, "Oh Susanna" so that
he can be leave this world with music. Besides, he tells her, you can't cry if
you whistle. This groundbreaking story is the first to help children (and
adults) deal with the pain of losing a loved one, but it is more a play about
life than it is about death.
Characters
Tish - A young frightened girl who is bright and full of life. Actress
16-30
Star Bright - The first star, grants wishes to all who ask. any age, any
sex
Mime - Silent, but very expressive. Must be graceful and have an
expressive face. Any age or sex
Worlds Greatest Dancing Bear - A star performer, amusing, vain and
lovable like a teddy bear. Any sex, preferably 30-50 years
Great Ringmaster - Friendly face, but walks and speaks with authority any
sex, preferably 30-50
Little Bear - Must move well or ideally dance. Friendly and outgoing. Any
sex, preferably 16-30.
Voices
(These roles will be rehearsed a few days and then taped. There are no
performances required.)
Mother - 30's a typical "Mom" losing her father.
Aunt Ellen - Tish's great aunt, elderly, gentle, an emotional
Announcer - Typical public event or radio announcer.
We encourage all to audition. Actors of all ages and all levels of experience
are welcome. I cast nontraditionally so am open to any gender trying for any
role, but done honestly, not as a spoof. My shows are very physical and my
rehearsals are fun while getting the work done. I am a very detailed oriented
director who is very hands on. I expect both professionalism and recreation,
cause this is supposed to be fun.
James Vaughn
Director
For additional information or directions call (703) 481-5930 Box #3.
