The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
2023-12-10 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Based on the classic Christmas book, this nostalgic and funny tale tells of how a Christmas pageant that could be the WORST becomes the best when the Herdman kids, possibly the worst kids in the world, join the cast. Directed by Francesca Stokes.

Venue: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: December 1, 2, 8, 9 @ 7:30 pm/ December 3 & 10 at 2:00 pm
Tickets: $20 Adults or $15 Seniors/Students

BUY TICKETS
Tickets may be available at the door.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Auditions: And Then There Were None
2024-01-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-01-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
In this classic Agatha Christie mystery, 10 strangers are summoned to a remote island and accused of misdeeds. When the weather cuts them off from the mainland and one by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. They must find the killer if they hope to survive.
Open auditions for And Then There Were None, directed by Cynthia Ross and stage managed by Kelley Blessing will be held as follows:
Audition Date & Times:

Tuesday January 2 from 7pm to 9pm
Wednesday January 3 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Callbacks (if needed) will be Thursday January 4 from 7pm to 9 pm (by invitation only)

Actors will be asked to read from sides during the auditions. (see audition sides linked below)
Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: February 16, 17, 23, 24 @ 7:30 pm/ February 18 & 25 at 2:00 pm

All actors 18+ of any background are invited to audition.
We will not be using British accents for this production. We DO want to hear clear, strong diction!
Questions? Contact attwn@whatconj.org
Rehearsals
Read Thru – Sunday, January 7, 1:00 pm
Click here for the rehearsal schedule

Rehearsals are 7:00 – 9:30 pm during weekdays and Sundays 1PM – 3:30PM.
You will not necessarily be called for every rehearsal.
Schedule is also subject to change.

Please list all conflicts between auditions and the production dates on your audition form.

Character Descriptions:
Wargrave – 50-70 – A recently retired Judge who quickly re-assumes this role on the island, holding impromptu “court cases” after nearly every murder. He is obsessed with justice, and also with death.
Miss Brent – 40-60 – A religious woman certain of her own righteousness, she is convinced also of everyone else’s sinfulness. Long before coming to the island, Emily Brent fired and kicked out of her house a woman named Beatrice Taylor because Beatrice had gotten pregnant out of wedlock.
Vera – 25-35 – A schoolteacher who is invited to Soldier Island as a secretary. She is very practical and careful, but she is also a romantic.
Lombard – 30-40 – Lombard was hired by Owens to come to Soldier Island and watch out for any trouble. He is a very resourceful and creative man who used to be a soldier in Africa.
Armstrong – 40-50 – A successful doctor who comes to Soldier Island because he is told that Ms. Owen is sick. He is very preoccupied with maintaining his reputation, and hence his success. At the same time, he is a very gullible man.
Blore – 40-60 – An ex-police inspector who is tricked into coming to the island when he is told that he is supposed to protect Mrs. Owen’s jewels from a thief. Blore is practical and careful, but he has very little imagination.
MacKenzie -55-70 – A general in World War I, he is the oldest guest on the island and is suspected of intentionally sending a lieutenant, Arthur Richmond, to his death. Macarthur’s guilty conscience has always left him with an empty feeling. His wife also died soon after the war and he has been lonely and weary since then.
Mrs. Rogers – 40’s – Mr. Rogers’s wife, Ethel cooks all the meals on the island and does the housekeeping. Ethel looks constantly frightened, and this seems to relate to her sense of guilt.
Marston – 20-30 – This wealthy, daredevil of a young man is first heard about zipping down the road in his fancy car. He feels no remorse and is a man with basically no morals.
Narracot – 30’s – A man from the mainland who ferries the boat to Soldier Island.
Rogers – 40’s – The butler on Soldier Island, Mr. Rogers is a dedicated and professional servant. He always brings the drinks and food on time and is always polite and deferential.

