Jackson-Madison County Library to Hold Open Auditions for Shakespeare in the Park
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Performance Slated for September
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Library encourages tweens, teens and adults to audition for this year’s Shakespeare in the Park production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Auditions will take place in the auditorium of North Side High School at 2:00 p.m. on both Sat., April 28 and Sun., April 29, as well as 6:00 p.m. on Mon., April 30. Roles are available for males and females ages 12 and older. No prior acting experience is required. There will also be opportunities for student and adult musicians to perform before and during the production.
Although not necessary, those auditioning may prepare in advance to read a sonnet or selection from one of Shakespeare’s plays in advance. There will also be cold readings from the script both individually and as part of a group.
Based on the success of the first Shakespeare in the Park production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” in Oct. 2017, this year’s show will be held in the fall at Jackson’s Amp at the Market with evening performances Sept. 27 and 28, and a matinee on Sept. 30. There will not be a performance on Sept. 29 to allow the community to attend the Jackson Symphony’s annual Starlight Symphony Concert.
“Performing Shakespeare can certainly be intimidating as an actor, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Jenci Spradlin, adult services librarian. “We want this to be as much of a learning opportunity for those in the show as it is for the audience. If we can inspire others to want to know more about Shakespeare or increase the community’s appreciation of his works, then this project will have been a success.”
The production is being directed by Dr. Derrick Spradlin, assistant professor of English at Freed Hardeman University, along with Chris Stevens, who teaches acting classes in Jackson and is involved in the local theatrical community.
For up-to-date information on the production and upcoming events, as well as opportunities to be involved behind the scenes, the Library created a public Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/ShakespeareJackson. Those with questions can also email Jenci Spradlin at jspradlin@madisoncountytn.gov or call her at the Library at 425-8600.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org.
