Audition for ‘Vagina Monologues’ in Elgin

Submitted by Side Street Studio Arts

Side Street Studio Arts, a storefront gallery and performance space in downtown Elgin, will hold auditions for “The Vagina Monologues,” a show that celebrates women as well as encourages education. Auditions will be from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court.

The show, to be directed by director Amanda Harris, is minimal commitment, with only a few rehearsals and the script in-hand onstage. There will be three performances Thursday, Feb. 13, to Saturday, Feb. 15, at Side Street Studio Arts.

All proceeds for the event will be donated to the Community Crisis Center in Elgin.

The award-winning play is based on V-Day Founder/playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace, the piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength.

Through this play and the liberation of this one word, countless women throughout the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives. For more than a decade, it has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public and brought a deeper consciousness to the conversation around ending violence against women and girls.

Located in Elgin, the Community Crisis Center was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated volunteers to meet the needs of individuals and families in crisis.

One week after opening, the staff encountered a battered woman. What began as frustration and a lack of options for that woman resulted in a new direction and commitment for the agency.

Employees provide comprehensive services to individuals and families in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic/financial difficulties.

The Crisis Center is one of the oldest domestic violence shelters in the state and was instrumental in organizing both the Illinois and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The mission of the Community Crisis Center is to provide safety, hope, advocacy, respite and education for those impacted by crisis and violence in the Fox Valley region and Illinois.

Side Street Studio Arts was founded in 2013 by Tanner Melvin and Erin Rehberg as an outlet for the artists of Elgin. Its mission is to provide an accessible space encouraging all aspects of the artistic process from creation to curation.

For information on auditions, contact Harris at (847) 429-2276 or email sidestreetstudioarts@gmail.com.