Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is holding auditions for a comedy – The Firebird by Evan Guilford-Blake.
Told simultaneously in American Sign Language and speech, this play follows the magical adventures of a young man who learns the power of communication and the obstacles language can present. The play takes this classic Russian folktale and shows the audience the importance of different types of language to communication (i.e. American Sign Language in addition to spoken English). By finding truthfulness and goodness of heart the play overcomes all obstacles, including communication barriers.
The Firebird will be played out through shadow interpreting. As described by Terptheatre, “Shadow interpreting on stage places the sign language interpreter within the acting space of a play. The interpreters move on stage to position themselves near the location of a single actor – or group of actors. As the focal point of the action on stage shifts, so do the interpreters. As they move across the stage, they may enter and exit with other characters, and interact with them on occasion. Some shows call for interpreters to dance, participate in crowd scenes, move set pieces and take on other actor-like qualities.”
“As a parent of hard-of-hearing daughters, I have witnessed the ping-pong effect of watching a play interpreted in the standard ‘on the floor’ method,” says Firebird director, Janette Gaines. “I have also witnessed missed dialogue and huge chunks of storyline lost when there is no interpreter and/or the actors are in a position where their lips cannot be read. For my daughters and for all other deaf theatre lovers, I would like to offer a play they can enjoy to its fullest along with the hearing audience.”
JRT welcomes all to audition for The Firebird. Those auditioning should come prepared to learn and act out a story from the script. Additional prepared pieces are appreciated, but not necessary. Knowledge of American Sign Language is a plus, but also not necessary for auditions. Deaf are encouraged to audition.
Auditions will be at Jonesborough Repertory Theatre on Sunday, August 3, at 3pm and Monday, August 4, at 7pm. The production will be performed October 2-12 (during the International Storytelling Festival and the week to follow).
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is located at 125 ˝ West Main Street, Jonesborough - across the street from Jonesborough Presbyterian Church, next door to The Historic Eureka Inn. For more information on The Firebird or other theatre productions check out our website at www.jonesboroughtheatre.com or please call JRT at 423-791-4440.