Riverside Expands Poetry Contest

Riverside - Words out of the Box (Sonnet If You Want It), Riverside's Will Power Poetry Contest, will take a slightly different form this year.

Students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to submit poetry of any kind - "from hip-hop to punk rock, Shakespearean to Langston Hughes... whether it be slam-style, sonnets or Robert Frost, it all comes down to The Word!" Submissions are due April 10th.

Winners (in both junior high and high school categories) will receive 2 free tickets to the special Will Power Performance of As You Like It, one of Riverside's Shakespeare Festival selections this year, on June 14. They will also have their work printed in the summer playbill and displayed at the Iowa City Public Library and MidwestOne Bank.

Will Power is an education outreach program of Riverside Theatre, sponsored by MidwestOne Bank with additional support from Rockwell Collins. More information on the contest can be found at Riverside's website.

Riverside seeks child actor

Riverside - Riverside Theatre is holding auditions for the speaking role of Mamillius, son of King Leontes, in the Shakespeare Festival production of The Winter's Tale this summer. The actor should be able to play the age of an 8-9 year old child. Older children may audition if they fill this physical requirement. The actor must be available for selected rehearsals beginning May 13; the production opens June 20 for 9 performances, closing July 11. The production is directed by Mark Hunter.

Auditions are 4:00-5:30 on Tuesday, April 15 at Riverside Theatre. Actors should prepare a brief poem, and also bring a recent photo. They will also be asked to read from the script. Please call the box office at 338-7672 to schedule an audition.

Auditions for 2008 Riverside Shakespeare Interns

Riverside - Riverside Theatre announces auditions and interviews for its 2008 Shakespeare Festival Intern Company. Full-time internships are open to undergraduate, graduate students or others seeking a professional experience in the areas of acting, directing, costuming, technical theatre and stage management. Interested applicants should schedule an audition (actors) or interview (design and technical positions) at Riverside Theatre on February 2, 2008 by calling 319-338-7672. Complete application information is available here.

The Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival hires a company of 14 professional actors as well as a 12-member Intern Company to produce two classical plays which run in repertory. 2008 will mark the Festival’s 9th season in lower City Park. The 9-week internship contract period is May 13-July 14. All interns receive $75/week as well as housing for out-of-area interns. Training includes weekly master classes with company members and guest artists.

Auditions for 3A and Shakespeare

Riverside - Riverside Theatre will hold auditions for the spring production of Apartment 3A and the 2008 Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival on Saturday, December 1st, 2007. Auditions will be held at 213 N. Gilbert St. Actors may audition for one or both opportunities. To schedule an audition, call the Riverside Theatre box office at (319) 338-7672.

Jeff Daniels’ romantic comedy Apartment 3A, directed by Ron Clark, will run March 27 – April 13, 2008. There are roles for three men, ages 30s-60, non-Equity only. Auditions requirements: P/R, one contemporary monologue, 1-2 minutes.

The 2008 Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival will employ a full time, professional company, both Equity and non-Equity actors. All actors will be cast in both shows and will also understudy. Rehearsals begin May 13. The productions play in repertory through July 13, a nine week contract. Audition requirements: P/R, two contrasting monologues (one classical and one contemporary), 3 minutes maximum.

For more information about audition opportunities or to schedule an audition, please call (319) 338-7672 or go here.