<div dir="ltr">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">June
23, 2017</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic","sans-serif";color:black">PLAYERS GUILD THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR SEASON
OPENING MUSICAL, MEMPHIS.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif";color:black"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">CANTON,
OH – Players Guild Theatre Producing Artistic Director, Joshua Erichsen, is
pleased to announce that the Guild is making preparations to present the four-time
Tony Award-winning musical MEMPHIS.<span>
</span>Auditions for this season opening musical will be held on June 25 and 26,
2017.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">MEMPHIS:
Winner of four Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and
Best Orchestrations.<span> </span>Based on actual
events, MEMPHIS takes place in the underground clubs, radio stations, and
recording studios of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey
Calhoun falls in love with rock and roll and an electrifying African American
singer Felicia Farrell. MEMPHIS paints a gritty and honest picture of the
racial tension and cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her
voice, and the music that changed forever. Filled with high-octane dancing,
songs that perfectly capture the era, and an absorbing and emotional tale of
fame and forbidden love. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">MEMPHIS
will be directed by Jon Tisevich, with choreography by Michael Lawrence Akers
and music direction by Steve Parsons.<span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Auditions
will be held at the Players Guild Theatre, located at 1001 Market Ave., N., in
the Cultural Center for the Arts, on Sunday, June 25<sup>th</sup> with
available audition time slots at 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00 PM, and again
on Monday, June 26<sup>th</sup> at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 PM.<span> </span>Dance Callbacks will be held on Tuesday, June
27<sup>th</sup> and Principal Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, June 28<sup>th</sup>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Actors
are asked to please prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song that best
showcases their vocal ability, and bring the corresponding sheet music in the
appropriate key.<span> </span>An accompanist will be
provided.<span> </span>In addition, they are asked to
bring a current photo or provide a headshot/resume if available.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Diverse and non-traditional
casting will be considered for all roles.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Those
wishing to audition are asked to make an appointment for an audition time slot
by filling out the online audition form at <b><a href="http://www.playersguildtheatre.com/audition">www.playersguildtheatre.com/audition</a></b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">MEMPHIS
will be presented in the William G. Fry Theater, and is scheduled to open on
Friday, August 11<sup>th</sup> and will run through September 3<sup>rd</sup>,
with performances on Fridays & Saturdays @ 8:00 PM and Sundays @ 2:00 PM.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Character
Breakdown/Roles Available</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Delray Jones
(PAID ROLE)*</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">: African American male,
30s-50s; Felicia’s older brother who owns the club on Beale Street where she
sings; powerful, cautious, protective, and aware of the dangerous realities of
the segregation that exists in Memphis and the world beyond; vocal range: baritenor
with a great pop/rock/R&B voice, Bb2-Bb4. <b>*$400 stipend for the rehearsal period and all performances (12).<span> </span></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Gladys “Mama”
Calhoun</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">: Caucasian female, 40s-60s;
excellent actor with comic skills; Huey’s stern, traditional blue-collar,
southern mother who has worked her entire life to be able to support herself
and her son, whom she loves, but about whom she constantly worries; vocal
range: strong singer with alto-belt mix, B3-A5.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Gator</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
African American male, mid 20s-40s; works as a bartender at Delray’s, hasn’t
spoken since age five, when he saw his father killed; as the story progresses,
he finds his voice again, must be an excellent actor and singer and move well,
comic timing a plus; vocal range: great R&B; baritenor, F#3-A4.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Bobby</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
African American male, mid 20s-40s; the janitor at Mr. Simmons’s radio station,
full of personality and heart, role requires an actor who must dance well, as
the character has a dance break in his show-stopping number “Big Love,” comic
skills a plus; vocal range: great gospel voice, G3-C5.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""><br></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Mr. Simmons</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">,
Caucasian male, 30s-60s; the conservative owner of the radio station where Huey
gets his start; a strong, southern, commanding businessman who becomes willing
to take a chance on Huey when he realizes the audience Huey reaches and the
money he can command; great actor who is comfortable singing.</span></i>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Supporting &
Ensemble Roles (Actors will play multiple roles): </span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Mr. Collins</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
Caucasian Male, 30s-50s; ‘Whites Only’ Department Store owner. Strong actor.
Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Gordon Grant</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
Caucasian Male, 30s-50s; Record label executive.<span> </span>Strong actor.<span>
</span>Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Wailin’ Joe</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
African American male, 20s-40s; Wild rhythm & blues singer, sings
"Scratch My Itch" and is featured in both Act One and Act Two; must
also dance very well.<span> </span>Plays multiple
role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Reverend Calvin
Hobson</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">: African American Male, late
20s-40s; good natured Reverend of First Baptist Church.<span> </span>Strong singer and actor. Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Buck Wiley</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
Caucasian Male 20s-40s; exceedingly white ‘good ole’ boy’ DJ at WHDZ. Strong
comedic actor.<span> </span>Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Martin Holton</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
Caucasian Male, 20s-40s; New York City television executive. Strong Actor.<span> </span>Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Perry Como:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">
Caucasian Male, 20s-30s; sings Summer Heart solo as ‘Perry Como’.<span> </span>Strong singer. Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span><span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Frank Dryer</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
Caucasian Male, 20s-30s; Owner of Dryer’s Grocery Store.<span> </span>Strong actor. Plays multiple role.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""><br></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Back Up Singers,
Saturday Night Trio, African American DJ, Beale Street Ensemble</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
African American Males & Females 16-40s; Excellent singers & dancers
with great R&B/rock voices. For females, Double Dutch jump rope skills a
plus. Partnering, tumbling & comic skills a plus for all.<span> </span><br>
<br>
</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">Caucasian DJ,
Father, Mother, Teenager, Station Managers, Main Street Ensemble</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">:
Caucasian Males & Females 16-40s; Excellent singers & dancers with
great pop/rock voices.<span> </span>For females,
Double Dutch jump rope skills a plus. Partnering, tumbling & comic skills a
plus for all.<span> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""></span><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">The
Players Guild Theatre receives support from these generous partners: Arts In
Stark, The Ohio Arts Council, The Canton Repository and 89.7 WKSU. </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow","sans-serif"">####</span></p>
</div>