August 2, 2010

WVU Parkersburg Theatre Department conducting auditions for upcoming production of "Crowns."

Contact: Jeffrey Byrd, Theatre Department, 304-424-8295.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Theatre Department will hold open auditions for its upcoming production of Regina Taylor's musical play "Crowns."

Auditions will be held in the college theatre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., August 9-12 and noon to 4 p.m., August 13. 

The play calls for a cast of six women and one man. 

Those interested in auditioning are asked to prepare a favorite gospel song for the audition and be familiar with the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow” for group work.

The show is slated for late October or early January depending on casting availability. 

"Crowns" is described as a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity.  It is seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come south to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to church going to funerals to baptisms, and the tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and current fashion.  The play features some rap but predominantly gospel music and dance underscore and support the characters' stories.

Further information is available by contacting Jeffrey Byrd in the Theatre Department at 304-424-8295.

 

cd8/02/10

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203 - Office)