SYLACAUGA, Ala. – SAFE’s Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company is pleased to announce it production of “Little Women” will be performed July 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. This play, directed by J. Patrick McDonald, the musical theatre instructor at SDPAC, is adapted by Scott Davidson from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services, Inc., Englewood, Colorado.
Based on the cherished novel by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women” is the story of the March family at the time of the American Civil War. This stage adaptation by Scott Davidson encompasses five years in the lives of this family, particularly the four daughters, as they journey from childhood to adulthood. Like all such journeys, there are family and companions, festivities and trials, warmth and rivalry, learning and uncertainty, serendipity and loss. This timeless message will teach us all to cherish the journey even when we aren’t sure of the destination.
Auditions will be held at Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company, 109 N. Broadway Avenue, Sylacauga on Sunday, April 11, 5-8 p.m. & Monday, April 12, 6-9 p.m.
Audition Instructions:
- If you have a 30-60 second dramatic monologue, you will be allowed to present it at the audition. This is optional, but recommended.
- Scripts will be provided for cold-readings at the audition. Please be prepared to read dramatically, i.e. emotion, inflection, and appropriate projection. During the audition, the actor may be asked to read in several different ways, including playing someone who is older or younger than their true age.
- Some characters have minor additional talents, such as playing piano and whistling, but proficiency is not required for these additional talents.
- If you are late for your scheduled audition time and your slot has begun, you will be put into the next available slot. The time slots are 30 minutes for this show.
- If callbacks are needed, the actors will be notified of the callback parameters. Callbacks are scheduled for April 15 between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.
CAST:
General Role Information (ages are the age of the characters, not the actors):
Teenage Female (12 – 25 years of age):
- Josephine March – The second-oldest daughter and narrator of the play. This story is presented from her point of view. She is a “tomboy” of the Victorian period, assertive and direct, who takes enjoyment in being unpredictable. She thinks she has everyone figured out, but has difficulty determining her own motives.
- Meg March – Oldest daughter. She has a tremendous sense of duty, but often ends up coming off bossy.
- Beth March – The third daughter, Beth is kindness personified. She would help someone else regardless of the personal cost.
- Amy March – The youngest daughter, Amy is selfish and a bit spoiled. But for all that, she loves her family, and grows tremendously through the course of the play.
- Sallie Gardener, Annie Moffat, Belle Moffat – Females – Friends of the March family, but gossips who judge the liberal ways the March girls are allowed to develop.
Adult Female (30 – 70+ years of age):
- Hannah – The March’s maid, Hannah cares for the girls while their father is off at war and their mother works away from home. She can be abrasive, but her care for the March family is never in doubt.
- Marmee – The mother of the March girls, Marmee works hard on behalf of others with no complaint, but is often overwhelmed with her responsibilities.
- Aunt March – The wealthy sister of Mr. March, Aunt March is certain her wealth buys her access to every conversation and the right to impose her will.
- Gardener – Friend of the March family, but gossip who judges the liberal ways the March girls are allowed to develop.
Teenage Male (16 – 25 years of age):
- Theodore Lawrence – A neighbor of the March girls, Teddy (aka Laurie) is playful to a fault, with a quick laugh and bright outlook. He becomes the brother the March family never had.
- John Brooke – Teddy’s tutor, Brooke is not significantly older than Teddy, but tries relentlessly to act as he expects a grown man to act, particularly in the position of responsibility he holds. But he still remembers times not too long ago that he could play as well.
Adult Male (40 – 60 years of age):
- March – The father of the March family. Before the war, he ran the family with love and discipline, but has been somewhat broken by his time in the war.
Actors must register for www.sdpac.net for a time slot due to social-distancing and traffic needs for the auditions. Masks must be worn when actors are in common areas, but will not be worn during the audition.
Southern Dance & Performing Arts, as a program of SAFE, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a solid & focused experience for each student – on & off stage – providing unique performing arts programs. Classes are offered in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, and musical theatre. The goal is to promote a hands-on experience in the arts, to all children, regardless of race, age, income or level of experience. For more information about class registration or upcoming events please contact Southern Dance & Performing Arts at (256) 245-1669, email [email protected] or visit the website.
