UT Tyler To Conduct Summer Theatrical Auditions

June 25, 2001

The University of Texas at Tyler Theatre Department will conduct open auditions at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, June 27 and 28, for the Summer Shorts program of short plays, Dr. James A. Hatfield, UT Tyler professor and director of theatre, has announced.

The program will feature A. R. Gurney’s new play, “Ancestral Voices.’’ Performances will begin July 27.

Auditions will be held at TheTheatre in the Physical & Health Education building on campus. “Ancestral Voices’’ has roles for three men and two women of various ages. Those interested in auditioning need not have prior experience, but must be willing to devote time to evening rehearsals and should come prepared to read from the play in a group reading format.

“Providing performance opportunities for our students is always our first priority,’’ said Dr. Hatfield. “However, we have always welcomed community participation in our productions and are pleased that many of the community actors who have appeared in our productions have continued or renewed theatre studies in our department.’’

“Ancestral Voices’’ was first performed at Lincoln Center in New York City last year and follows a format similar to Gurney’s play, “Love Letters,’’ which was performed by students at UT Tyler during the summer of 1997. “Love Letters’’ was revived by the Theatre Department in 1998, starring professional artists Katherine Helmond and Adrian Hall.

The Theatre Department is celebrating its 12th season of producing plays in repertory and presenting plays related to a season theme.
For information about auditions call TheTheatre at 566-7490 or 566-7425.