Auditions - THESE SHINING LIVES
By Melanie Marnich
Directed by Hazel Phillips
No. of performances: Seven
Performance dates: Monday 19 - Saturday 24 October, incl. Saturday matinee
Audition date: Friday 06 March. 7:45m - 10pm
"Based on the true story of the women who traded their lives for a lethal glow."
Set in the 1920s and 1930s, These Shining Lives tells the powerful true story of the women who painted watch dials with luminous radium paint at the Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Illinois. What begins as an exciting opportunity for independence and prosperity soon turns into a heartbreaking fight for justice, as the women discover that the glow making their watches beautiful is slowly poisoning them.
At the center of the story is Catherine Donohue, whose courage and resilience transform personal tragedy into a legacy of change. Through lyrical storytelling, humor, and deep humanity, Melanie Marnich’s play celebrates the strength, dignity, and enduring spirit of women who refused to let their light be dimmed.
These Shining Lives is both a moving tribute to friendship and an inspiring reminder that ordinary people can spark extraordinary change.
CHARACTERS:
CATHERINE
Catherine, a young wife and mother of two. She is quiet and sensitive but by no means weak. She is full of life and passion for her work, her friends, and her husband. This is a challenging piece as we see Catherine start out healthy and positive about life only to get more ill but still manages to fight for justice even though she is dying.
FRANCES (ALSO PLAYS A REPORTER AND AN OFFICIAL)
Frances is another factory worker. She is the ‘moral backbone’ of the group. She acts as a mediator during the beginning of the show between Charlotte and Catherine.
CHARLOTTE (ALSO PLAYS A REPORTER)
Charlotte works at the factory. She is outspoken and hard-boiled. She is competitive and has a biting sense of humour. Underneath this front, however, she is just as kind-hearted as her friends.
PEARL (ALSO PLAYS A JUDGE AND CATHERINE'S DAUGHTER)
The final woman of the group is Pearl. Sweet and supportive she is the “joker of the group”. But Pearl has a hard time coming to terms with her developing illness. Needs to sing one song.
TOM (ALSO PLAYS DR ROWNTREE AND DR DALITSCH)
Tom is Catherine's husband and is a riveter on the skyscrapers. He loves Catherine and is extremely devoted to her but is somewhat unsettled when his wife starts making more money than he does.
MR REED (ALSO PLAYS RADIO ANNOUNCER/COMPANY DR/SON/JUDGE/LEONARD GROSSMAN)
Mr Reed is the overseer of the factory. His heart is usually with the girls, but when put under pressure he is a pawn of the Radium Dial Company and has to follow orders.
The following multiple roles may be split out to other actors: Three doctors, a lawyer, a radio announcer, a judge, two reporters, a son and a daughter.
Playing Age ranges: Women and Tom 20's/30's - Mr Reed 40's/50's - if split the Dr's can be 40-60
The play is set in Illinois in the 1920's/30's
Guide Bridge Theatre auditions are open to all. Whilst you can simply turn up for the auditions it would be helpful if you register that you are planning to audition for a play, and indicate which part(s) you are interested in (
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Please note
All actors offered a part in a GBT production must become an Active Member or Junior Friend (linked to an Active Member or Friend of Guide Bridge Theatre) within 14 days of being cast. For more information see the Membership page of our website (www.gbtheatre.co.uk).
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