Center Players, Freehold, will hold auditions for its presentation of "The Boys Next Door," written by Tom Griffin and directed by R.J. Lamb. The funny yet touching drama focuses on the lives of four mentally handicapped men who live in a communal residence. Auditions will be held Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold. Needed are five males (two in their 20s, two in their 40s, and one black actor in his 40s), and two females (one in her 20s, one in her 40s). Scripts will be provided. The show will run for five weeks, mid-February through March. Rehearsals will begin in early January. Details: (732) 462-9093 or visit www.centerplayers.org.
Unlimited Potential Theater Company will hold auditions for "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder, Jan. 20 and 22, 7-9 p.m., at North Brunswick High School. The company is seeking adults from diverse backgrounds, with or without disabilities, to participate in this audition. Individuals of all ethnicities and all levels of ability are encouraged to audition.
The production, directed by Jean Prall Rosolino, will run March 5-7 at the Stephen J. Capestro Theater in Edison. Rehearsals will begin Jan. 27 and will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at North Brunswick High School. This production will feature minimal sets and maximum pantomime by the performers. Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue from the character of the stage manager of the play "Our Town." Actors should be prepared to give a clear, detailed pantomime activity, such as making a sandwich. Auditions will be by appointment only; contact Valerie Grier at VSA arts of New Jersey, 703 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick 08901, (732) 745-3885; e-mail [email protected]; or for those with hearing impairment, the TTY number is (732) 745-3913.
Monmouth Civic Chorus will hold auditions by appointment Jan. 6, 13 and 20, 6-7:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 65 W. Front St., Red Bank. The chorus, directed by Dr. Mark Shapiro, will perform Verdi’s "Requiem" with a professional orchestra at the Count Basie Theatre on March 20, and music by Poulenc, Holst, Mozart and Barber on June 12.
The chorus rehearses each Tuesday from 7:30-10 p.m., September through June. Interested singers are invited to attend one of the first rehearsals. To make an audition appointment or for further information, call (732) 933-9333 or online at www.monmouthcivicchorus.org.
The Shrewsbury Chorale, a mixed chorus of approximately 70 voices, will hold open rehearsals Jan. 6 and 13 from 7:45-10 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft. Open rehearsals provide an opportunity for interested singers to experience a typical rehearsal of the chorale before auditioning for membership. Singers must have choral experience, sight-reading ability, and be available to attend Tuesday evening rehearsals. All voice parts are being recruited, and membership is open to all who meet audition requirements, though final acceptance and placement will depend upon available openings in particular voice categories. Details: (732) 224-1135 or log on to www.shrewsburychorale.org.
Arcadian Chorale will hold open auditions Jan. 20 and 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan, Route 34 at Franklin Street. The chorale continues its 11th season with rehearsals for its spring concert, "One Hand, One Heart." The repertoire includes Faure’s "Requiem," and Bernstein’s "Chichester Psalms" and selections from "West Side Story."