Students, faculty and staff as well as the public are invited to audition for a role in the California State University, Dominguez Hills Department of Theatre Arts upcoming production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s play “School for Scandal.” Auditions will be held on Feb. 13 and 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the University Theatre’s main stage.
Directed with a hip-hop flair by Kelly Herman, lecturer of theatre arts, this 1777 classic still has enough bite to draw blood and it reminds us that human nature has not changed much throughout the generations, as we can always be seduced by a tale of status, love, and betrayal. This is the original reality show fraught with competition, sex, backstabbing, and debauchery. It’s old-school social networking, littered with Sheridan’s poisonous gossip.
As is the custom of the university, the cast of this production is open to all ethnicities and ages. Auditions will be casting for 4 women and 11 men in the following roles:
Female Roles
Lady Teazle: The newest member of the school, a vivacious social climbing young bride.
Maria: Sweet, with a strong sense of right and wrong, in love with Charles Surface.
Lady Sneerwell: Leader of the scandalous set, calculating and in love with Charles Surface.
Mrs. Candour: A walking, talking National Inquirer, uses the guise of sincerity.
Male Roles
Sir Peter Teazle: In his 40s, recently married to a young wife, is old school.
Sir Oliver Surface: In his 40s, he is the beloved uncle to Charles and Joseph Surface, clever, kind and rich.
Joseph Surface: A pompous, self-righteous hypocrite, and a player.
Charles Surface: A generous party boy.
Crabtree: Benjamin Backbite’s uncle, a malicious slanderer.
Sir Benjamin Backbite: A suitor for Maria, a terrible poet and gossip.
Rowley: Loyal to the Surfaces, a caring confidante.
Moses: A shrewd moneylender.
Snake: Lady Sneerwell’s minion, who can be manipulated by money.
Careless: Fun loving, loves to party at others’ expense.
Trip: A servant at the Charles Surface residence.
In preparation for their audition, individuals should memorize a one-minute dramatic or comedic monologue from a contemporary or classical play, and bring a picture and resume, if available. Perusal scripts are available in the Theatre Arts Lounge located in the University Theatre Complex, room UT A-101, and in LaCorte Hall, room A-111.
Performance dates for “School for Scandal” are April 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 8 p.m., and April 13 at 2 p.m.
For more information, e-mail Kelly Herman at kherman@csudh.edu and include “Auditions” in the subject line, or call the theatre arts department office at (310) 243-3588.
