Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center and director Michael Disher will hold open auditions for the Long Island premiere of Truman Capote’s collection of heartwarming holiday short stories, “The Thanksgiving Visitor,” “One Christmas” and “A Christmas Memory” on Sunday, September 8, at noon. Auditions begin promptly; late arrivals will be seen at the discretion of the director. Readings from the stories will occur. Sides will be provided.
Rehearsals will be in September, October and November with performances of “The Thanksgiving Visitor” Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 17. Performances of “One Christmas” and “A Christmas Memory” will be Friday, November 29, through Sunday, December 1.
Produced through special arrangements with permission granted by The Truman Capote Literary Trust, Center Stage will bring to life the bittersweet, heartwarming and thought-provoking prose written by one of the 20th Century’s greatest and most celebrated American writers, Truman Capote. Based largely upon Capote’s youth in rural Alabama, the tales focus on young Buddy and his lovingly eccentric cousin, Sook. Together, through one Thanksgiving and two Christmases, Buddy and Sook learn much about honesty, love, loss and enduring friendship.
“The Truman Capote Literary Trust was quite agreeable to having Mr. Capote’s short stories presented in an area he once called home,” said Disher. “After negotiations were met and guidelines established, the trust granted permission. I am pleased and honored to be bringing these stories, in their entirety to the stage.
“It is the hope of the trust — me, as well —that interest in reading these stories is renewed” he added. “In many areas, ‘A Christmas Memory’ was once required reading.”
Christina Strassfield, executive director of Southampton Arts Center said, “We look forward to our second season and holiday collaboration with Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center. We can think of no better way to jumpstart the holiday season than with these beautiful tales.”
Casting is flexible with roles for both children and adults. Each story will be cast separately. Actors must cover many roles, so vocal dexterity is required. The play is performed by the ensemble of actors who create all the characters and create the environments. The assignment of these roles will be tailored to suit the ensemble of actors cast in this production.
Those auditioning should wear suitable clothing and shoes for an audition and have a flexible schedule. Most rehearsals are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during the day. Casting will be immediate as rehearsals begin mid-September. Minimal rehearsals, no memorization required, but always preferred. Familiarity with the script is a must. For further information, contact Michael Disher at mbentondisher@gmail.com.
Southampton Arts Center is at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.
Staff Writer on Aug 23, 2024