ECC looks ahead to cast spring play ‘Machinal’

Submitted by ECC

Elgin Community College Theatre announces auditions for the spring production of “Machinal,” under the direction of Robert Hines III, theater adjunct faculty.

In 1927, Sophie Treadwell was a reporter covering the Ruth Snyder murder trial that had gripped the nation. Nine months after Snyder was executed for murder, “Machinal” premiered on Broadway. Far from a portrait of that notorious trial, “Machinal” explores the journey of a young woman driven to conform to society’s expectations and remains startlingly relevant 84 years after its birth.

Auditions for men and women are available by appointment from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8.

If necessary, callbacks are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10. All auditions are held at the ECC Arts Center located in Building H on the college campus in Room H245. The college is located at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Performers should familiarize themselves with the play. Actors will read selected scenes during 30-minute audition appointments. Copies of the play and scenes are on reserve at the ECC library. Auditions are open to ages 16 and older.

Rehearsals begin Monday, Sept. 17, and are held from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. “Machinal” opens Friday, Nov. 2, and runs weekends through Sunday, Nov. 18.

To schedule an audition by appointment, visit elgin.edu/auditions. Questions can be directed to the ECC Performing Arts Department at (847) 214-7188 or performingarts@elgin.edu

Area actors and actresses are encouraged to note the arts center’s blog at eccartscenter.com. ECC Theatre and ECC Musical Theatre audition information is routinely posted here for easy reference.