Elgin Theatre Co. to hold auditions for 'A Piece of My Heart' Nov. 13-14

The Elgin Theatre Company announces non-equity auditions for their winter production "A Piece of My Heart."

The play by Shirley Lauro tells the story of five female nurses and one female performer who served in Vietnam during the conflict. The play follows the women through their decisions to serve all the way to the dedication of the Women's Memorial in 1993.

Auditions will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Elgin, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin.

Auditions will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 13-14. Callbacks by invitation only will be 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Arrive early to complete audition forms, review materials, etc. No appointment is necessary. You will spend about one hour.

Audition requirements for all roles include a prepared one-minute contemporary dramatic monologue; current head shot and resume; list of all conflicts; cold read from the script; and strong acting and performance background. It is highly recommend reading the play prior to auditions.

For the role of Mary Jo, you must be skilled guitarist and singer. Bring your guitar and play a verse/chorus from a 1970s song in your vocal range.

Cast members will receive no pay. Each actor, staff, and crew will receive one complimentary ticket.

"A Piece of My Heart" is inspired by true stories of six women who served in the Vietnam War. The play spans 20 years and follows the women before, during and after the war; exploring the trauma of war and the emotional, mental and physical aftereffects of active combat. This is an ensemble-based show with each of the actors playing their own role, as well as supporting roles within the other's stories. The women grow and change over the course of the decades of this play. The play focuses on the women's stories, their individual journeys and discoveries, and their camaraderie while helping each other in dangerous, confusing and complicated situations, in a fighting zone. Looking for strong storytellers with an emphasis on ensemble work. The one male actor will play all the American men in the stories.

This production contains adult language and situations, and is intended for mature audiences.

The characters in the play are:

• Martha - playable age from 22 -42. Strong, aura of self-discipline, military bearing.

• Mary Jo - playable age from 20 -37. Outgoing, bubbly personality, Texas accent. A funny comedienne quality, but sad inside. Must play guitar and sing.

• Sissy - playable age from 20-40. Sweet, feminine. Sense of harmony and fun, warm personality.

• Whitney - playable age from 21-41. Withdrawn, contained. Very aristocratic in bearing and quality. A Vassar graduate.

• Leann - playable age from 20-40. Strong, tough, determined, with an urban, hip quality to her personality. Asian-American.

• Steele - playable age from 35-55. Strong, military bearing. Very intelligent, outgoing, great sense of humor, a pragmatist. Southern. African-American.

• The American Men - playable age from 18 - 60. A versatile actor needed to play a variety of roles.

The first cast/crew/staff read-through and organizational meeting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26.

Rehearsals will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays, and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, dependent upon actor conflicts.

Additional rehearsals will be held closer to tech week. Everyone expected at all rehearsals and performances. Mandatory tech week rehearsals will be held from Jan. 29, 2018, to Feb. 1, 2018, and strike on Feb. 18, 2018.

"A Piece of My Heart" will be presented Feb. 2-18, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Two pickup rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 8 and 15.

Two American Sign Language Sunday matinee performances by Andrew Ross will be held.

The play will be presented at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., eighth floor, Elgin.

For information about the auditions, contact Madeline Franklin, director, at madfranklin52@gmail.com or (847) 431-1084.

The following staff positions are also available:

• Props designer with prior theater experience

• Costume designer with prior theater experience

• Stage crew, at least 16 years of age, no prior theater experience needed.

Participation fee is $20 and includes one comp ticket. For information, contact Richard Grieger, producer, at dgremax@gmail.com or (847) 338-0506.

Visit elgin-theatre.org or follow the theater on Facebook.

"A Piece of My Heart" is produced by special arrangement by Samuel French Inc.