Transform yourself into a fairy or servant, or even a prince or princess next week during auditions for the Rend Lake College Fall Play “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.” Auditions will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 in the RLC Theatre, with opening night set for Thursday, Nov. 2.
“The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” is based off the Brother Grimms’ classic fairy tale “Briar Rose,” which involves a beautiful princess who is cursed and is woken by true love’s kiss. The earliest known version of the story was composed between 1330 and 1344, and has been adapted dozens of times, including the popular 1959 Disney film “Sleeping Beauty.”
Director Tracey Webb, RLC Theatre Professor, said the script audience members will see was written by Frances Homer in 1935.
“There are more fairies than in the Disney film, and one of them doesn’t get invited to a party. This oversight causes Sleeping Beauty to be cursed by the excluded fairy,” explained Webb. “Shortly before falling into the hundred-year sleep, she is engaged to be married to a prince with whom she isn’t in love, which adds extra conflict to the tale. The castle servants provide much of the comedy in the play. This is a funny retelling of the classic story and it is family friendly. Both adults and children should enjoy the play.”
Auditions are open to individuals age 16 and older. Webb offered some advice for students and community members interested in standing in the spotlight.
“Actors should practice reading from scripts with animated faces and voices. The more they get into it, the better I can evaluate their acting skills. I may also ask them to improvise a scene, so they should research the original fairy tale and know the main characters,” said Webb. “I would also advise they wear dance shoes and flexible clothing for the dance portion. Long hair and bangs need to be pulled off the face.”
After the cast announcement, rehearsals will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Every actor is encouraged to register for Theatre 1102, a tuition-free elective course that awards three credit hours for participation in the play.
“All cast and crew members will be expected to help build the set on certain Sunday afternoons and help find props and costumes. Theatre is a collaborative art and takes a lot of people pulling together to create a show,” said Webb. “It will be a fun experience and not all cast members will have to be at every rehearsal, until the final two weeks.”
The fall play will open on the RLC stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, with additional show times at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4. A 2 p.m. showing is also scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 5. Tickets cost $12 and will be available for purchase on Monday, Oct. 16. Contact the RLC Box Office for additional information at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467.
