Local performers will soon have an opportunity to help bring two original musical productions to the stage as Clarion Theatre Company prepares for its fall production at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center.
The nonprofit theater organization has announced auditions for its upcoming presentation, Two Great Musicals, One Great Show, a production featuring the one-act musicals In Time by Maxwell Bruhn and Fairhaven by John Sleadd. Both productions were written by Southern Oregon playwrights and will be performed during a limited engagement from Oct. 16 through Oct. 24.
Clarion Theatre Company is seeking local actors ages 16 and older to fill a variety of lead and supporting roles. Auditions are scheduled for Friday, July 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Hivve, located at 164 SE G Street in Grants Pass. Rehearsals are expected to begin Aug. 10 as the cast prepares for the October performances.
The production represents another opportunity for regional talent to participate in original theatrical works created by local artists. While playwright John Sleadd is already familiar to Southern Oregon audiences through productions such as Hatter’s Daughter and Stu’s America, In Time marks the debut theatrical work of playwright Maxwell Bruhn.
According to Clarion Theatre Company, In Time follows the story of Daniel, a young newswriter living in the fictional West Coast city of River City. As Daniel prepares to marry the woman he loves, an unexpected tragedy dramatically changes the course of his life. The musical explores themes of faith, hope and perseverance as Daniel discovers the influence of Providence through the people and community surrounding him.
The second production, Fairhaven, offers audiences a starkly different theatrical experience. Described by Sleadd as a dystopian escape musical, the story unfolds in a society governed by the Collective Control Council after a revolution has transformed daily life. Residents of Fairhaven, a work and reeducation facility, are subjected to drug-induced forgetfulness and ideological indoctrination. The story centers on Milly, a newly arrived resident whose encounter with guardian angels inspires her to challenge the system and lead an escape. The production blends dramatic storytelling with supernatural and comedic elements while exploring themes of freedom, courage and resistance.
Each musical has a running time of approximately 50 minutes, allowing audiences to experience two distinct stories in a single evening. An intermission will separate the performances.
Clarion Theatre Company says the production will feature an eclectic musical score designed to support the storytelling and distinguish the unique atmosphere of each show. Together, the two musicals offer audiences contrasting styles and settings while showcasing original works developed by Southern Oregon artists.
The creative team behind the production includes directors Sharon Giddings and John Sleadd, along with Erin Law and Ron Strom. Jacquelyn Cease serves as producer for the project.
As rehearsals begin later this summer, organizers hope to assemble an ensemble capable of bringing both productions to life through acting, music and stage performance. The company encourages aspiring performers from throughout the region to audition, whether they have previous stage experience or are looking to become involved in community theater for the first time.
Those interested in auditioning can find additional information, including character descriptions and video previews of the productions, through Clarion Theatre Company’s website before auditions begin at the end of July.
With two original musicals created by Southern Oregon playwrights, the upcoming production highlights the continued growth of locally developed theater while providing another opportunity for area performers and audiences to celebrate original storytelling on the Grants Pass stage.