Jackson County Community Theatre will hold auditions for the first show of the 2022-23 mainstage season on July 17, 24, and 25. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. at the Royal Off-the-Square Theatre, 121 W Walnut Street in Brownstown.
The comedy “The Outsider,” by Paul Slade Smith, will be presented in September.
In today’s modern age of politics, it has become about who you know, and not what you know, or the less you know, the higher you’ll go. Paul Slade Smith’s comedy takes a hard look at modern politics with amazing satire and real characters.
The hero of the story is an average guy, Ned Newly, the former lieutenant governor. When a scandal forces the governor to resign, Ned has to step into the spotlight. The play opens just after Ned has given his first speech as the new governor. It was possibly the worst speech in history. Ned’s chief of staff, Dave, and his pollster, Paige, are trying to do damage control after Ned’s performance. Paige learns from Dave that Ned has been doing all the work for the previous governor for years. While we soon realize that Ned is the perfect person to run the state, the public sees him as the worst person to run their state.
With a colorful cast of supporting characters, Louise (a bubbly new temp brought on to be Ned’s secretary), Arthur (one of the best political consultants in the country whose confidence in his abilities is so infectious, everyone is dazzled by his showmanship), Rachel (a sarcastic television reporter who has covered enough politics that to her everything is pretty much a pitiful joke, like Ned’s first speech), and A.C. (Rachel’s cameraman, a common Joe, and a quiet voice of reason and wisdom), we watch as a the transition of Ned unfolds from an “outsider” to the face of the state.
Parts are available for three women and four men.
John Boyken is the director. John is a new director to JCCT, though he has had extensive experience elsewhere. He appeared in the role of George Bailey in JCCT’s 2020 production of “It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Show.”
Show dates for “The Outsider” are September 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24. Those trying out should make sure of their availability on those dates, and also bring a list of any dates that would potentially conflict with rehearsals. No other preparation is necessary.
JCCT is interested in increasing the number of people participating in areas such as lights, sound, costuming, set building, and stage crews. For someone who wants to enjoy the experience of being involved in theater productions but has no desire to appear onstage or learn lines, this is an excellent opportunity.
No experience is necessary. Training is provided. Anyone interested may attend auditions or contact JCCT at mail@jcct.org.