Local theatre group opens auditions

Local thespians interested in performing in Sisters Park & Recreation District's Community Theatre production of "You Can't Take It With You" are invited to auditions Tuesday, December 11, at 7 p.m. at SPRD. Auditions are open to high school students and adults. Call-backs will take place Tuesday, December 18, at 7 p.m. No preparation or acting experience is required.

The three-act comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman is about the eccentric Sycamore family and the unhappy Kirbys, who meet for dinner at the request of young lovers Alice Sycamore and Tony Kirby. Fireworks, tax collectors and hijinks will keep the audience entertained as they watch the mad cast of characters who are presided over by Grandpa Vanderhof. The play features nine roles for men and three for women, as well as three extras.

"You Can't Take It With You" was first produced at New York's Booth Theatre December 14, 1936. It was later made into a movie in 1938 directed by Frank Capra, and starring Jimmy Stewart as Tony Kirby and Jean Arthur as Alice Sycamore.

"The theme is timeless," said Lisa Fetrow, community theatre artistic director. "It's about enjoying life and the simple pleasures that make us happy. It's about living life to the fullest and not focusing on making more money." Fetrow co-produced the play in 2000 while working with the Sisters High School drama class.

Because the play is part of SPRD programming, the class is offered as a theatre workshop. Participation fee is $100. Scholarships are available for high school students, and they may be able to receive a class credit, said program manager Angela Lund.

Besides learning their lines, actors will have a chance to develop their theatre skills through voice, character and movement exercises. They may even rehearse the play in gibberish, said Lund.

"Running through scenes in gibberish helps the cast learn stage direction without worrying about remembering lines," she said. "I expect it's going to be a challenge for our actors, but we're planning to have a lot of fun at the same time."

Lund and Fetrow taught the fall Polishing Your Performance class for high school students and adults. Participants learned improvisational games and theatre exercises.

"It was challenging and really made you think. It exercises your mind in a refreshing way," said class member Ann Nora Kruger. "I really looked forward to the class each day. Crossing the age groups added a dimension that was fun."

Rehearsals for the play will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 8, at 7 p.m. at SPRD. More rehearsals may be added in February to prepare for the performances happening February 28 through March 3 at Sisters High School. Lund and Fetrow are also looking for volunteers for backstage crew, costuming and set design as well as community partners through sponsorships. For more information call SPRD at 541-549-2091 or [email protected]