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Curtain’s Up Theater Company is holding Auditions for Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s beloved American drama, Inherit the Wind, directed by Christy Luster. When: Saturday, January, 11, 2025. 1:00 – 5:00 PM.
Where: Collinsville First United Methodist Church. 207 W Church St, Collinsville IL, 62234
Performances:
Will be held at The Roxana Nazarene Community Theater, 400 N Central Ave, Roxana, IL 62084
Thursday, March 27 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, March 28 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 29 @ 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 30 @ 2:00 PM
Rehearsals:
Will begin Monday, February 3, 2025.
Tech week will begin on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Attendance at all tech and dress rehearsals is mandatory.
Audition Requirements:
Auditioners should prepare a 1-2 minute monologue that best exemplifies the character of the desired role. Please arrive at auditions at 1:00 PM. We will begin by calling auditioners to read their monologues. Once that is completed, we will ask auditioners to stay and do cold readings from the script. Auditioners are welcome to bring their own resume and headshot, however, it is not required. Audition forms will need to be filled out and signed upon arrival.
Contact:
For any questions please contact the director, Christy Luster, at [email protected].
Summary:
Inspired by the true story of The Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, Inherit the Wind tells the story of Bertram Cates, a young Biology teacher who breaks the law and tests the boundaries of his smalltown Christian community in Hillsboro, Tennessee by teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in his high school classroom. After he is arrested, the trial becomes a national media spectacle, drawing the attention of the conservative political giant Matthew Harrison Brady and the infamous defense attorney Henry Drummond. Startlingly relevant today, Inherit the Wind shines a light on the battle between church and state, the dangers of stubborn conviction, and the ways in which the media manipulates the public consciousness by pitting communities against each other.
Available roles:
Total Adult M: 21
Total Adult F: 6
Total Teen/Children: 3
*** Some roles may be combined depending on cast size***
Matthew Harrison Brady (Adult M. Approx. 50-65 yrs): a well-known Christian Fundamentalist politician who comes to Hillsboro to serve as the prosecution against Bertram Cates. Brady is strong of conviction and extremely charming. He easily endears himself to the people of Hillsboro and treats the courtroom as a stage. He is based on the real-life figure of William Jennings Bryan.
Henry Drummond (Adult M. Approx. 50-65 yrs): a seasoned defense attorney from Chicago who gains national infamy by serving as the defense for many controversial cases. He is sent to Hillsboro by the Baltimore Herald to defend Bertram Cates. A foil to Brady, Drummond is sarcastic, intellectual, and a strong advocate for progressive ideals. He is based on the real-life figure of Clarence Darrow.
Bertram Cates (Young Adult M. Approx. 20-30 yrs): a young science teacher living in Hillsboro who breaks the law by teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution in his classroom. Cates is an earnest and forthright young man who finds himself torn between his convictions and the love that he has for his community and his fellow teacher, Rachel Brown, who urges him to admit his guilt.
E.K. Hornbeck (Adult M. Approx. 30-50 yrs): a city-slicker journalist from The Baltimore Herald who travels to Hillsboro to cover the events of the trial. Hornbeck is a self-described critic, who seems on the surface to care for the progressive ideology espoused by Drummond and Cates. However, it becomes clear that his convictions are far more rooted in his cynicism and self-interest rather than any sort of idealistic pursuit.
Rachel Brown (Young Adult F. Approx. 20-30 yrs): the romantic interest of Bertram Cates. Rachel is daughter of the town’s reverend, Jerimiah Brown. As the trial commences, she finds herself in a battle between her extremely conservative upbringing and her affection for Cates and torn between loyalty to her father and the man she loves.
Reverend Jerimiah Brown (Adult M. Approx. 50-65 yrs): a fire and brimstone preacher whose sermons are reminiscent of southern tent-revivals. He leads the community of Hillsboro in the moral fight against Bertram Cates.
Mrs. Brady (Adult F. Approx. 50-65 yrs): the wife of Matthew Harrison Brady. Calm and practical, she acts as a stabilizing and almost maternal influence over Brady.
Tom Davenport (Adult M. Approx. 30-50 yrs): the local district attorney. He serves with Brady on the prosecution.
Judge (Adult M. Approx. 50-65 yrs): a judge in the local district court. He presides over the trial impartially, however, in private it is clear that his personal feelings align with the prosecution.
Meeker (Adult M. Approx. 40-65 yrs): the court bailiff. Meeker is a kind and fair man. He acts with compassion and leniency while he has Bertram Cates in custody.
Mayor (Adult M. Approx. 50-65 yrs): the mayor of Hillsboro. He is extremely excited for Brady’s arrival and supports the prosecution.
Elijah (Adult M): a religious hermit who lives in the mountains. He comes to Hillsboro to welcome Brady and sell Bibles.
Melinda (Youth F. Approx. 10-12 yrs): a young girl living in Hillsboro who is afraid of Drummond.
Howard (Youth M. Approx. 12-15 yrs): a boy living in Hillsboro and a student in Bertram Cates’ class. He testifies against Cates.
Timmy (Youth M. Approx. 10-12 yrs): a young boy living in Hillsboro. He excitedly announces the arrival of Matthew Harrison Brady.
Mr. Goodfellow (Adult M): the owner of the general store. He is apathetic to the trial.
Mrs. Krebs (Adult F): a Hillsboro resident to plans the welcome picnic for Brady.
Corkin (Adult M): a Hillsboro resident.
Bollinger (Adult M): a Hillsboro resident.
Cooper (Adult M): a Hillsboro resident.
Platt (Adult M): a Hillsboro resident.
Mr. Bannister (Adult M): a Hillsboro resident who is selected for the jury.
Mrs. McLain (Adult F): a Hillsboro resident.
Mrs. Loomis (Adult F): a Hillsboro resident and Melinda’s mother.
Hot Dog Man (Adult M/F): a Hillsboro resident who sells hotdogs upon Brady’s arrival.
Mrs. Blair (Adult F): A Hillsboro resident and Howard’s mother.
Hurdy Gurdy Man (Adult M/F): an organ grinder accompanied with his monkey who awaits Brady’s arrival.
Dunlap (Adult M): a farmer and cabinet maker who is rejected from the jury.
Sillers (Adult M): a Hillsboro resident who is selected for the jury.
Reuter’s Man (Adult M): a British reporter from London who travels to Hillsboro to report on the trial.
Harry Y. Esterbrook (Adult M): a radio man from WGN Chicago.
Photographer (Adult M): a media photographer who travels to Hillsboro.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
First United Methodist Church of Collinsville, 207 W Church St,Collinsville,IL,United States
