Upcoming Auditions!
 

Readings from the script will take place at the new offices for CST in the Fred Jones Manufacturing building at 900 W. Main – at the corner of Main & Fred Jones Avenue just east of Classen. Park in the lot just east of the building and enter the glass door on the east side of the building. Someone will be at the door to let you in. If for some reason, someone is not there to open the door, please call (405) 232-6500 to be admitted. Auditions are in the first floor conference room.

Perusal scripts are available for a $10 refundable deposit. Please call CST at 405-232-6500 or email vicky@carpentersquare.com to make arrangements to check out a script. Please call or contact Vicky Zipf before dropping by to make sure a script is available and someone is in the office to check it out to you. The CST office is closed on Mondays, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays noon to 6 pm. To check out a script, enter the glass doors on the north side of the building (the Main Street side).


 

Aliens With Extraordinary Skills
a dark comedy by Saviana Stanescu

Directed by Rhonda Clark

Performs Feb 24-Mar 19, 2012
Rehearsals begin approximately Jan 16

Performance dates: Feb 24-25, Mar 3- 4, 9-12, 15-17.

Rehearsals: 1st read-through on January 16. Most rehearsals will be scheduled Mon-Fri at 7 p.m. with some possible weekend daytime rehearsals to accommodate conflicts and schedules.

Synopsis:
The title refers to a statement on a work visa: “Aliens with extraordinary skills in the circus.” The play is based on true stories of immigration, and the subject is explored and fictionalized by a playwright who tries to understand her own story. The moral of the “fable” might be that - regardless of our passport and native language - we are all “aliens” in search of love, understanding and a place to call “home”.

A clown from the “unhappiest country in the world”, Moldova, pins her hopes on a US work visa. Chased by Homeland Security, a deportation letter deflates Nadia's enthusiasm and a pair of spike heels might be all it takes to burst her American Dream (or turn it into a nightmare). New York City, with its special energy, seems like the perfect solution for her problems, but is it really? Luckily, Nadia is not alone in her journey in the Big Apple.

"…an enchanting piece of theater…Ms. Stanescu’s dialogue is flawlessly observant." -The New York Times.
"Saviana Stanescu introduces us to two remarkable, resilient young women; it's gratifying to find a smart and intriguing play like this one, not only created by females but also focused on a pair of memorable heroines… Stanescu takes the audience into territory that will be uncharted for most of them: the immigrant experience is presented here with candor and without a shred of romanticism." - Martin Denton, www.nytheatre.com

“Aliens with Extraordinary Skills may feel just like a lark—there’s understated silliness, a set of adorable strugglers and just the right thread of romance." -Time Out

We meet a Russian illegal immigrant, Borat, her fellow clown, Lupita, her Latina roommate, an exotic dancer and wanna-be actress, shows Nadia the tough side of the city. Meanwhile, Bob, an American washed-up musician finds himself in a relationship with the Moldovan girl.

Cast: 6 total; 2 Women aged 20s-early 30s, 2 Men aged 30s, 2 either male or female 30s-50s.

Nadia (20s) Originally from Moldova (in the former Soviet Union), she grew up performing in the circus and is working as a clown in the U.S. She is desperate to escape deportation.

Borat (30s) He is a Russian immigrant who has been working with Nadia in the U.S. as a clown. He once performed with the Moscow circus. He becomes a cab driver in NYC and forms a relationship with Lupita.

Lupita (late 20s to early 30s) A Dominican-American who is sexy, outgoing, and works as an exotic dancer. She rents a room to Nadia in NYC.

Bob (30s) A washed up musician who connects with Lupita on Craigslist about buying her sofa, but falls in love with Nadia.

INS 1, INS 2 (30s-50s) Two immigration officers who often appear as nightmares in Nadia’s mind.
 

These Shining Lives
by Melanie Marnich

Directed by Terry Veal

Performance dates: April 6-7, 13-14, 19-22, 26-28. One 10:30 a.m. student matinee.

Rehearsals: Will begin approximately March 5. Most rehearsals are evenings Mon-Fri.

Synposis:
Based on the true story of the women who worked for The Radium Dial Company in the 1920s and ‘30s, this chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it's true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits—or endanger the lives of those who come after them.

"[Marnich] has an ear for warm, natural dialogue that eschews snarky quips and truisms…the play's linguistic honesty satisfies." —Time Out New York. "…has a humanistic glow…clockwork precision…an initially comic and ultimately tragic look at how individual women find employment within a system more concerned with profit than safety." —Variety. "Perfect, touching and wistful…beautifully tragic." —Talkin' Broadway.

Cast: 4 Women 20s-early 30s, 2 men aged late 20s & 30s-60s. All actors play multiple roles except for the actor who plays Catherine.

Catherine Donohue (20s) Married to Tom and has twin babies, but loves the idea of being a working woman and bringing home good money. The story is told from her perspective.

Tom Donohue (20s-30s) Catherine’s loving husband who works construction. Also plays Dr. Rowntree and Dr. Dalitsch.

Frances (20s) The most conservative, and sort of the “mother” of the group of ladies even though she’s their same age. Also plays Reporter 2 and an Official.

Charlotte (20s) According to her boss, If Mae West lived in Illinois and painted watches, she’d be Charlotte. She has a tough façade and loves her gin. Also plays Reporter 1.

Pearl (20s) Loves to tell jokes and tells a lot of bad ones. Also plays Daughter and Judge 2.

Mr. Reed (30s-60s) The supervisor at the Radium Dial Company who follows the company line without fail. Also plays the Radio Announcer, Company Doctor, Son, Judge and attorney Leonard Grossman.

 

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Updated: December 01, 2011