To Be: Something Wicked This Way Comes

My son Jarod and I before the annual WWT fundraiser

Contributed by Jenni Carmichael Clark, WWT Community Marketing and Events Director

Ten years ago I learned of a theatre education program where my son could do sword-fighting, learn acting skills and become familiar with Shakespeare that took place outside in a local park… I signed him up immediately.

Eignt years ago I received an invitation to be part of that program. I remember the invitation clearly. Here was a unique opportunity to apply my event planning and marketing skills within the theatrical community -- coordinating fundraising, special events, playbill planning and community outreach programs to get the word out about Shakespeare Royal Oak. I didn't hesitate then either. I signed me up.

Since that time I have watched my son perform on the Water Works Theatre Company stage. I have worked alongside him, and countless other theatre lover volunteers, to breathe life into each season and manage a Hospitality tent that lets our audience know how important they are and how much we appreciate their continuing support of our expanding programs. I have witnessed stellar performances under the stars and the fortitude of actors and crew on misty, rainy, chilly and sweltering summer nights.

Since that time I have coordinated eight fundraisers, attended countless community organization meetings to “spread the word,” written articles and sold advertisements to businesses who also value what our programs offer. And I have spoken with thousands about the amazing experience that we call Shakespeare Royal Oak. 

To be part of this organization – and what my son calls “The Best Two Weeks of the Summer” – is Wicked Awesome! I am honored to promote a program that employs local artists and makes Shakespeare productions possible in my hometown. I am passionate about sharing the fact that these plays can be accessible and affordable and fun for all ages. I am excited to see Hamlet amidst the slings and arrows of park improvements and inclement weather that haunted our “tech week” but never daunted our artists … or our staff.

To BE part of Shakespeare Royal Oak is an amazing leap of faith. Each spring we go once more into the breach. What a piece of work is every man, woman and child involved in our programs. The play’s the thing that brings them back each season.

Shakespeare Royal Oak is an exceptional program. Our community is lucky to have it. My kids are lucky to grow up with it. I am passionate to be part of it …. I celebrate that it is To Be … every summer. 

Visit www.shakespeareroyaloak.com for more information and tickets for this season which runs July 31 - August 10. 

2014 AUDITIONS - SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK ROYAL OAK

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK 2014

July 31 – August 10

 

AUDITIONS

HAMLET

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Edward Nahhat

Performance Dates: July 31—August 10

 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

(Abridged) [Revised]

By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield

Directed by Sara Wolf Molnar

Performance Dates: August 2—10

 

Audition Dates:  Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25, between 6:00 pm and 10 pm, ***New Location *** Royal Oak First United Methodist Church 320 W. Seventh Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Please prepare two contrasting monologues, one Shakespeare, and one comedic contemporary piece, no longer than 4 minutes total.

Please request your preferred time for an audition appointment via email to waterworksbackstage@earthlink.net or call 248 399 3727.  Please include your name, the date and time of your preferred slot, and an email address and phone number where we can contact you to confirm your appointment.  All prospective acting interns should attend auditions.  We support non-traditional casting.

All roles are open to Equity and non-Equity actors, with the exception of Laertes and Ophelia in Hamlet. Equity actors cast will be offered a Special Appearance Contract. All non-Equity actors will be paid a small stipend. Rehearsals will begin after July 4.

About Water Works Theatre Company

Since 2001 Water Works has presented Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak and other award-winning productions.  Water Works enhances the quality of life in the community by offering Michigan’s only outdoor professional Shakespeare event, close to home in Royal Oak’s Starr Jaycee Park.  Water Works’ mission is to provide a place to call home for local professional actors, designers, directors, teachers, and other artists in a dynamic collaboration with skilled professional volunteers and other community supporters.  Learn more at: www.waterworkstheatre.com