Announcing Open Auditions
for Hubbard Hall Theater Company’s April Production of
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
By Brian Friel
Directed by Erin Nicole Harrington
Choreographed by Darcy May
Audition Dates and Location
January 28 & 29, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Hubbard Hall, 25 E Main St., Cambridge, NY
Synopsis
This extraordinary play tells the story of five unmarried sisters living in a small Irish village in 1936. Their quiet lives are punctuated by the festival of Lughnasa, a celebration of the pagan harvest god that brings music, dancing, and revelry. Through the memory of Michael, the out-of-wedlock son of one sister, we glimpse a summer of transformative events: the return of their elderly missionary uncle, the arrival of Michael’s charming Welsh father, and the disruptive joy of their first radio. These moments of hope and celebration reveal cracks in the family’s foundation that lead to irrevocable change.
Audition Information
- Preparation:
Fill out the audition form at https://hubbardhall.org/get-involved/auditon-form/ in advance or bring a photo and résumé to the audition and complete the form on-site. - Accessibility:
Actors with developmental disabilities (including Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, autism, etc.) are strongly encouraged to audition for the role of Rose. Sides from the script will be sent upon submission of the audition form and will also be available at the audition. Documents can be provided in Word format for easy enlargement, and large-print copies will be available at auditions. - Video Auditions:
If unable to attend in person, video auditions are welcome. Select the “Video Audition” option when completing the audition form for instructions. - Accent Guidance:
Characters speak with a rural Irish accent, except for Gerry, who has a Welsh accent. A dialogue coach will assist with the production, but if you’re comfortable, please attempt the appropriate accent during your audition.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals begin Monday, February 17, and will be held Monday through Thursday evenings. Tech week starts Monday, March 30.
Performance Dates
Performances: April 4–6 and April 11–13
Showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM
Location: Hubbard Hall, 25 E Main St., Cambridge, NY
Character Breakdown
Note: All age ranges are approximate and intended as a general guideline. Roles are open to all ethnicities and gender identities.
- MICHAEL (M, 30s–50s): Narrator; plays himself as a seven-year-old boy. Large monologues; unseen by other characters in dialogue as a child.
- KATE (F, 40s–50s): Matriarch, stern and devout. The family’s sole wage earner, with a hidden passion.
- MAGGIE (F, late 30s–40s): A maternal figure with a sharp sense of humor. Some casual singing.
- AGNES (F, mid 30s–40s): Quiet and contemplative, secretly in love with Gerry. Protector of her sister Rose.
- ROSE (F, mid 20s–30s): A sister with a developmental disability, vulnerable but determined. Actors with developmental disabilities are encouraged to audition.
- CHRISTINA (Chris) (F, 20s–30s): The youngest sister, Michael’s mother. Struggles with life and has periods of over-optimism.
- GERRY EVANS (M, late 20s–40s): Michael’s father, a charming, joyful drifter. Some casual singing.
- UNCLE JACK (M, 50+): The sisters’ elder brother, a missionary priest returned from Uganda. Large monologues; experiences malaria episodes.