Rivercity Players invites actors, and anyone who would like to be an actor, to audition for their fall production of A Rock Sails By.
A Rock Sails By tells the story of astrophysicist Dr. Lynn Cummings, who has always believed in science over faith in the unknown. But now that her life is changing, the certainty that was once a source of comfort has become a source of emptiness. When an unidentified flying object is sighted heading toward Earth, she grants an interview to a journalist who misquotes her. With her credibility on the line, she invites him to join her and witness the object as it passes its closest point to the Earth. Dr. Cummings hopes it will pass without incident, but there is no telling what she will discover beyond the stars.
This comedy drama was written by Sean Grennan and will be directed by Denise Comeau Darnell.
Darnell has been involved in community theatre in various capacities for many years, and is looking forward to directing the fall production for Rivercity Players.
“When I was asked to read A Rock Sails By, I was immediately drawn into the story,” she said, “because I have always been intrigued by the mysteries of our solar systems. The playwright, Sean Grennan, writes about one specific event that happened in 2017 when scientists observed a rock heading directly to earth from a very distant galaxy. Thus the name, Oumuamua - a Hawaiian word meaning scout or messenger sent from the distant past to reach out to humanity. Already there was a lot to sink my teeth into as a director.”
She was also intrigued by the fact that the lead character is an astrophysicist teaching at a university, but is starting to show early signs of dementia.
Darnell is looking for actors who will be sensitive and caring about the issues of dementia.
“I would also want them to be imaginative and open to the notion that there is the possibility of intelligent life beyond our own solar system. The message delivered by the playwright is profound and complicated, but also very simple if we believe in ourselves and that we can care for each other.”
There are five roles to be cast:
Dr. Lynn Cummings, female, 50 – 60s
Olive Cummings, female, 20 – 30s
Jason Harper, male, 30s
Messenger, any gender or non-binary, any age
One actor to play 4 roles, any gender or non-binary, any age
Auditions will be held at the Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock Street on Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 – no preparation is needed. Call backs are scheduled for Monday, June 16. Production dates are Nov. 5 to 15.
For more information, you can check out our website at rivercityplayers.ca or contact us at info@rivercityplayers.ca
