The St. James Players Announces Auditions for Antigone
May 26, 2023
The St. James Players (SJP), a multi-generational and inclusive community theater group in residence at St. James Episcopal Church in Upper Montclair, is pleased to announce their 11th annual production, the powerful and timeless Greek tragedy Antigone, by Sophocles.
“The issues raised by this play – the individual versus society, the crushing dominance of the patriarchy, and the devastating hubris of ego – remain as vital today as they were twenty-five hundred years ago,” said director James Broderick, of Glen Ridge. “The power of this play to inspire and disturb remains devastatingly real.”
Open auditions for the play will be held at the church on June 4 and 5.
The troupe traditionally draws from both experienced and newcomers to theatrical performance. Previous SJP productions often featured first-time performers. The planned production of Antigone will include actors, dancers, musicians, and a full chorus.
“I can’t imagine a better way to spend a small portion of your summer than to become part of this really dynamic and engaging experience,” Broderick said. “Everyone is welcome, from kids to retirees, experienced performers to total newbies. That’s always been the troupe’s strength, it’s breadth of age, experience, and talent.”
A sign-up form for auditions, as well as additional information about rehearsals, is available at:
Performance dates (free and open to the public) are:
· Friday, September 15 at 7pm
· Saturday, September 16 at 7pm
· Sunday, September 17 at 3pm (followed by talkback)
· Friday, September 22 at 7pm
· Saturday, September 23 at 7pm
BACKGROUND
What started in 2011 as a group of friends from St. James Church gathering together to perform a Shakespeare play has evolved into an ever-renewing community of actors and crew, made up entirely of volunteers, performing each September for hundreds of audience members in the historic sanctuary of St. James Episcopal Church. The group operates on a small budget (thanks to donations from audience members and community supporters) and consists of both members and non-members of the church. All are welcome to get involved!
Kirk Woodward, of Montclair, a longtime veteran of New Jersey Theatre, is associate director of this year’s production. Frankie Spears, an actor and member of the SJP organizing committee, is producing the show.
The estimated runtime is 75 minutes with no intermission. All five shows will be performed at St. James Episcopal Church, located at 581 Valley Road in Montclair, NJ.
More information can be found on the website: http://stjamesplayers.org
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CONTACT:
Jamie Pagliaro, Co-chair
St. James Players Organizing Committee
646-705-5789
