People’ set for this week

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

If you’ve every longed to be in the spotlight and hear the applause of an appreciative audience, then, "Boy, do we have a place for you!"

Troy State University, the Colley Senior Complex and the Union Spring Tourism Council will present " Conecuh People" on stage at the Claudia Crosby Theater

in January the cast will be primarily people from the Troy and Union Springs communities.

Auditions for the production are scheduled for next week and are open to the public.

Adena Moree, director of theater at TSU, said three times have been scheduled for the convenience of those who might want to audition for the play about the life and times of people in and round Bullock County prior to the 1960s.

Two auditions are set for Tuesday, Sept. 18 at the Colley Senior Complex, at 10 a.m . and 6 p.m. The third audition will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20.

"Each person who auditions will be asked to tell a personal story and read from the script," Moree said. "Prior stage experience is not a requirement. These auditions are open to anyone who is interested in being a part of this production, regardless of stage experience."

Some of the 20 speaking parts might go to university students, however, Moree said she realized early that "Conecuh People" will not play well for those between the ages of 18 and 20.

"The play requires people who are older and it is feasible that the whole thing could be done by community people," she said. "We also will be able to use community members for tasks such as hemming dresses, ushering and other duties."

Anyone who is interested in being involved in an off-stage role should also complete an audition form. The forms will be available during the scheduled audition times.

Moree said she will take about three weeks to get the play cast and rehearsals will begin in November.

"That will not mean that everybody will come to every rehearsal," she said.

"So, rehearsals won’t require a huge amount of time in November and early December. After the first of December, we’ll leave the play and come back heavy duty time for the full cast in January."

Four performances of "Conecuh People" are planned for the end of January.

The script for the play was written by Ty Adams, a graduate of Troy State University and a noted New York playwright. The play was adapted from the book, "Conecuh People" written by Wade Hall, also a graduate of Troy State University."