Auditions
Tiny Beautiful Things
Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos/ Directed by Rachel Blackwell
Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things follows the relationships between an anonymous advice columnist named Sugar and the many real-life readers who pour out their hearts to her and she uses her own experiences to offer advice. Tiny Beautiful Things is about reaching when you’re stuck, recovering when you’re broken, and finding the courage to ask the questions that are hardest to answer. Tissues recommended.
Contains strong language and adult content.
Critics say: "Emphasizes the best in what theatre can do! Take a room full of strangers and help them connect to this personal and powerful show. For someone to connect and listen is a potent thing.” —BroadwayWorld
General Audition Information
Auditions will be held in person at Theatre UAF in the Salisbury Theatre in the Fine Arts Complex. Theatre UAF auditions are open to anyone in the community!
Audition details
- Auditions will be held Sunday, September 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Actors should arrive a few minutes early to fill out an audition form, or they can and fill it out in advance.
- Actors will be asked to read printed "sides" from the script. Paper copies will be provided.
What to bring with you
- Loose, comfortable clothing that you can move around in
- List of your recent theater credits, performance or technical
- Your calendar of schedule conflicts for September, October, and November
Other artists and performers needed
Besides actors, we are also seeking:
- Sound & music designer
- Stage manager & Assistant stage manager
- Sound board and light board operators
If you are interested, you don't need to come to auditions. Please contact Professor Mendelowitz at kmendelowitz@alaska.edu.
Rehearsal information
Rehearsals will be at Theatre UAF, starting in mid September, up to five (5) days per week. The schedule is always subject to change. Most actors will be called for ALL rehearsals. Rehearsals may include the following:
- Saturday-Sunday: before 6p
- Monday-Friday: 6p - 9p
Starting October 28th, rehearsals may run until after 9:00.
Contact the director for a complete rehearsal calendar.
Performance dates and times
All performances are in November 2024. The second weekend begins with a required pick-up rehearsal on Thursday.
| Date | Call time | Show begins |
| Friday, November 15 (OPENING) | 6:00pm | 7:30pm |
| Saturday, November 16 | 6:00pm | 7:30pm |
| Sunday, November 17 (matinée, followed by photo call) | 12:30pm | 2:00pm |
| Thursday, November 21 (pick-up) | 6:00pm | 6:30pm |
| Friday, November 22 | 6:00pm | 7:30pm |
| Saturday, November 23 | 6:00pm | 7:30pm |
| Sunday, November 24 (matinée, followed by strike) | 12:30pm | 2:00pm |
Character descriptions
Sugar is the only consistent character. The three letter writers portray a variety of people. All roles are open to any race/ethnicity. All ages are a guideline only, so please do NOT read for a part based on ages. DO read based on desire & ability to make the role happen. Auditions are where we get to give our best try for ANY part. Use this thinking as you pick your desired roles. Thank you & Break A Leg!
(4) ROLES
Sugar: (Female presenting, open race/ ethnicity) Character is a writer and mother of 2 children. This role requires comfort in discussing difficult and potentially triggering topics, while simultaneously able to deliver comedic lines. This role must be able to display extreme empathy for a variety of situations. Role includes a large number of monologues.
Letter Writer #1: (Any gender presentation, open race/ethnicity) Letter writer 1 will portray several roles that include a wide variety of age and gender presentations. Traits included in the roles are aggressive, emotionally numb, naïve, and sexually focused.
Letter Writer #2: (Female presenting, open race/ ethnicity) Letter Writer 2 will portray several roles that include a wide variety of age and gender presentations. This role does discuss sexual assault and miscarriage, and traits included throughout the role are compassionate, caring, confidence, and shy.
Letter Writer #3: (Any gender presentation, open race/ethnicity) Letter Writer 3 will portray several roles that include a wide variety of age and gender presentations. Traits included in this role: vulnerability, immaturity, fearful, and compassionate.
Contact the director
Questions? Please email the director, Rachel Blackwell, at blackwell.rachel@gmail.com.