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Directed by Margaret MorneauResurrection Theatre is seeking a versatile ensemble of actors for Eric Bentley's Are You Now or Have You Ever Been, a powerful documentary theatre work drawn from the investigations of the House Un-American Activities Committee into the American entertainment industry.
Set against the Hollywood investigations of the late 1940s and 1950s, the play brings actual testimony and historical figures to the stage and examines questions of fear, loyalty, conscience, political pressure, compromise, and personal courage.
This is documentary theatre, not a conventional realistic drama. Actors must be comfortable allowing the words and testimony to carry the dramatic weight of the piece.
PRODUCTION
Producing organization: Resurrection Theatre
Location: Sacramento, California, Wilkerson Theater
Performance period: February - March 202
Rehearsal period: Approximately 4-5 weeks starting in February 2027
CASTING
We are seeking 10 - 15 actors for a flexible ensemble. Depending upon final casting, actors may portray more than one historical figure or hearing participant.
Roles include historical figures from the entertainment industry as well as members of the House Un-American Activities Committee, investigators, and other participants in the hearings.
Among the historical figures represented are:
Arthur Miller
Lillian Hellman
Paul Robeson
Elia Kazan
Jerome Robbins
Lionel Stander
Abe Burrows
Larry Parks
Ring Lardner Jr.
Edward Dmytryk
Sterling Hayden
José Ferrer
Martin Berkeley
Marc Lawrence
Sam Wood
Frank Tuttle
Elliott Sullivan
Additional speaking and ensemble roles may be assigned through doubling.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Resurrection Theatre is particularly interested in actors who demonstrate:
Strong text and verbal skills
Excellent listening
Ability to handle documentary/verbatim material
Emotional intelligence and restraint
Ability to portray a real person without resorting to caricature or impersonation
Strong ensemble skills
Flexibility with doubling
Ability to make rapid character distinctions
Professional rehearsal discipline
Actors of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to audition for any part with the exception of Paul Robeson which is only open to black actors. Casting will focus on the needs of the production and the actor's ability to serve the material.
AUDITION MATERIAL
Cold read, sides will be available upon request.
Callbacks may include readings from the script and paired/group exercises involving questioning, interruption, listening, and testimony.
IMPORTANT FOR THIS PRODUCTION
This play is built around words spoken under extraordinary pressure.
We are not looking for actors who "do impressions" of historical figures. We are looking for actors who can make the audience believe that a human being is sitting in that chair, being questioned, thinking, calculating, remembering, resisting, fearing, or choosing what to say.
Actors should be prepared to work with precise language and historical material.
AUDITION CONTACT
Contact: Margaret Morneau
Email: [email protected]
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFSa3kQ5i8bn-gIXsW3gAr35o4RuWQ42l4tgCHMhedkGGHiw/viewform?pli=1
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Event venue
1723 25th St, Sacramento, CA, United States, California 95816
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