The University of the Virgin Islands Theatre announces auditions for its upcoming holiday play, "O Christmas Three!" The work is a trilogy of short holiday plays for children, including "Dorcas the Christmas Duck" (or "Vincent the Violet-Nosed Vulture - A Cautionary Tale"), "Peas on Earth" ("A Birds-Eye View of Christmas") and "The Last Straw" ("Holiday Fable"). The play will be produced during the holiday season and will include performances at selected local schools as part of UVI's community outreach effort.
The production needs actors, singers, dancers, gymnasts, builders, painters, electricians, costumers, hair and make-up designers, and musicians, especially those who play keyboard/synthesizer, bass, drums and guitar. Auditions are open to all members of the UVI community and to members of the greater community who are of junior high school age or older. College credit is available for participation.
First published nearly twenty years ago as part of the Father Gander Series by Dramatic Publishing of Woodstock, London and Melbourne, the play was written by UVI Playwright-in-Residence Dr. Doug Larche. It has been performed across the United States, from New York to Texas, Maine to Florida, across the Midwest and Pacific Northwest and in Eastern Europe. This production, however, will be different, as Dr. Larche is busy at work writing lyrics and music to turn the play into a musical, in memory of his son, Jason Larche, who was his co-composer on many projects.
Auditions will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, September 20, 22, and 23, in the VIP Room on the second floor of the Sports and Fitness Center on UVI St. Thomas campus. Auditioners may come at any time during those hours, and should come prepared to present a two-stanza children's poem, a verse and a chorus of a children's song, and to do cold readings from the play. Everyone should also be ready to perform some fun movement and improvisation.
Direct questions to Dr. Larche at (340) 693-1341 or send a note to dlarche@uvi.edu.