Casting Call
Joint Audition Notice*
“They Promised Her the Moon” by Laurel Ollstein
AND
“The Little Prince” by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar from the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
*Please note that this is a joint audition for two productions: “They Promised Her the Moon” and “The Little Prince.” You may indicate your interest in one or both of these productions on the Audition Form.
They Promised Her the Moon
We are seeking an acting company of 6-12 actors to play various roles in a theatrical and poetic rendering of the life of almost-astronaut Jerrie Cobb.
Play synopsis
The first American woman to test for space flight, Jerrie Cobb, steps into an isolation tank for a record-breaking nine hours. Her memories unfold before her, from learning to fly a plane as a child in Oklahoma to testifying in Congressional hearings about the under-the-radar all-female Mercury 13 space program. A compelling drama about the challenges of sisterhood and fighting for the greater good, They Promised Her the Moon is based on a fascinating true story that shines a light on the unknown stories of our space program.
Disclosure
This play contains elements of gender discrimination, misogyny, infidelity, alcohol abuse and is intended for mature audiences. There is one stage kiss noted in the script.
Roles
As scripted, 6 performers play multiple characters throughout the play. This number may expand, as the director considers the needs of the play and their approach to the production. For example: Jerrie Cobb may be cast with two actors rather than one.
Roles include
Jerrie Cobb, Jackie Cochran, Helena (et al), Harvey (et al), Dr. Lovelace (et al), Jack Ford (et al)
The Little Prince
Casting
We are seeking an acting company of 4-8 actors to create these characters and give this classic tale to our audience. As scripted, some performers play multiple characters throughout the play so the total cast size is flexible and will be determined as the director considers the needs of the play and their approach to the production.
In addition to all the Roles mentioned in the above synopsis the show demands a Sketch Artist who will draw in real time during the show!
Play Synopsis
The Little Prince travels through space and befriends a pilot stranded in the desert. They inspire each other and because of this brief but powerful friendship both forward on their journey. The Prince tells the Aviator all about his beloved Rose on his home planet and of his travels to other planets where me meets a King, a Lamplighter, a Businessman, and a Geographer; but maybe none more important than his first encounter on our planet, the Fox, who offers him this wisdom: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly: what is essential is invisible to the eye.” And of course, there is a Snake.
Disclosure
Though The Little Prince doesn’t explicitly discuss suicide, the ending does suggest that the prince allows a snake to bite him in order to return to his planet.
Audition Process
For Round One of the Audition Process
- Fill out the Audition Form
- Be sure to submit the audition form!
- Rounds One and Two auditions are joint auditions; the directors from both shows will be in attendance. Round Three auditions will consist of reading excerpts from the plays.
- Sign up for an audition appointment (in the Audition Form).
- Please prepare 1 monologue from a contemporary play, 1-2 minutes in length
- Audition Appointments are Monday, Nov 18th starting at 6:30 PM and Tuesday Nov 19th starting at 7:00 PM
- If you are able, please bring a resume.
For Round Two / Three of the Audition Process
We will hold in-person call back auditions on Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st. Times and locations tbd.
Wednesday’s callback will be a joint callback and will be movement and improvisationally based. Time and location tbd.
Thursday’s callback will be separate and held in different locations / rooms — one for They Promised Her the Moon, one for The Little Prince — and will focus on reading play excerpts in various combinations. Times and locations tbd.
Final Casting Announcement
By the end of the day Friday, Nov 22th final casting will be announced. Everyone who had a call-back audition will be notified of the final decision. Rehearsals for Moon begin on January 13, 2025 (the first day of classes). Rehearsals for Prince begin on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Important Notes
- We, in the Departments of Music & Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing at Boise State University, encourage people of all gender identities, races, and abilities to audition for all available roles.
- This opportunity to participate in a theatrical production requires collaborative individuals and plenty of time. The time commitment to the artistic process is extensive and requires intensive self-care. If you feel you are not prepared to invest the needed hours and effort at this time, we encourage you to hold off until our next production.
- If you are cast in one of these productions, you will not be cast in the other. The rehearsal and performance schedules of these productions overlap and it will not be possible to do both.
- If you are cast in one of these productions and you agree to participate, you are committing to the rehearsal and performance schedule. Please be advised that these projects, like all shows, demand a firm commitment and a considerable amount of your time. Rehearsals generally run each weekday evening 6:30-9:30 and Saturday afternoon 1-4.
Schedule Information (subject to change)
Rehearsal dates: They Promised Her the Moon
January 13 2025 – March 6, 2025 | Monday – Friday 6:30-9:30 PM, Saturdays 1 – 4 PM
Performances
- March 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 @ 7:30pm
- March 9, 16 @ 2pm
Other key dates
- Tech rehearsals: March 1 – 6 2025
- Strike: March 16, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
If you have questions please contact: the director Tracy Sunderlandt at tsunderl@boisestate.edu
Rehearsal dates: The Little Prince
Schedule
- Pre-Tech Rehearsals: March 3-April 10, Monday–Friday 6:30-9:30, Saturday TBA
- Technical Rehearsals with expanded hours: April 5-10
- Performances: April 11, 17, 18 24, 25 @7:30pm April 12, 13, 19th, 26, 27th @2pm 2025 (No performance April 20th due to Easter)