Open Auditions | SILENT SKY

Lafayette Theater Department announces
Open Auditions 

for 

Silent Sky

By Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Professor Melissa Livingston

The production will run from May 1-4, 2025 in Weiss Theater.

From Dramatists Play Services: “When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.”

AUDITION DETAILS

Initial auditions will be in person Mon, Jan. 27 and Tues, Jan. 28 from 6pm-8:30pm in Buck Hall.

If you cannot make it to the in person auditions, please contact Prof. Melissa Livingston before Tuesday, Jan. 28 for an alternative audition time.
Callbacks will be by invitation on Friday, Jan. 31 at 6pm.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Prof. Melissa Livingston at livingme@lafayette.edu. 

THE CHARACTERS

Actors of all races, nationalities, sizes, and abilities are encouraged to audition.

Henrietta Leavitt (Feminine Presenting) Henrietta is a non-traditional early 1900s woman. She aspires to work as an astronomer. She is passionate, brilliant, meticulous, excited, the daughter of a minister, a Harvard College Observatory “computer,” Wears a period hearing aid.

Margaret Leavitt (Feminine Presenting), Henrietta’s younger sister, homebody, sweet, creative, plays piano,  gifted musician. stays at home and is a traditional early 1900s woman,  marries and has a child, loves her sister fiercely.

 

Peter Shaw (Masculine Presenting), the head astronomer’s apprentice and supervisor of the women at the observatory. He enjoys his work and falls in love with Henrietta.

Annie Cannon  (Feminine Presenting), Henrietta’s co-worker,  has made important scientific discoveries of her own, is a suffragette,  leader of the group of women, terse, sure of herself, a feisty, passionate,

Williamina Fleming  (Feminine Presenting),  Scottish, former housekeeper for Dr. Pickering, head of the Harvard College Observatory, smart as a whip, fun, quick-witted, kind.