Auditions: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. In the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater.
It is recommended that anyone auditioning arrive as close to the start time as possible to allow for everyone to read with others. This allows for a more fun and collaborative audition process.
Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff
Directed by Jonathan R. Hoover. Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer, and Trevor Martin. Created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattison
Six strangers in a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by brain-eating zombies — what could go wrong? George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead™ Live is a fun and hilarious re-imagining of Romero’s legendary classic. Set in 1968 and presented in all black and white, it literally feels like the film has been brought to life and placed onstage. The play lovingly examines the movie itself, the period in which it was made, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre. More than just a recreation of the story, the play celebrates the history and influence of the movie. Through a series of multiple endings, the characters are all faced with different issues and challenges while desperately trying to survive the night. However, their contrasting personalities and agendas always seem to prevent the group from working together. This leaves us all wondering: Could anyone survive a night of the living dead?
The best way to prepare for the audition is to make sure you are familiar with the original Night of the Living Dead. The original film is public domain and it is available on YouTube here.
Important: This is a physically demanding show. Most roles (including zombies) will require varying amounts of crawling and falling. There is hand-to-hand combat in this show as well as gunshots and gore.
The minimum age to audition is 16.
Ben* (African American, Age 20-30s) — The “hero” of Night of the Living Dead. Calm, collected and resourceful. *In the original 1968 film, Ben was portrayed by literature professor and actor Duane Jones. This marked the first time an African American was cast as the star and hero of a horror film. His presence in the film is iconic, and it is for this reason we are seeking a talented African-American performer for the role.
Sheriff McClelland (Caucasian, Age 30-50s) — Enthusiastic gun-toting zombie cleaner-upper. His role in Night of the Living Dead Live is much expanded from the original film.
Barbara (All Ethnicities, Age 20-50s) — Poor Barbara! Traumatized by zombies, she isn’t very useful, is she? A comedic role for a performer that can make the journey from near catatonic to zombie killing machine!
Harry (Caucasian, Age 20-40s) — Married to Helen. Protective family man, but otherwise abrasive, ego-centric, and prejudiced.
Helen (Caucasian, Age 20-40s) — World-weary wife of Harry, and tired of putting up with him!
Judy (All Ethnicities, Age 20-30s) — Tom’s girlfriend. Infatuated with her boyfriend.
Tom (All Ethnicities, Age 20-30s) — Extremely good-natured and slightly naive boyfriend of Judy.
Johnny (All Ethnicities, Age 20-30s) — Well-dressed brother of Barbara. He hates cemeteries, likes candy.
Vince (All Ethnicities, Age 20-30s) — Assistant of Sheriff McClelland, good ol' boy.
Featured Zombies (All Ethnicities, Age 16+)
Disclaimer: This production contains gunshots, fog, strobing lights, depictions of gore, and the living dead. Recommended for audiences age 13 and older.
For more information, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.
