DreamWrights Holds Auditions For Newbery Award Winning Story THE GIVER

On Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30, beginning at 1:00 pm DreamWrights Center for Community Arts will hold auditions for The Giver, a play adapted by Eric Coble from Lois Lowry's Newbery Award winning book.

Making his DreamWrights Guest Director debut, Philip Rooney is anxious for the opportunity to direct this production. He says he wanted to direct the daytime production in DreamWrights' annual lineup - formerly known as "Daydreamers" - even before he knew what production it was to be. "I grew up with the program and was cast in my first Daydreamers show ten years ago. I have gained so much experience since then, at college and in the community, and I want to give back. I have since read The Giver and fallen in love with the narrative. I think it's an important story to share, and I am excited to help young performers realize their potential through art."

This production is open to ages 12 - 18 with daytime availability. Rooney is hoping to cast 15 - 20 members, plus crew positions. Rooney says "The play's world emphasizes 'sameness,' but this is artificial and the protagonist slowly breaks down those barriers, so I would love to have a cast as diverse as possible, especially in terms of race and gender." In addition, Rooney offers a friendly pointer to those planning to audition, "Only half of performing has to do with the words in the script. The rest is what you reveal through your body language."

Auditions for The Giver will run Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30 beginning at 1:00 pm. No prior experience is necessary. Those auditioning are encouraged to make an audition appointment but walk-ins are welcome. Audition preparation materials and information on the process can be found online at www.dreamwrights.org.

The Giver opens Thursday, March 1 and runs March 1 and 8 at 10:00 am, March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm, and March 3, 4 and 11 at 3:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dreamwrights.org or by calling 717-848-8623. Advance seats cost $11 for general, $15 for reserved. General admission seats at the door cost $13.

About DreamWrights Center for Community Arts

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York, Pennsylvania has been offering interactive performing arts experiences for people of all ages since 1997. By serving as an educational theatre and performing arts resource, DreamWrights offers opportunities to explore all aspects of performance arts from theatre acting and designing to crewing and stage managing. DreamWrights provides creative educational experiences through inclusive intergenerational performance and theatre arts programming. To learn more about how to participate in, or attend one of DreamWrights' upcoming productions, visit www.dreamwrights.org or Facebook.com/DreamWrights.