MAT slates auditions Friday for 'Haymarket Eight'

The local acting troupe is moving on with a new season, holding auditions Friday for a different kind of theater.

Montana Actors’ Theatre founder and Artistic Director Jay Pyette said the two-day production of “Haymarket Eight” by Derek Goldman and Jessica Thebus will be Reader’s Theatre.

“Reader’s Theatre is a staged dramatic reading of a compelling script,” he said. “MAT actors will take you on an intriguing journey simply with the spoken word, a few minor costume pieces, and some sound effects.”

The poster for the auditions says, “So you want to be an actor? Reader’s Theatre is the place to start. No experience necessary. No preparation needed.”

The story takes place in Chicago in the mid-1800s, when a young couple falls in love in the midst of unfair and dangerous work conditions sparking labor struggles and putting Chicago ablaze. The Haymarket Riot and the subsequent trial was a national event.

The cast calls for men and women 18 and older. For more information, people can call 945-1359 or email [email protected].

The casting starts at 6 p.m. Friday in The Little Theatre in the bottom of the west end of Cowan Hall on the Montana State University-Northern campus.

MAT will produce “Haymarket Eight” Reader’s Theatre Nov. 4-5.

Some other casting events already are scheduled as well, with casting for the Christmas production of “Hansel and Gretel” — “Don’t expect a grimm tale though — there will be plenty of bad puns, audience interaction and wickedly fun villains.” The play is set for Oct. 4-5 at 6 p.m. in The Little Theatre, with productions Dec. 9-10, 15-17, 22-24 and matinees Dec. 11 and 18.

“Hansel and Gretel” has several large and small roles for people ages 11 and up.

Casting for the portrayal of the conflict in the jury room of a murder trial, “12 Angry Men/Women” by Reginald Rose, will be Oct. 18-19 at 7 p.m. in The Little Theatre, with 13 roles for men and 13 for women 18 and older.

The production with the cast of Women will be Jan. 20, 26, and 28 and Feb. 3 and for the cast of men Jan. 21 and 27 and Feb. 2 and 4.

MAT has slated auditions for the Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice rock opera “Jesus Christ, Superstar” at 7 p.m. in The Little Theatre Nov. 15-16, with productions the evenings of  March 3-4, 9-11 and 16-18 and matinees March 11 and 18.