Open Auditions - The History Boys

Center Stage at the Southampton Cultural Center will hold open auditions for performances of Alan Bennett's award winning The History Boys on Sunday, November 9 at 4:00 PM and Tuesday, November 11 at 6:00 PM in Southampton Cultural Center's Levitas Center. Performances will begin on January 16, 2009 and run through February 2. Michael Disher directs.

The History Boys was the recipient of the 2004 Evening Standard Award for Best Play, 2005 Olivier Award for Best New Play, 2006 Drama Desk Award for Best New Play, 2006 New York Drama Critics' Circle Best Play, 2006 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Broadway Play and the 2006 Tony Award for Best Play.

Set in Sheffield, England during the turbulent 1980s, “The History Boys” follows 8 somewhat unorthodox, unbridled, unruly and, unexpectedly, very bright young men during their preparatory sessions for entrance examinations to Oxford and Cambridge. Driven by a headmaster's desire for celebrated status and three teachers with differing perspectives on education, “The History Boys” challenges education and learning, desires, expectations, culture, sexuality and the worth of teaching with great humor and pinpoint poignancy.

“The History Boys is one of the most thoroughly thought-provoking scripts I have ever encountered. Unlike the often predictable teacher/pupil dynamic presented in many plays, The History Boys also incorporates the differing teacher to teacher dynamics and pupil to pupil perspectives. Without preaching, The History Boys is, in and of itself, a lesson to and for anyone who educates and anyone who has ever been educated.

Roles in “The History Boys” include:
Felix Armstrong (40s-50s) Headmaster of Cutlers' Grammar School, Sheffield
Douglas Hector (40s-50s) English/General Studies teacher
Irwin (20s) History teacher/Entrance examination coach
Mrs. (Dorothy) Lintott (50s) History teacher
and the boys…
(Adil) Akthar (teens) ethnic ancestry, bright, insightful, probing
(Christopher) Crowther (teens) ethnic ancestry, introspective, theatrical, intellectual
(Stuart) Dakin (teens) handsome, arrogant, shrewd, object of Posner's affection
(James) Lockwood (teens) rough, very bright, rocker, verbiose
(David) Posner (teens) youngest pupil, gay, Jewish, brilliant, sensitive, Jewish
(Peter) Rudge (teens) athletic skills, clever but not as smart as his peers, driven
(Donald) Scripps (teens) religious, musical (plays piano), well-read, Dakin's best friend
(Anthony) Timms (teens) robust, class comic, instigator, logical

Rehearsals will begin in mid-November. Weekend availability may be required. Not all performers are required to be at all rehearsals. Ensemble rehearsals are mandatory. History lessons are, as well.

This is an open call. Please arrive at the designated start time. A 90 second monologue is recommended though not required. Readings from the script will also occur. A cappella singing may be asked of the boys auditioning.

Performance dates are January 16 - February 2, 2009. For perusal copies and further information, call Southampton Cultural Center at (631) 287-4377 or e-mail Michael Disher at dishermichael@hotmail.com.

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