Audition Sides (click title to download)
Vera Side 1, Side2
Lombard Side 1, Side 3
Wargrave Side 1, Side 3
Armstr0ng Side 1, Side 5
MacKenzie Side 1, Side 3
Narracot Side 4, Side 1
Mr. Rogers Side 4, Side 1
Mrs. Rogers Side 4, Side 1
Blore Side 1, Side 5
Brent Side 1, Side 2
Marston Side 1, Side 3
“And Then There Were None” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company values diversity and inclusion in casting, and in all other areas of the organization.

Auditions: Deadly Dessert Championship
2024-01-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-01-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Deadly Dessert Championship is an original murder mystery, written by local award-winning playwright and author, Allyssa Hynes. This production is West Hudson Arts & Theater Company’s annual dinner theatre fundraising event.

Summary
In Deadly Dessert Championship, a new reality TV baking show is underway and the competition is killer. When a judge is murdered, what’s said off-camera is just as important as what is said on screen. Who would be willing to kill to win?
This lighthearted murder mystery dinner show combines scripted scenes with moments of improv where actors will talk with guests in character.
At auditions, actors will read from sides and participate in improv exercises.

Audition Date & Times

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 7pm – 9pm
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 7pm – 9pm

Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: March 22 & 23, 2024
Rehearsals Begin: January 2024, exact schedule TBD
For questions, contact whatmm@whatconj.org

Actors over the age of 18 are invited to come to auditions where they can read from character sides and show off their improv skills.
There is great flexibility for gender and age in casting for most of the suspects.
Audition Sides (click title to download)

Side 1
Side 2

Characters
Cora / Nigel – a kindly judge who has a secret about why she’s such a good investigator (M/F)
Riley – the hip host of the reality baking show willing to film the investigation for ratings (M/F)
Jeffrey – the meanspirited judge who delights in ridiculing others (M)
Sonny / Sofie – excitable nephew/niece of the sponsor of the show, desperate for airtime and to promote the show (M/F)
Tom / Tammy – an insecure chef who keeps trying out catchphrases (M/F)
Megan / Mikey – an animal lover who would prefer to bake for puppies (M/F)
Gwen / Damien – a competitive and angry baker who likes making scary treats (M/F)
Ivy / Ivan – a model who cares more about how things look than how they taste (M/F)
Candy / Kale – loud, passionate baker (M/F)

West Hudson Arts & Theater Company values diversity and inclusion in casting, and in all other areas of the organization.

WhatCo Volunteers: Storage Day Clean Up
2024-01-20 10:00 - 14:00 | 570 Elm Street, Kearny, 570 Elm Street, Kearny, NJ, 07032, United States
Volunteer with WhatCo to organize our storage space! Volunteers are needed to assist with building shelves, cleaning, and organizing. Due to building security, you must sign up in advance. Ages 16 and older only.

Auditions: Disaster! The Musical
2024-01-27 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
WHATCo’s Mainstage season musical is Disaster!, a new musical homage to the 1970’s disaster film genre featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the decade. “Knock on Wood,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Sky High,” “I Am Woman,” and “Hot Stuff” are just a few of the scintillating hits in this hilarious musical comedy with a book by three-time Emmy Award nominee and SiriusXM Broadway host, Seth Rudetsky, and Jack Plotnick.
It’s 1979, and New York’s hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Also attending is a faded disco star, a sexy nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys who are looking for ladies, an untrustworthy businessman and a nun with a gambling addiction. What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they’ve lost… or at least escape the killer rats.
Open auditions for Disaster!, directed by Jessa Blackthorne, with musical direction by Scott Burzynski, choreography by Bong Dizon, and stage management by Athena Nakrosis will be held as follows:

Audition Date & Times:

Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 2pm – 5pm
Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 7pm – 10 pm
Callbacks will be Monday, January 29, 2024 from 7pm to 10 pm

Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: April 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4 @ 7:30 pm/ April 28 @ 2:00 pm
Rehearsals Begin: February 2024, exact schedule TBD
*Please prepare 32 bars of a 70s Pop song. Please bring music in the correct key, an accompanist will be provided. Be prepared to dance*
Actors will be asked to read from the provided sides.
All types welcome! See character descriptions below.
Questions? Contact disaster@whatconj.org
Please list all conflicts between auditions and the production dates on your audition form.

