RLT to hold auditions the children’s classic James and the Giant Peach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2005

Media Contact
Cate Foltin, Managing Director, Raleigh Little Theatre
919.821.4579, ext. 221, cate@raleighlittletheatre.org

Raleigh Little Theatre to hold auditions the children’s classic James and the Giant Peach

Audition Dates: January 23rd & 24th at 7:30 pm in RLT’s Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre
Callback Date: Saturday, January 28th at 11:00 am in RLT’s Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre
First Rehearsal: Monday, January 30th @ 7:30 pm
Performance Dates: March 10-12, 15-19 22-26, 2006 (including 10 am & a possible 1 pm on 3/22/06)

Audition Information: The auditions will consist of non-threatening theatre exercises designed to demonstrate the actors’ ability to physically and vocally express themselves. Comfortable clothing which allows for movement and closed-toed shoes are a must. Actors may also be asked to read from the script. Please bring a list of any conflicts you have from January 30 through March. Callbacks will consist of cold readings from the script. For more audition information, including audition forms and conflict calendars, visit www.rltvolunteers.org. RLT conducts open auditions.

IN BRIEF

Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) will hold auditions on January 23rd and 24th @ 7:30 pm for the children’s classic, James and the Giant Peach, in the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theater at Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh NC 27607. Audition information can be found online at www.raleighlittletheatre.org.

ABOUT THE PLAY

When James Henry Trotter’s mother and father are killed in a tragic accident involving a charging rhinoceros, he is sent to live with his horribly cruel Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. Life is very hard for poor James until one day he meets a very old man who gives him a mysterious gift of the strongest magic ever! When James accidentally spills the magic onto the ground near the old peach tree, incredible things begin to happen. James then sets off on a wonderful journey inside a giant peach with his new friends, Old Grasshopper, Glow Worm, Ladybug, Centipede, Silkworm, Spider and Earthworm. James keeps the peach afloat and his friends out of danger as they sail all the way to New York City and a hero’s welcome.

ABOUT THE ROLES

Actors must be 10 years of age or older to audition. Please note that the fantasy nature of this play allows for a variety of exciting and interesting interpretations. All actors will work with the Director to discover possibilities in character development. All actors cast in James and the Giant Peach will be required to perform during the day on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, for school performances. Cast members will need to be excused from work or school that day (it qualifies for community service).

James Henry Trotter: (Male Actor age 10-14) James is the bright and clever young hero of the play. When his parents are killed by a charging rhinoceros, James comes to live with his cruel aunts.

Narrator: (Adult male or female Actor) The Narrator is an enthusiastic and engaging storyteller whose own story might just be as exciting as James’!

Aunt Sponge: (Female actor age 30+) James’ Aunt Sponge is round and vain and selfish and greedy and incredibly cruel.

Aunt Spiker: (Female actor age 30+) James’ Aunt Spiker is thin and pointy and vain and selfish and greedy and incredibly cruel.

Old Green Grasshopper: (Adult male actor) A wise old insect, he carries himself like an officer and a gentleman. He is proud of the beautiful music he makes.

Spider: (Female actor age 10 to 100) She is hardworking and gutsy

Ladybug: (Female actor age 12 to 100) She is definitely a lady.

Centipede: (Male actor age, teen) Centipede is a true rebel! He is loud, outrageous, vain and he loves to sing. He is proud of being a pest.

Earthworm: (Adult male actor) He is a whining pessimist who always sees disaster in everything. He seems to love being unhappy.

Glowworm: (Female age 10 to 100) She is a lazy female firefly without wings.

*Little Old Man: (Male actor age 10 to 100) The Little Old Man is mysterious and magical. He gives James a most amazing gift.

*Mother: (Female actor age 30+) James’ sweet, polite, caring and loving mother, killed by a charging rhinoceros.

*Father: (Male actor age 30+) James’ brave, polite, caring and loving father killed by a charging rhinoceros.

*Captain: (Adult male actor) He is the proud Captain of the Queen Mary.

*First Officer: (Male or Female actor teenage and up)

*Second Officer: (Male or Female actor teenage and up)

*The actors cast in these roles MAY also be cast in another starred role and WILL be cast as members of the ensemble.

The ensemble: This group of actors will play neighbors, onlookers, Cloudmen (puppets) and children who eat the peach.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Linda O’Day Young is the Youth Theatre and Education Director for Raleigh Little Theatre. Since joining the RLT staff, she has directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Sleeping Beauty and The Story.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $7 for children. Raleigh Little Theatre is located at 301 Pogue Street (2 blocks off Hillsborough Street), Raleigh, 27607, adjacent to the Raleigh Rose Garden. Box Office: 919-821-3111 / www.raleighlittletheatre.org.

PERFORMANCE & TICKET INFORMATION:

WHAT: James and the Giant Peach

BY: Based on Roald Dahl’s fantasy adventure for children and dramatized by Richard R. George

WHEN: March 10, 16, 17, 23, & 24, 2006 @ 7:30 pm
March 15, 2006 @ 7:30 pm (private, benefit performance)
March 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26, 2006 @ 1 pm
March 11, 12, 18, 19 & 25, 2006 @ 5 pm
School Performances March 22, 2006 @ 10 am and possibly at 1 pm

WHERE: Raleigh Little Theatre’s Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre, 301 Pogue Street (2 blocks off Hillsborough Street and adjacent to the Raleigh Rose Garden), Raleigh, 27607

TICKETS: On Sale Now

PRICES: $11 for adults / $7 for children

BOX OFFICE: 919.821.3111 / www.raleighlittletheatre.org

ACCESSIBILITY: All performances are wheelchair accessible.