By Vernon Matters Staff

Performers and crew needed for Vernon play

Jan 8, 2020 | 10:33 AM

The Powerhouse Theatre is holding a second round of auditions on Friday, January 10, for Ben Hur, its third performance of the regular season.

Director Tanya Laing Gahr said strong actors and backstage crew are required for the show.

“This is a hilarious script that is going to challenge performers and crew,” said Laing Gahr. “Four actors portray more than 20 characters in order to bring the enormity of Ben Hur to life, and the technicians and stage managers will have their hands full supporting the special effects, quick changes and other surprises for the audience.”

Ben Hur will run from April 29 – May 9, will also be the Powerhouse’s entry in the Ozone (May 16 – 23 in Kelowna) and Mainstage (July 3 – 11 in Port Alberni) festivals, which showcase the best community theatre productions from around the region and province.

The play follows an amateur theatre troupe of four actors as they produce the massive tale of the fictional Jewish prince and merchant Judah Ben Hur. Ben Hur falls to a galley slave and rises to champion charioteer within Jerusalem during the life of Jesus Christ, while the actors struggle along through the play as rivalries form and offstage romances interfere.

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“This is a fast-paced comedy, which makes it an exciting festival entry,” Gahr said. “The performances at Ozone and Mainstage Festival often lean toward dramas, but I believe that comedy done well is a greater challenge for both actors and directors. Timing and delivery are everything, so cast and crew will be at the top of their game throughout the run of the play and into festival season.”

Auditions take place at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Powerhouse Theatre on Friday, January 10. Callbacks are scheduled for the following afternoon at 1 p.m.

For more information or to complete an audition form, visit auditions.powerhousetheatre.net.

Laing Gahr directed Powerhouse Theatre’s production of Calendar Girls in 2018, which went on to win Best Production at Ozone and Theatre BC’s Mainstage. She was also awarded Best Director at Mainstage.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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