Character Descriptions:
Chad
A handsome and winning man. Pretends to be a player, but is really still heartbroken over the loss of his first love. Tenor with a great rock and pop voice.
Age: 25 to 40
Vocal range top: B4
Scott
Goofy guy. A nerd who wants to be cool. Tenor with a sweet voice.
Age: 25 to 40
Vocal range top: B4
Ted
A disaster expert. Non-emotional. Dry. A serious, professorial type. Baritone.
Age: 35 to 50
Vocal range top: Pop voice to a G4. Mix to a B4.
Marianne
An attractive and focused journalist. Insecure underneath it all. Great, high pop belt.
Age: 25 to 40
Vocal range top: F#5 (sustained)
Tony
A very unscrupulous but attractive and (sometimes) charming middle-aged schemer.
Age: 35 to 50
Vocal range top: Ab4
Jackie
An aging but still sexy showgirl and now lounge singer. Dumb but honest. Goldie Hawn-esque. Pop belt.
Age: 32 to 42
Vocal range top: D5
Ben / Lisa
Smart boy and girl twins played by the same actor. Honest and direct. Jackie’s son and daughter. Amazing pop voice. Belt to a high D.
Age: 10 to 13 (but open to adult actors to play 10-13 as well)
Vocal range top: D5
Sister Mary Downy
Awkward, judgmental nun with a gambling addiction. Great pop/gospel high belt. Has to sustain a high Ab! Soprano. Guitar ability a plus but not required.
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range top: B5
Shirley
Maury’s wife. Lovable and jolly Jewish woman. Tap Dancing a plus. Great comedic actress.
Age: 50 to 65
Vocal range top: B4
Maury
Lovable and jolly. Shirley’s dedicated husband. Pop voice.
Age: 50 to 65
Vocal range top: G4
Levora Verona
A flamboyant and glamorous faded disco diva. Pushy and sassy but in love with her sweet dog. Great gospel/pop voice. High belt to an E, soprano/gospel notes above that.
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range top: E5
Ensemble
Able to play various glamorous party guests/character roles. Great comedic chops, good dance ability and great voices needed.
Ages: 25+

SIDE LIST:
Side 1 (Chad, Scott, Young Woman 1, Young Woman 2)
Side 2 (Chad, Marianne)
Side 3 (Scott, Shirley)
Side 4 (Ted, Tony)
Side 5 (Ted, Jackie)
Side 6 (Marianne, Tony)
Side 7 (Marianne, Shirley, Maury)
Side 8 (Ben/Lisa, Jackie, Tony)
Side 9 (Sister, Shirley)
Side 10 (Shirley, Maury, Sister)
Side 11 (Sister, Levora)
Side 12 (Group Scene)

DISASTER! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company values diversity and inclusion in casting, and in all other areas of the organization.

And Then There Were None
2024-02-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
The second half of the Main Stage season begins with And Then There Were None. This classic thriller tells the story of 10 strangers who are summoned to a remote island and accused of misdeeds. When the weather cuts them off from the mainland one by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. They must find the killer if they hope to survive. Directed by Cynthia Ross, Stage Management by Jasmine Viera.

