THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR REASONS TO BE HAPPY AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AT STARK JAN. 24-25 Auditions open to all, including students and members of the community. (NORTH CANTON, OH, Jan. 5, 2017) - The Kent State University at Stark Theatre has announced open auditions for the next theatrical production of the season, Reasons to Be Happy by Neil LaBute, and directed by Kent State Stark Associate Professor of Theatre and Theatre Director Brian Newberg. Auditions are open to everyone, including students and community members. Kent State Stark encourages diversity in its casting. Four characters (Steph, Greg, Kent and Carly), whose personalities barely match up, become entangled in one another's lives in romantic, humorous and, sometimes, violent ways as they pursue a common denominator - happiness. However, such happiness does not come without tension, sacrifice and a little bit of comedy. Auditions will be held on Jan. 24-25 at 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre, 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township. Roles are available for two women and two men. There are no roles for children in the production. Those auditioning may perform a prepared monologue, if they wish, and the director may also choose sides (selected scene excerpts) for some to perform. Performance dates are April 14-15 and 20-21 at 7:30 p.m., and April 16 and 23 (with American Sign Language interpretation) at the Kent State Stark Theatre. Rehearsals begin Feb. 27 and will occur five evenings a week until opening. Visit www.kent.edu/stark/theatre-auditions<http://www.kent.edu/stark/theatre-auditions> for more information about auditions for this production. Scripts (and audition sides) are available for perusal for periods up to 24 hours from the Fine Arts secretary (330-244-5151), Monday through Friday, during business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Audition appointments are recommended, but not required. Scripts will also be available in the reserve area of the Kent State Stark Learning Center. To learn more about Kent State Stark's Theatre Department, visit www.kent.edu/stark/theatre<http://www.kent.edu/stark/theatre>. Questions about auditions may be directed to Brian Newberg (bnewberg@kent.edu<mailto:bnewberg@kent.edu>).