Auditions for Oregon State University Theatre’s Winter Lab Theatre production of Ellis Island, an original play by OSU student Leah Kahn, and directed by student Hannah Schwartz, will be held November 29 and 30 at 6:00 pm in the Withycombe Lab Theatre on the Corvallis campus. Withycombe Hall is located at 2901 SW Campus Way, Corvallis OR 97330.

Fecha and her brother are awaiting their chances to make it into America. Ellis Island is a heartwarming story that serves as a reminder of the importance of community and explores themes of identity, friendship and acceptance. 

Note: All of the actors are speaking English but in the story it is as if they are speaking in their native languages. This means that we will be using gestures and other physical storytelling tactics to convey the language barriers and how the characters find ways to overcome it.

Performance dates for Ellis Island will be February 10-13 with tech and dress rehearsals February 5-9. All performers must be available for all tech rehearsals, performances, and strike following closing. Rehearsals will begin January 4 and generally run Monday-Thursday 6-9 pm until tech week. There will be a cast read-through and meeting December 3.

Auditions are open to all OSU students, staff, faculty, and community members. Be prepared for cold readings and have your schedules! Don’t forget to bring your best accents and a mask!

Please be mindful that we will continue to follow current Covid safety protocols and require that you wear a mask and follow OSU’s protocols in order to participate in the show.

Available roles:

FECHA: A 28-year-old Jewish woman fleeing the pogroms in Vitebsk, Russia with her brother Nathan. She is exhausted but she is strong. She hopes to join her husband Hyman in Boston where he has already been living for two years.

MANDOLINA: A 18-year-old Italian woman leaving her life of poverty for the life America promises. She has made the journey alone and is going to live with her brother in New York City.

NATHAN: A thirteen-year-old Jewish boy fleeing with his older sister Fecha. He tends to get himself into trouble quite easily.

DOMENICO: An elderly Italian man in surprisingly good health and spirits immigrating to America to live with his son in Brooklyn.

OFFICER: An officer on Ellis Island who knows both English and Italian.

For questions concerning the audition or rehearsal process please contact the director, Hannah Schwartz at schwarth@oregonstate.edu