Orcas Center will hold auditions for an original adaptation of the Dickens’ classic, Great Expectations on Sunday, August 30, 2-4 pm and Monday, August 31, 6-8 pm. The play will be directed by Jane Jones, co-founder and co-artistic director of Seattle-based Book-It Repertory Theatre, which is known for its rich dramatic adaptations and staging of great literary works.
Orcas Center is fortunate to bring Jane Jones, whose professional directing credits are impressive. Jones co-directed with Tom Hulce, at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, Peter Parnell’s adaptation of John Irving’s The Cider House Rules, which enjoyed successful runs in Seattle; at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles (Backstage West Award, best director) and at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York (Drama Desk Nomination, best director). Steppenwolf Theatre commissioned her to adapt and direct James Purdy’s In a Shallow Grave as part of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Lab Series.
Jones is also a seasoned actress, having played leading roles in many of America’s most prominent regional theatres including The Guthrie in Minneapolis, American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman, Portland Center Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seattle Children’s Theatre, The McCarter, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, A Contemporary Theatre and Denver Center Theatre Company. New York credits include work with Playwrights Horizons, the Roundabout and American Playhouse PBS.
The version of Great Expectations to be staged at Orcas Center is adapted by Julie Beckman, whose other Book-It adaptations include Dickens’ Hard Times, Waxwings by Jonathan Raban and Jane Eyre.
A number of actors will be cast to fill the roles of Pip, Estella, Magwitch, Miss Havisham, Joe, Mrs. Joe, Jaggers, and others, and in the Book-It style, some actors will play multiple roles. A sign-up sheet for audition slots is posted on the front porch of Orcas Center, and scripts are available by contacting Deborah Sparks at 376-2281 ext. 2 or sparks@orcascenter.org.
As part of this project, Orcas Center is also encouraging an all-island read of Great Expectations, with panel discussions and other events to be planned in the fall.
For more information, please contact Deborah Sparks at sparks@orcascenter.org or 376-2281 ext. 2.
