Sunday, July 16, 7-9 pm and Monday, July 17, 6-8 pm | KREVSKY CENTER

Written by: Sean Grennan
Director: Eric Pope

Dr. Lynn Cummings, an astrophysicist, tries to bring science and faith into balance while grappling with personal questions, reconnecting with her daughter, and mourning the loss of her husband. When an unidentified object is discovered heading toward Earth, a less-than-reputable online magazine misquotes her, casting doubt on her credibility. The two-time Nobel Prize nominee and the ambitious journalist monitor the mysterious object. Dr. Cummings hopes to witness nothing remarkable and thus save her reputation, but there is no telling what she will discover beyond the stars.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS

Seeking a Multi-generational, diverse cast for this play. All actors 18 and up are welcome and encouraged to audition. Please review the breakdown of roles and prepare to audition for the one that speaks to you the most.

DR. CUMMINGS

Female, 50’s-60’s. An astrophysicist, professor. She is very intelligent, somewhat sardonic, and a believer in facts. She was widowed two years ago and is still in mourning. She has a daughter, OLIVE. Cummings receives a diagnosis of early onset dementia but shows only slight signs of it during the play.

OLIVE

Female, Cummings’ daughter, 20’s-30’s. Smart, self-possessed, caring. A positive, smart, attractive person, she believes in more than she can see or, unlike her mother, is at least open to the possibility. She is a doctoral candidate in English literature. They clash over this and other things. Still, she loves her mother very much. She and Jason are a possible fit.

JASON

Male, 30’s. A journalist, he is “floating through life” somewhat. He works for a magazine he doesn’t respect, has recently broken up with a girlfriend, and isn’t sure what he believes about the greater questions. He does want there to be more than this. He wants there to be meaning and order. Ethical, intelligent, searching.

PLAYER

HALEY, a T.A. who works for Dr. Lynn, CHANCELLOR, the head of the University, FARRELL, Jason’s superior at GRATE magazine, DOCTOR, the specialist that Lynn see and, optionally, the O.S. voice of TOM.

MESSENGER

Mysterious character of any age or gender.

Audition Requirements:

1. Please prepare a contemporary or comedic monologue of up to 2 minutes in length.

2. There are two forms you need to fill out for this audition: the Theatre Harrisburg Audition Form and the A ROCK SAILS BY Supplemental Form. We recommend you print and complete them ahead of the audition to save time. Please have your conflict calendar handy when completing these. Please note- no conflicts are allowed during tech week or for any of the performances.

Theatre Harrisburg is committed to identity-conscious casting.

Callbacks:

Monday, July 17, 8-9 pm.

Reach out to [email protected] with questions.

PLEASE NOTE:

Auditions are by sign-up ONLY. Please sign up through the following form:

AUDITION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

Who may audition?

Anyone may audition! Theatre Harrisburg is committed to identity-conscious casting. This means the casting committee will consider an auditionee's identity in relation to that of a character. Thus, you may audition for any character you wish to, but please be aware that the casting committee must consider licensing restrictions and other such factors when casting. In some cases, casting notices will be very specific with regard to character (gender-presenting, race, ethnicity, etc.) in others, open to anyone. Regardless of casting notices, everyone is welcome to audition for any show, unless age specific requirements are noted (some shows may not be suitable for minors).

How do I audition?

Each show director will set their requirements for audition day. Standard requests will be that you bring your upcoming scheduling conflicts to share with the casting committee, fill out an audition form (parents/guardians will need to sign this form as well for minors), and have fun! Musicals typically ask you to prepare 16-32 bars of a song to sing for the committee. Some plays ask for a prepared monologue, others give you something to read at the open call. Many musical auditions will have a movement or dance call. Please see individual shows below for more information!

What is an open call?

An open call audition means anyone is welcome to attend that day. There may be sign-ups in advance for time slots, but beyond that, open means just that! Please be aware that our sign-ups fill up quickly, so consider signing up ahead of time.

What is a callback?

Callbacks are closed, invitation only auditions. During a callback, individuals are selected from open calls and other means to attend a second audition. This second audition gives the show director and casting committee an opportunity to have you read from the show script, sing from the show, and work with other auditionees so that we can put together the best cast possible for a show. Please note that for musicals any readings will happen at callbacks. In some cases this is where the dance call will happen as well. If you are not available for callbacks for a musical we may not be able to consider you for any roles soley on you vocal audition. Please make sure you clear your schedule for callback ahead of time. Please email [email protected] if you will not be available.

How will I know if I get the part?

Everyone who auditions is notified either by e-mail or a call if they are being offered a role in a show. Typically, an email is sent to those who did not fit the director’s vision for that particular show to let them know they should try again for a different production. Calls are made within a few days of callbacks for role offers. Everyone will be contacted within 2 weeks of auditioning.

Do you pay actors?

Theatre Harrisburg is a non-profit Community Theatre. Our actors, crew, ushers, and box office personnel are all volunteers...and we love them for giving their time and talents to us!

Are any of your shows pre-cast?

Theatre Harrisburg does not pre-cast shows. Some directors and other production members may invite community members to audition, but no one is ever offered a role before the auditions are completed. Each show has a committee attached to it for casting that includes the Artistic and Production Director to insure our inclusive and conscious policies are being adhered to in a manner befitting our stance of being the home where “community takes center stage.”

When are rehearsals?

Rehearsal schedules will vary per director, but generally rehearsals are in the evenings during the week and may include a weekend rehearsal, as well.

A Rock Sails By