The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

In the spirit of trying something new for the coming theater season, Montana Actors’ Theatre (MAT) will hold a Company Audition on Saturday, August 26 from noon until 5:00 p.m. in the MAT Theatre on the campus of Montana State University–Northern. This is an opportunity for people across the Hi-Line to audition for multiple shows at one time.

A troupe of actors performing regularly in a particular theater is referred to as a company. And according to MAT’s Marketing and Development Director, Andi Daniel, under the influence of this first time company audition system, many of the larger roles for the first half of the season will be cast as well as some for the second half. Directors will also have a chance to collaborate and choose the best fit for the actors with as little overlap in rehearsal schedules as possible.

“We are hoping that we will get more people auditioning and learning about MAT. Auditioning can be intimidating sometimes, and we hope that people can check us out, get comfortable, and read for an audition even if they aren't sure whether they want to be in a show. Watching auditions not only can help alleviate some nerves, it also gives all of the directors a chance to see a wide range of people and discuss the best fit for each show. Furthermore, we will be able to schedule more easily when we can see who is involved. Actors and crew members will be better able to plan out what they'd like to be involved in throughout the season,” Daniel explained.

In addition to the Company Audition, a Volunteer Fair will also be held on August 26. Interested people are encouraged to attend and learn about opportunities in design, stage crew, lights, sound, ushering, bartending, props, costumes, makeup, and painting.

“MAT relies on volunteers to put together high-quality shows! Whether you have an hour to volunteer or want to be a regular, we will find a place for you in our MAT family,” Daniel commented.

Daniel went on to say that people don't have to be present for the full five hours on Saturday since the event will be more of an open house setting. During that time, MAT personnel will be giving away some free drinks, show tickets, and merchandise for people who attend—whether or not they audition or volunteer.

At Saturday’s Company Auditions, MAT will only be casting adults since most of the shows in the coming season feature adult actors and actresses. The exceptions are Newsies and The Library, which will highlight youth. Although youth shows will not be cast on August 26, youth are still encouraged to attend in order to learn more about the auditioning process as well as the many volunteer opportunities.

Adults planning to audition at Company Auditions and anyone interested in signing up to volunteer should complete the Audition and Volunteer Form prior to the August 26 event. Applicants will receive an email when they have completed the editable form, which is available online at mtactors.com.

On Company Audition day, participants will audition for various shows and roles for the coming theater season. With parts for up to four men and four women in the 20-60 year age range, the comedy about an opera singer, Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig will perform October 6-7, 12-14, and 19-21.

Next, in the classic tale of a cat who gains the trust and admiration of a rich and powerful leader to help his owner improve his life, Puss in Boots Christmas Panto by Caroline Tuss is a slapstick comedy that relies on audience participation and silly puns. It is scheduled to occur from December 8-10, 14-17, and 21-24. This show, which may travel one of these weekends, will cast eleven adult actors with cross gender casting expected.

On January 19-20, 25-27 and again from February 1-3, Hill Country Revue has roles available for eight to ten adult comic performers of any gender. A variety show that blends the style of Hee-Haw, Saturday Night Live, and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, this production will feature local musicians playing original music with comic interludes commenting on life in Havre and across the Hi-Line.

Although specific dates and locations will be determined later, the Traveling Dinner Theatre will run in March and April. Written by Jay Pyette, The Queen of Hill County is a murder mystery with cows and will highlight the talent of four actors of any age and gender. Additional actors may be cast to allow flexibility in travel dates for this show, which is described as a “zany, fast-paced farce with four actors but about a zillion characters. Californians, hippies, soccer moms and even a branch of the mafia (or a very, very, very distant cousin of the mafia) give the local ranch wives, farm ladies, church choir singers, 4-H leaders and others a run for their money. Devious plans and ruthless behaviors dominate the contest to become the Queen of Hill County.”

Another spring show takes the stage on April 5-6, 11-13, and 18-20. Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley is an Irish story with roles for two men and two women, ages 35-70. The plot revolves around a pair of misfits who fight their way towards some kind of happiness.

Finally, for the Ren Faire in June, Martin Holt has written The Imaginary Invalid, an adaptation based on the play by Moliere. Scheduled for performances on June 7-9, it features roles for eight men and four women.

Following the Company Audition event, call backs and secondary auditions for smaller roles may be held. Since this is a new system and time may not allow completion, Daniel explained that MAT may even hold another Company Audition in January for later season shows and that casting may occur outside company auditions.

“We would like to encourage more people from Blaine County to get involved with MAT,” Daniel concluded.