EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS: Actualities will be available for download at http://www.troy.edu/news/radios/index.html

Transcripts of actualities follow end of release.

TROY – Troy University’s College of Communications and Fine Arts is looking for just a few good actors to audition for an upcoming musical.

The College’s Department of Speech and Theatre and John M. Long School of Music will hold auditions for “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at 7 p.m. May 15 in the Claudia Crosby Theater, and is seeking high school students, community members and TROY students for cast and crew positions.

Those interested in the backstage areas are welcome to come and talk with Technical Director Chris Rich and Costumer John Patton.

Co-Director and Vocal Director Tori Lee, said people wishing to audition for the show should dress comfortably and wear shoes that allow movement. She also said that no preparation of material is needed to audition.  Callbacks are slated for May 17.

Rehearsals and production begin on May 21 for the play that runs June 29-30.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” began life as a MGM musical in 1954. In 1981, the stage version was created and in 1982 the original Broadway version debuted, earning a 1983 Tony Award nominee for Best Original Score.

The musical is set in 1850s Oregon and is about “Millie,” a young bride who plans to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law in order to save her own marriage to the elder brother, “Adam.” The plan backfires when the brothers kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides.

The show features a cast of more than 20 performers and a medium to large chorus, although the music is easy to learn and sing, according to Ray Smith, musical director of the show.

 “We anticipate a company of approximately 40,” he said, “but we are hopeful that we’ll have many more than that at auditions.”

Director of Theatre Adena Moree hopes that this production will begin a new tradition of summer theatre for the University. 

“We’re marketing the auditions very heavily in the Troy community and to neighboring high schools since the show has such a large youthful focus. We hope to expand next year into a production that has a larger singing chorus and are planning to seek avenues to incorporate summer creative dramatics for elementary ages.” 

Moree also said technicians, sewers and other production assistants are needed to help Troy University Theatre create a strong community theatre experience.

“It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for several years, and with the generous support of the University and Troy Arts Council, we’re off to a great beginning. ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ is sure to be loads of fun and great experience for cast, crew, and audience,” she said.

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Actuality transcript: (Adena Moree)

[19 seconds]

We have been wanting for some time to build a theater bridge to the community and find opportunities to bring in adult performers, teenage performers and even children to work in various projects we have on the table and in the planning stages.

[19 seconds]

We have need for actors, dancers, singers, people who have scene shop skills, building skills, working with lighting, costuming, sewing – just a battery of things people can get involved in over this six-week period.