Indianapolis Theaters Seek Volunteer Director for Unique Collaboration

Buck Creek Players and Oaklandon Civic Theatre have teamed up to create a unique collaborative theatrical opportunity: two comedies, two locations, one idea, one director, and one cast.

Two Comedies & Two Locations

In early February 2011, Buck Creek Players (BCP) will present Barbequing Hamlet, a comedy by Pat Cook at the Buck Creek Playhouse on Indy's southeast side. In May 2011, Oaklandon Civic Theatre (OCT) will present Luau for King Lear, also by Pat Cook, at their home on Oaklandon Road, on Indy's northeast side. These two comedies focus on the Peaceful Glen Memorial Players as they attempt to stage plays in their renovated funeral home and the hilarity that ensues. These comedies include many of the same witty and memorable characters, and take place in the same location. The pieces are complementary and audiences can easily enjoy them independently or together. BCP and OCT would most likely be the first theatres in Indianapolis to offer this type of collaborative co-production.

One Director & One Cast

BCP and OCT are seeking one director to be responsible for both Barbequing Hamlet and Luau for King Lear at each venue. It is intended that all major roles in both pieces will be cast using the same actor/actress, requiring those selected to play the same character at each theater. Characters that appear in only one script will be cast on a "per show" basis; however, those interested may audition and be cast in non-recurring roles in each piece. It is anticipated that casting will be accomplished through private or closed auditions with some roles being pre-cast. The selected director will be required to work closely with both the Producer from each theater, as well as the Artistic Director for the project.

Interested Directors

Interested directors should submit the following information for consideration:

- A cover letter including contact information and a short explanation of why this opportunity interests you; and

- A theatrical resume outlining your past experience and background.

Information may be submitted via USPS to:
Buck Creek Players
Attn: BCP/OCT Director
11150 Southeastern Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46259

Information may also be e-mailed to buckcreekplayers@yahoo.com.

All information must be postmarked or received no later than Friday, April 16, 2010.Submissions will be reviewed by the Producers and Artistic Director and submitted to each theater's board for approval. All individuals who submit letters of interest will be notified no later than May 31, 2010, of the status of the selection process.

Barbecuing Hamlet by Pat Cook (As described by Eldridge Plays)

Wouldn't it be great fun to direct William Shakespeare's Hamlet? That was what Margo Daley always thought...until she is hired to do just that by the Peaceful Glen Memorial Players in their theater, a renovated funeral home. They DO have a couple of conditions, however. Margo has to make the play a melodrama, so the audience will know when to throw the popcorn. And they can't be too loud because the lady who lives under the theater bangs her cane on the stage. Oh, and Margo has to work the sponsors' names into the play and, by the way, it has to take place in the Old West. "And make sure the actors talk real loud because of all the noise the audience makes sucking their fingers," states one of the council members, an occupational hazard brought about by them selling barbecue before the show. All kinds of eccentric characters come out of the woodwork in this riotous tribute to life on the community theater stage. Even the pizza delivery boy is given parts (several) since Margo only has four actors to perform the five-act tragedy. Fast lines and even faster exits punctuate this farce as Margo and her troupe of misguided actors find out what it's like when they begin Barbecuing Hamlet.

Luau for King Lear by Pat Cook (As described by Eldridge Plays)

The Peaceful Glen Memorial Players are about to mount a new production, but this time it's a fight for their lives. It's not just the usual hand-to-hand combat between board members Duncan and Hope for the last donut. This time the company is about to lose their building. According to the late Archibald Donnelly's will, they could keep the building as long as they do "quality productions." Oh, they have tried (in their own left-field way) to do the classics. "Isn't it true," family heir Blair Beesley asks, "that you did Twelve Angry Men with five actors and seven store mannequins?" Board President Tamara sees an opening when she learns that Blair once minored in drama in college. "You will be our next director!" So Blair chooses the Shakespearean classic King Lear, unaware that the play will have a setting in the tropics to coincide with the town's celebration theme. What Blair faces in the next few weeks are giggling teenagers, a cranky lady who lives in the basement apartment, a leading man with a slight "problem," food fights and teaching Hawaiian to her cast. All sorts of oddball community theater types come out of the woodwork in this riotous farce where your audience not only gets to see their performance but also what goes on behind the scenes.

 

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