Theatre Southwest is excited to announce auditions for its first Spring 2023 show, Silent Sky, written by Lauren Gunderson.
The play will be directed by Sam Martinez, whose last director credit at Theatre Southwest was for The Wisdom of Eve in 2021.
Silent Sky is a story based on the real life of Henrietta Leavitt, a brilliant, history making woman previously unknown to most of us. When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900’s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers”, charting stars for a renowned astronomer.
“Slent Sky could act as a simple reminder of what a pleasant, thought-provoking evening at the theater ought to look like,” cited ArtsATL.com. “It’s a lively, funny, accessible play that’s alive with interesting ideas.”
Auditions will take place on Jan. 8 and 9 from 7-10 p.m.at 8944-A Clarkcrest Drive, and will consist of cold readings from the script; all roles are available.
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, January 16. Performances will run from February 24 – March 11, 2023; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees (Feb. 26 and March 5) at 2 p.m.
Character Breakdown:
Henrietta Leavitt – 30’s; Brilliant, meticulous and non-traditional, Henrietta aspires to work as an astronomer. She is passionate about her astronomical work and feels compelled to find answers to her questions about the universe.
Margaret Leavitt – 30’s; Henrietta’s younger sister and a gifted musician who stays at home as a traditional 1900’s wife; she is creative and sweet and while highly supportive of her sister, she is concerned with her sister’s non-traditional ways.
Peter Shaw – 30’s; an astronomer at Harvard who once wanted to be an actor; not very passionate about astronomy though he seems to enjoy the work.
Williamina Fleming – 50’s; smart, quick-witted and a former housekeeper; hired by the head of the Harvard College Observatory on the belief that she would do better than the men currently working for him (he was right). Scottish accent.
Annie Jump Cannon – 40’s; Henrietta’s co-worker and leader; a terse and confident suffragette who has made some important scientific discoveries of her own.
Theatre Southwest has been delivering quality theatre to the Greater Houston community since its founding by Marie Pearsall in 1957. For more information about upcoming shows at Theatre Southwest, visit www.tswhouston.com or follow Theatre Southwest on social media: www.facebook.com/TheatreSouthwest and Instagram @tswhouston.
