THE HAPPIEST SONG PLAYS LAST at Tacoma Little Theatre

About the project and the company

SEEKING MIDDLE EASTERN ACTOR FOR ROLE AT TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE

**PLAY AUDITIONS EXTENDED 

COLLABORATION BETWEEN TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE, UW TACOMA and TOY BOAT THEATRE

PERFORMING AT TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE April 29-May 15

“THE HAPPIEST SONG PLAYS LAST” by Quiara Alegría Hudes

“Everyone needs a place to call home. Iraq War vet Elliot Ortiz has a bright new career: movie star. But shooting a film on location in Jordan, with the tumultuous Arab Spring rumbling nearby, he finds that his wartime nightmares have followed him into his new life.” (Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 2015)

We have extended our audition period for the character noted below, to Feb. 16, in order to accomplish our goal of finding the most ethnically suited actor for this unique company.

SEEKING AN ACTOR TO PLAY:

Ali: 40’s, Arab from Iraq, strong dialect, but good English. Translator/guide/gofer on the film set in Jordan; proud father; sense of humor and duty, playful, loyal to his people, family and country. Fond of Elliot, the young soldier-turned-actor in the film.

Marilyn Bennett, Director, is happy to do a preliminary audition via Zoom, if more convenient. In-person audition also possible at UWT or Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 N. I Street, Tacoma.  Rehearsals begin on or about February 27; actors receive a travel stipend, based upon their travel distance.

PLEASE CONTACT MARILYN BENNETT at: marilyn.bennett60@gmail.com to learn more about the play and character, and/or schedule an audition.

SEEKING ONSTAGE GUITARIST FOR PRODUCTION AT TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE

PERFORMING AT TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE April 29-May 15

“THE HAPPIEST SONG PLAYS LAST” by Quiara Alegría Hudes

“Everyone needs a place to call home. Iraq War vet Elliot Ortiz has a bright new career: movie star. But shooting a film on location in Jordan, with the tumultuous Arab Spring rumbling nearby, he finds that his wartime nightmares have followed him into his new life.” (Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 2015)

The playwright requests that, if possible, this production includes at least one live guitarist (or Puerto Rican cuatro player), to offer musical texture, emotion, and sense of place to this play. The guitarist would need to be versed in Puerto Rican classic music, such as that of the artist Ramito. At times, they may be accompanied by an actor on percussion, as a bongo/guiro or oud. Singing would also be excellent, but guitar is key.

PLEASE CONTACT MARILYN BENNETT at: marilyn.bennett60@gmail.com to learn more about the play and character, and/or schedule meeting, either in person or via Zoom

Location of Audition

Virtually or in-person

Other details

The Happiest Song Plays Last requires an authentically diverse company of actors, and offers uniquely rich roles for actors of Latina/Latino/Puerto Rican, Arab (Jordan)/Arab American, and, preferably, African American heritage.

Audition requirements

Auditioners are asked to prepare a 60-second (enforced) contemporary dramatic monologue that showcases your talent. Auditioners will then asked to participate in one or two short cold readings from the script.