Students tame the shrew at auditions

By Nicole Lord
Entertainment Editor

Auditions for the play The Taming of the Shrew were held in the third floor studio theatre of the Givens Performing Arts Center on Aug. 23 and 24.

Each person who auditioned was sent into the studio theatre where they had a private audition in front of the director Holden Hansen and assistant stage manager Adonai Colon.

Photo by Marty Anderson Students try out for a part in the upcoming play The Taming of the Shrew, which is scheduled to open on Oct. 26 with performances continuing through Oct. 29.

The audition, which was a cold reading, consisted of a 10-minute reading of a scene from the play.

“They have to fill out the sheet, and they get the piece before they go in. It takes about 10 minutes,” said Morgan Lucas, stage manager.

When asked if she was nervous about her audition, sophomore Vanessa Smart said no.

“I didn’t understand what I was reading so he explained it to me,” she said.

“He was real good about explaining it.” Vanessa auditioned for the lead role of Katherine or the shrew.

For many, the audition was not their first. Ian Hairston, a junior and a veteran of university productions, only auditioned for a small role this time.

“I’m just kinda doing it to be doing it,” Hairston said.

When asked about the audition process, Hairston said, “It’s basically the same. I get really, really nervous and when I finish, I’m relieved but always a little disappointed.”

The auditions were not only for students but faculty also. June Power, reference librarian at UNCP, showed up to audition on the second day.

If she makes the cut, the show will be her first at the university.

Power has already made a name for herself in Fayetteville with performances at the Gilbert Theatre. She was nominated for “best female performance” and “best ensemble performance.”

“I wanted to audition for the Shrew,” Powers said. “I think it would be really fun, but I don’t have enough time to devote to a major part.”

Callbacks for the play were scheduled for Aug. 25, and the cast list was to be posted on Aug. 26.

“When they post the cast list, it’s like getting your report card,” Hairston said.

The opening night of the play is scheduled for Oct. 26 and the performances will continue through Oct. 29.

Cast List

Rob Summers (Baptista)
Vanessa Smart (Kate)
Antione Stanley (Petruchio)
C.J. Reid (Grumio)
Kate Donovan (Bianca)
Ryan Kelly (Gremio)
Andra Hale (Hortensio)
P.J. Gajda (Lucentio)
Ashley Gendion (Tranio)
Tricia Gallant (Biondello)
Chris Lowry (Vincentio/Tailor/Servant)
Beth Cox (Pedant/Haberdasher/Servant)
Lisa Louis (Widow/Servant)