Theater to hold two casting auditions today

‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’

Auditions for this year’s Children’s Theater show, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Kathryn Shultz Miller, are 10 a.m. today and Wednesday in the College Theater.

The play is based on a Washington Irving short story of the same title.

Theater manager Bruce Hostetler will cast and direct the show. Hostetler worked in professional theater for 23 years, with 20 years in directing, including work with Portland’s Northwest Children’s Theater.

Hostetler describes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as a play about a schoolteacher who brings personal fears of the world with him into his new town. He said that when the teacher, Ichabod, and a rival, Brom, compete over a girl, Katrina, Brom exploits Ichabod’s fear by becoming the headless horseman and chases the schoolteacher out of town forever.

“I think there have been reproductions of this play or movie. There was a movie Tim Burton directed that was a version of this, where you’re a little sympathetic toward Ichabod,” Hostetler said. He said he sympathizes more with the townsfolk instead of Ichabod and his fears.

Hostetler said, “We get to see the world as the townspeople see it, where it’s kind of warm and friendly and everyone knows each other, and seeing it the way Ichabod sees it. When Ichabod looks at the world, it’s dark and scary and full of shadows and things that might jump out and go ‘boo.'”

Actors auditioning should bring with them a sense of humor and a willingness to look a little silly, Hostetler said. “If you’re going to do children’s theater you have to be able to be child-like. And that’s different from childish,” he said.

Hostetler said everyone is welcome to audition, even if you do not have prior acting experience.

“It’s a big cast, lots and lots of different characters,” he said.

Enrollment is required in TA153D or TA253D to be in the play, according to the MHCC website.

The show opens for school groups 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7 with additional shows Nov. 9, 14, 16 and 18. A public performance will be 2 p.m. Nov. 19.

For tickets, contact the MHCC Performing Arts Box Office at 503-491-7154. Tickets are $2.

ComedySportz

Auditions for ComedySportz Holiday Show are 4 p.m. today in the Studio Theater.

The group will perform improv theater, routines that are made up on the spot, said ComedySportz director Jennifer Hunter.

“The performers don’t have a script, but rather work together to create a story that entertains the audience. It’s not stand-up,” Hunter said.

She said students could use the television show “Whose Line is it Anyway” to recognize the style.

Students should bring a good attitude and a willingness to try new things, Hunter said.

Actors who make the group are required to take classes from 4 to 7 p.m. on Mondays.

Hunter said there are many reasons students who are interested should audition.

“Not only is it fun, but improv can improve a student’s public speaking, working in groups, listening and overall self-esteem,” she said.

Participating students will be considered for the ComedySportz College Team.

The ComedySportz Holiday Show is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 in the Studio Theater.

You can find more information about Improv at www.comedysportz.com and www.portlandcomedy.com.