Venue: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: February 16, 17, 23, 24 @ 7:30 pm/ February 18 & 25 at 2:00 pm
Tickets: $20 Adults or $15 Seniors/Students

BUY TICKETS
Tickets may be available at the door.
Advisory Information:
Content Warning: this production contains themes of death, grief, and guilt. It also contains references to and depictions of murder, manslaughter, and suicide by hanging.
Sensory Warning: this production utilizes recorded gunshots and flashing lights.
CAST

Christopher Tully…………………… Sir Lawrence Wargrave
Francesca Stokes……………………. Emily Brent
Erica Vieira……………………………… Vera Claythorne
Matt Masiello…………………………… Philip Lombard
Don Filicetti…………………………….. Dr. Armstrong
John Jesse Jeffords………………………. William Blore
Robert Strauch…………………..……. General Mackenzie
Daniella Heywood…………………… Mrs. Rogers
Andre’ Vieira……………………………. Rogers
Jonathan Rueda..…………………….. Anthony Marston & Fred Narracot

“And Then There Were None” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

WhatCo Volunteer Days: West Hudson St. Patricks Day Parade
2024-03-10 10:00 - 15:00 | 15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S, 15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S, Harrison, NJ, 07032, United States
Volunteer with WhatCo! Celebrate West Hudson’s Deputy Grand Marshal and WhatCo Board member Gloria Spence. Float decorating from 10:00-12:00 in front of the theater at 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South. Parade steps off at 1:00 pm in Harrison, ends at Kearny Town Hall.

Deadly Dessert Championship - Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Fundraiser
2024-03-22 19:00 - 21:30, 2024-03-23 19:00 - 21:30 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
West Hudson Ars & Theater invites you save-the-date for another Murderous March and our annual murder mystery dinner theater fundraiser – “Deadly Dessert Championship”, an original murder mystery written by Allyssa Hynes.
Written & Directed by: Allyssa Hynes
Stage Manager: Ash Nichols
Date: March 22 & 23, 2024
Where: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
About the Production:
Deadly Dessert Championship is an interactive comedy murder mystery that will also feature audience interaction. The story centers on the final contest of a baking reality show called “Dessert Decision” that turns deadly when one of the judges dies during filming.
Tickets: $50 per person (includes three-course meal, desserts, coffee, tea soda, interactive production)
Catering menu to be announced. Please note dietary restrictions on your reservation.

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CAST:
“Dessert Decision” Cast & Crew
Riley – Iman Abdul
Becky – Jae Lynn Garcia
Sonny – Dylan Myers
The Judges
Jeffrey – Nelson DePasquale
Cora – Maggie Madere
George – Ed Shea
The Bakers
Tom – Arthur Carlson
Megan – Emily Amadeo
Damien – Roman Koster
Ivy – Lillian Mayo
Candy – Lauren Proda
Jennifer – Denise Organisciak
Frank – John Fraissinet
Kale – Joseph Jones
If you prefer to make your reservation by phone contact:
admin@whatconj.org or call/text (201) 540-WHAT (9428)
All calls will be returned within 24 hours
For questions, contact whatcomm@whatconj.org

Auditions: One Act Play Festival
2024-04-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
Open auditions for West Hudson Arts & Theater Company’s 2024 One Acts Festival will be held as follows:
Audition Date & Time: Sunday, April 14 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Schedule an audition time slot
Location: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, NJ (Free parking available in the fenced lot at Jersey Street)
Performance Dates: May 17 and May 18 at 7:30 pm
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will tentatively be held from 6:00-10:00 pm on April 29 and 30, May 6, 7, 8, and 9. You will not be called for every rehearsal, final rehearsal schedule will be determined by each director.
Tech Week: May 13 – 16 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, final schedule to be determined.
Virtual auditions accepted. Please send a 1 minute monologue, your resume and your audition form to HStefanik1022@gmail.com by April 13th.
Actors will be asked to read from the provided sides.
All types welcome! See character descriptions below.
Questions? Contact Festival Director, Holly Stefanik at oneacts@whatconj.org

Audition Sides

Audition Form

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Choices by Constance G.J. Wagner Directed by Beatriz Esteban-Messina

SUZANNA: (often called “Suze” – one syllable) – an attractive woman in her late 20s;
very urban chic/artsy in her style of dress, hair, and make-up.
DEIRDRE: Suze’s mother; an equally attractive woman in her late 50s who still has
something of “suburban mom” about her look but is working to change that.

