Seven University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts productions are planned for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.
Ann Hoste, chair of the Theatre Arts Department, said of the 120 theater students on campus each year, about 75 percent of them study acting. The department holds auditions roughly four times a year and will begin the season in August.
Fall season auditions begin at 10 a.m. and will end around 2 p.m. Aug. 18.
All students are welcome to audition and should prepare two, one-minute monologues to perform, including one contemporary piece and one Shakespeare piece. Performers must also sing 30 bars of a song of their choice.
Auditionees should bring a resume and headshot. Audition callbacks will take place Aug. 19.
More information on fall season auditions can be found at www.uitheatre.com.
Hoste said the department’s selection committee includes faculty and students that pick productions almost a year in advance.
“Ultimately, our season is based on a variety of factors — variety of genre, feasibility, educational opportunities for students, community appeal,” Hoste said.
“A Kind of Alaska”
Showing Sept. 12 through Sept. 23 at UI’s Arena Theatre, “A Kind of Alaska” will be directed by Ricky Kimball, a director with the theatre department.
Originally written by Harold Pinter in 1982, this production depicts accounts of patients waking up from decades-long comas. The one act play follows character Deborah after she wakes from a 29-year slumber.
“The Open Hand”
Showing Oct. 12 through Octo. 21 at UI’s Forge Theatre, “The Open Hand” was written and will be directed by Robert Caisley.
The production follows the life of character Allison, a woman who never accepts gifts. When she forgets her wallet and can’t pay for lunch with a friend, she learns what it means to accept generosity.
“A Midwinter Night’s Dream”
Showing Nov. 30 through Dec. 9 at UI’s Hartung Theatre, “A Midwinter Night’s Dream” will be adapted and directed by Stephen John. John has produced and directed several plays with the theater department in past years.
This production is a holiday interpretation of a classic Shakespearean tale. The department encourages all ages to attend.
“The Gift of the Magi”
Showing Nov. 30 through Dec. 9 at UI’s Forge Theatre, “The Gift of the Magi” will be directed by Kelly Quinnett, a professor and head of acting with the department.
An adaptation, this production shows the love story of a young couple without the means to buy holiday presents for one another during their first Christmas together.
“Up Chimacum Creek”
Showing Jan. 30 through Feb. 3 at UI’s Forge Theatre, “Up Chimacum Creek” was created by Ben Gonzales.
This coming-of-age tale depicts life, love and loss in the Pacific Northwest. This production follows character Willie Almeida and his friends as they witness a shocking moment that changes their lives forever.
“Present Laughter”
Showing March 1 through March 10 at UI’s Hartung Theatre, “Present Laughter” was created by Noel Coward.
This classic comedy showcases a self-absorbed actor who is in the middle of a mid-life crisis. Garry Essendine juggles his ex-wife, an eccentric playwright and his friends’ personal lives in this light-hearted comedy.
“The Three Keys of Captain Hellfire”
Showing April 19 through April 27 at UI’s Hartung Theatre, “The Three Keys of Captain Hellfire” was created by Ari Burns with songs written by Shandeen.
This production follows the life of a secret female pirate, Captain Hellfire of the pirate ship the Early Revenge. This comedy depicts the captain dealing with protecting her treasures and crew.
“There are opportunities for all UI students, in all areas, at all levels,” Hoste said. “Theater is a great way to explore new ideas, learn new skills and expand your creativity.”
Hoste said all UI students can sign up for production classes and learn to build scenery or design costumes or audition for a role in one of the seven productions.
Hoste said she believes the upcoming theater seasons hosts a wide variety of productions and will bring in talented directors and creators.
“This promises to be a terrific season,” Hoste said. “I look forward to it all.”
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected]