Archive for the ‘WDI Events’ Category

“Lend Me a Tenor” Audition Notice

Saturday, July 6th, 2013

Wheaton Drama auditions for “Lend Me a Tenor” are July 28-29

Veteran director James Liesz seeks versatile performers with sharp comic timing for Ken Ludwig’s hilarious, Tony award-winning farce, “Lend Me a Tenor”.
All auditions will be held at Playhouse 111, located at 111 North Hale St. in downtown Wheaton.
Audition dates are Sunday, July 28, and Monday July 29, beginning at 7 p.m. If necessary, callbacks will be held on Tuesday, July 30, with actors called at 7 p.m. sharp. This is an open-call audition: No appointments or special readings are necessary. All roles are available.
Performance dates are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sept. 13 through Oct. 6, 2013.
Director James Liesz is a life member of Wheaton Drama and has directed countless shows, not only for Wheaton Drama but for other area theatre groups. “If you want to have fun, laugh, and have a good time, come to auditions,” says Liesz. “This show is full of action and crazy situations.”
Cast of Characters:
MAX is in the 30-40 age range (flexible) and is highly excitable. He must sing proficiently. Actors should
prepare a few lines from an operatic aria to be sung a cappella at the audition.
MAGGIE is Max’s girlfriend and is also in the 30-40 age range (also flexible, but consistent with Max’s
age). She is a very attractive woman and totally enamored of Tito Merelli.
SAUNDERS is Maggie’s father and is General Manager of the Cleveland Opera Company. His age
range:runs relative to Maggie’s. He is a high-strung, man-in-charge character. He must have great
comedic timing. This is a terrific role!
TITO MERELLI is a world-famous tenor, known as “Il Stupendo.” His age range is 35-50 (flexible). Actor
playing this part must speak with a believable Italian accent and must sing well. Actors should prepare a
few lines from an operatic aria to be sung a cappella at the audition.
MARIA is Tito’s wife; her age range is 30-40 (compatible to Tito’s). She is beautiful, speaks with a
convincing Italian accent, and must have great comedic timing. Another great role!
The BELLHOP is a great comedic role and the age range is flexible. He must sing competently, but not
necessarily of great quality. This part also demands great timing and physicality. Actors should prepare a
few lines from an operatic aria to be sung a cappella at the audition.
DIANA is a soprano, but she does no singing on stage. Age range: 30s. Attractive, with great sex appeal.
JULIA is the Chairwoman of the Opera Guild. Age range 50-70. A very proper woman, stately, with an air
of elegance.
Questions can be addressed to Director James A. Liesz at 630-534-4828 or jaliesz@hotmail.com.

Be prepared for your audition!  Download the Lend Me A Tenor Audition Form and Sides.

Proposed Bylaws Changes

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Members-
The Business Planning Committee made certain recommendations for bylaws changes, which eventually morphed into a larger bylaws change, primarily focused on the season selection process and the related committees. The Business Planning Committee approved these draft bylaws changes as a recommendation to the Board. The Board approved these draft bylaws on June 24 as a recommendation to the membership. Please read the revisions. They will be presented at the August membership meeting for further discussion and the vote will be at the September membership meeting. (more…)

“Romeo & Juliet” Free Preview!

Monday, June 17th, 2013

Nikki Wilson as Juliet and Garrett Ard as Romeo rehearse the balcony scene June 16. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Nikki Wilson as Juliet and Garrett Ard as Romeo rehearse the balcony scene June 16. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Join us at the June 18 General Membership Meeting for a free preview of our upcoming studio show, Romeo & Juliet. The meeting begins at 7:30pm at Playhouse 111. The preview will follow a short business meeting.

“Romeo & Juliet” photos from first company meeting

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Garrett Ard (Romeo), Nikki Wilson (Juliet), Andrew Trygstad (Mercutio), and production manager Jackie Haiser at the first "Romeo & Juliet" read-through May 1. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Garrett Ard (Romeo), Nikki Wilson (Juliet), Andrew Trygstad (Mercutio), and production manager Jackie Haiser at the first “Romeo & Juliet” read-through May 1. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Susan Hajny measures Phoenix Heart (Paris) for costumes and reads the numbers to Tracy Adams. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Susan Hajny measures Phoenix Heart (Paris) for costumes and reads the numbers to Tracy Adams. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Raise your hand if you like Shakespeare! (Okay, so that's not really what was happening. More hands would have been raised!) Photo by Steven Merkel.

Raise your hand if you like Shakespeare! (Okay, so that’s not really what was happening. More hands would have been raised!) Photo by Steven Merkel.

"What, ho!" Finding the intentional (and unintentional) humour in Shakespeare. Photo by Steven Merkel.

“What, ho!” Finding the intentional (and unintentional) humour in Shakespeare. Photo by Steven Merkel.

Susan Hajny, Sharon Voss, Leah Rae Witt, Garrett Ard, Nikki Wilson, Katie Kanturek, and Andrew Trygstad at the "Romeo & Juliet" read-through May 1, 2013. Photo by Steven Merkel

Susan Hajny, Sharon Voss, Leah Rae Witt, Garrett Ard, Nikki Wilson, Katie Kanturek, and Andrew Trygstad at the “Romeo & Juliet” read-through May 1. Photo by Steven Merkel

“Into the Woods” photos

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013
Look at the fun in store for you at "Into the Woods"! Shows are Thursdays-Sundays from May 17-June 19, 2013.

Look at the fun in store for you at “Into the Woods”! Shows are Thursdays-Sundays from May 17-June 19, 2013. Photos by Ken Beach. Starboard design by Craig Gustafson.

Tony Abrego, Bruce Ebner, and Jen Neidl plan the next scene change for "Into the Woods". Photo by Steven Merkel.

Tony Abrego, Bruce Ebner, and Jen Neidl plan the next scene change for “Into the Woods”. Photo by Steven Merkel.

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