While summer might mean down time for some organizations, the members of the South Okanagan Amateur Players society (SOAP) have been busy milling over ideas and perusing scripts for their annual fall theatre production.
Director Jen Jensen said after careful consideration the troupe has opted to perform a “collage” of short plays they’ve dubbed “Twisted Tales.”
Based on a collection of one-act comedies and monologues by playwright Bob Kane, Twisted Tales offers audiences a modern and often comedic retelling of the experiences of familiar fairytale and literary characters, from Cinderella to Hamlet.
To bring these tales to life, Jensen is currently holding a series of auditions in Oliver and Osoyoos, the first of which took place in Oliver on Sunday, August 25. The next session is slated for Thursday, September 5 in Osoyoos.
In the meantime, Jensen is encouraging men and women of all ages and levels of experience to come out or contact her to book an audition time. She hopes to see a lot of new faces.
“I think people sometimes shy away from auditioning because they’ve never acted before or because they think we’ll be more likely to go with the same people,” said Jensen.
“But we’re very much a community-based organization, so we love when new people come out. Once we form our cast everyone becomes very supportive of one another and mentoring each other.”
Jensen said that the format of Twisted Tales is the perfect opportunity for newcomers to get a taste of what performing for a live audience is like, without having to make too much of a commitment.
“There are lots of small parts and short monologues and it’s about eight to 10 weeks of rehearsal. It’s not too intimidating if you just want to try it. ” Jensen noted.
“And if you don’t end up liking the stage you’re still going to end up having fun.”
If you haven’t been bitten by the acting bug but still have an interest in the theatre, Jensen said there is still a role for you. She said SOAP is always in need of volunteers to help with lighting, sound, costumes, make-up and prompting.
“I first got into theatre as a volunteer prompter and worked my way on to the stage and I love it. But mostly I find it really gratifying. I think everyone involved does,” said Jensen.
“Whether you’re behind the scenes or in front of the curtain, we’re all part of a team and you really feel that when you see it all come together on opening night. I think that’s what theatre is all about.”
SOAP is a member group of the Oliver Community Arts Council. Their most recent productions include “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” which Jensen also directed, “The Long Weekend” and the “Wild Guys.”
The next audition will be held on September 5 at 7 pm in the boardroom above the Osoyoos Art Gallery. Actors/actresses will be asked to read a scene from “Under the Balcony.”
Sample scripts can be viewed at www.kaneprod.com. For more information or to book an audition contact Jensen at 250-498-1954.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
