WVU Parkersburg, Actors Guild conducting auditions for "Patient A" production.

CONTACT:  Nancy Nanney, chair of Humanities Division, 304-424-8361.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Auditions are set for the upcoming Stage Too production of "Patient A."

Stage Too is a cooperative partnership of West Virginia University at Parkersburg and the Actors Guild of Parkersburg.

Auditions for the Lee Blessing drama are scheduled for 7 p.m., Sunday, May 8, at the Actors Guild Rehearsal Hall and 7 p.m., Monday, May 9, in WVU Parkersburg's College Theatre (Room 1305).   The cast requires one woman, age range of 20 to 30, and two men, ages 20 to 40, according to Director Charlie Matthews.  The casting call is open to area residents, including WVU Parkersburg students.

"Patient A" is an exploration of the experience of Kimberly Bergalis, whose case marked the first known instance of HIV transmission from a health-care worker to a patient.  Issues of testing, discrimination and personal responsibility are examined against the larger backdrop of the AIDS epidemic in America. 

Commissioned by the Bergalis family to explore Kimberly's case of contracting the AIDS virus, the playwright becomes part of the story as an essential observer.  Kim's encounters with Lee reflect their relationship in real life as well as the playwright and "character" in the play.  A third character, Matthew, represents a composite of the thousands of gay men who have suffered in the AIDS epidemic.  As the play recounts Kim's case, we see all three characters struggle with the debate, and with their innermost feelings about themselves and each other.

 "Copies of the "Patient A" script are available for review in the college's Library.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Communications/Public Relations
(304-424-8203)

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