On Theater: Golden West holds auditions for comedy, tragedy

Comedy and tragedy, the traditional two sides of the theatrical mask, will be represented in the first two productions of the new season at Golden West College.

The season will open Oct. 15 with Marc Camoletti’s farcical comedy “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” originally a French farce but relocated for the Golden West production to upstate New York. The show will run through Oct. 24.

The mood shifts to Shakespearean tragedy from Nov. 12 to 21 when “Othello” takes over the Mainstage Theater.

Golden West will be auditioning actors for both plays over the next two weeks, according to the directors, Martie Ramm for “Don’t Dress for Dinner” and Tom Amen for “Othello.”

First up will be the “Don’t Dress” tryouts, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The cast calls for three men and three women in the 21 to 35 age range, along with male and female understudies.

“Don’t Dress” actually is a sequel to Camoletti’s other play, “Boeing-Boeing,” which was presented at the Huntington Beach Playhouse about 30 years ago. The comedy focuses on a man juggling a wife and a mistress as he plans a dinner party.

Rehearsals will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Those cast in the show must enroll in a one- or two-unit college course. More information is available from the director at (714) 895-8223.

As for “Othello,” these auditions will be held the following week, Sept. 14 and 15, also at 7 p.m. The cast is composed of approximately 12 to 15 men and three women.

Shakespeare’s tragedy centers on interracial romance and intense jealousy as a black general, the title character, assumes command of a regiment to the displeasure of his erstwhile loyal lieutenant, Iago. The latter devises an elaborate scheme in which Othello’s deep-seated envy will prove his undoing.

Director Amen encourages interested actors to read and study the play thoroughly prior to auditions. The tryouts will focus on the intimate two- or three-character scenes.

Rehearsals also are scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Further details may be obtained by calling (714) 892-7711, ext. 55237 or contacting Amen at tamen@gwc.cccd.edu.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.