The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Lied Center for Performing Arts is seeking local and regional actors for two new productions created as part of its Grow A Show New Works Development Program.
The Lied Center will produce and present a stage adaptation of “The Things They Carried,” based on Tim O’Brien’s critically acclaimed novel about his experiences in the Vietnam War.
Like the book, the one-man play, directed by Jim Stowell, will chronicle O’Brien’s journey from his innocent years in a small town in western Minnesota, to the jungles of Vietnam as a young American soldier, and back again. The show is set to run in the Lied Center’s Johnny Carson Theater in conjunction with Veterans Day 2015, Nov. 5, 6, 8, 11 and 12.
The Lied Center is holding an open call for regional male actors of all races and ethnicities, ages 40-70, to audition for the play’s only role. Auditions and call-backs will be May 8-10.
The Lied Center also will present the new musical “Puddin’ and the Grumble” at the Johnny Carson Theater in spring 2016 and is casting for seven roles of various ages and all races and ethnicities.
Commissioned by the Lied and presented by the Lincoln Community Foundation, this uplifting family musical revolves around Puddin’, a fifth-grader who has to move to her wacky grandma’s house and face a new set of challenges, including a sometimes empty stomach. The musical was written by Becky Boesen and David Von Kampen with the kids of the Clinton Creative Club.
Omaha actor, singer and songwriter Angeline Kay Dai has been cast in the role of Puddin’. Dai earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater and music performance from Doane College and is active in the Omaha music scene. Her resume includes multiple stage and commercial credits, and she was recognized as a regional finalist at the 2014 Kennedy Center College American Theatre Festival.
“Angeline is a wonderfully skilled actor and singer who attacks her work with tenacity and heart,” Boesen said. “That makes her a perfect match for our Puddin’.”
Auditions and call-backs for other roles will be May 4-6.
For audition requirements for “The Things They Carried,” visit http://go.unl.edu/hr6e. For requirements for “Puddin’ and the Grumble,” go to http://go.unl.edu/kv7o. To schedule an audition for either production, email Petra Wahlqvist, education and community engagement director, at pwahlqvist2@unl.edu.