20 Magical Minutes of Darkness and Silence and Peace by Tara Meddaugh Directed by Frankie Perez

GRACE Female (but casting can be gender flexible). A raccoon, around 20s-50s in human years. Energetic, social, a mother.
JOFFREY Male (but casting can be gender flexible). A raccoon, around 20s-50s in human years. Wears the air of defeat, pained, loss, grief; has never been great at socializing, but especially at a loss now.

What Happens in Pre-K, Stays in Pre-K: Unadulterated Classroom Conversations by Holly Stefanik Directed by Christopher Reyes

MISS HAZEL: A first year teacher. Losing her mind, but trying to be positive. Unphased by the children. Early to mid 20’s.
LUCY: Doesn’t really understand what school is. Any age.
GRAHAM: Lucas’ twin brother. Bullies Lucas. Any age.
LUCAS: Graham’s twin brother. Bullied by Graham. Any age.
RYAN: Basically an 80 year old in a 4 year old’s body. Any age.
HAILEY: Basically a teenager in a 4 year old’s body. Always yelling. Any age.
CHARLIE: Quiet and a rule follower. Any age.

The Experience by Clinton Festa Directed by Bong Dizon

WIFE: A woman celebrating her anniversary.
HUSABND: A man celebrating his anniversary.
WAITRESS: A waitress (or waiter) who has worked at The Experience for some time.
CUSTOMER: A longtime customer who comes to the restaurant to pick up his/her order.

The Meadow by Ryan Kaminski Directed by Steven Jon Kaplan

MRS. PAGE Nervous and troubled. Heiress to her father’s fortune. Mid 40s.
MISS HARRIS Blunt and unflustered. Private Investigator. Late 20s.

Gown by Robert Weibezahl Directed by Karina Munoz

LYNN, 50s, female
ANNIE, late 20s – early 30s, female
COURTNEY, late 20s – early 30s, female

Like Mom Used To Say by F.J Hartland Directed by Holly Stefanik

DOUG, the older brother, tries to hide how he is truly feeling. Early 20’s to mid 40’s.
ROSS, the younger brother, sarcastic. Early 20’s to mid 40’s.

Bag of Bees by John Mabey Directed by Joseph Jones

SAM, Married to Alex. Any age, any gender.
ALEX, Married to Sam. Any age, any gender.

Disaster! The Musical
2024-04-26 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-04-27 13:00 - 15:30, 2024-04-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-04-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
The Main Stage season wraps with DISASTER! , a new musical straight from Broadway, featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the ’70s. “Knock on Wood,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Sky High,” “I Am Woman” and “Hot Stuff” are just a few of the scintillating hits in this hilarious musical comedy with a book by three-time Emmy Award nominee and SiriusXM Broadway host, Seth Rudetsky, and Jack Plotnick. Directed by Jessa Blackthorne, Musical Direction by Scott Burzynski, and Choreography by Bong Dizon.
It’s 1979, and New York’s hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Also attending is a faded disco star, a sexy nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys who are looking for ladies, an untrustworthy businessman and a nun with a gambling addiction. What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they’ve lost… or at least escape the killer rats. Audiences and critics are wild for this hilarious homage to the era of bell-bottoms, platform shoes and the hustle.
Venue: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross High School)
Production Dates: April 26, 27 & May 2, 3, 4 @ 7:30 pm | April 28 @ 2:00 pm **additional show added** April 27 @ 1:00 pm
Tickets: $20 Adults or $15 Seniors/Students

BUY TICKETS
Tickets may be available at the door.

CAST
Frankie Perez ………………………… Chad
Roman Koster ………………………. Scott
Dylan Myers ……………………………. Ted
Maria Ruppert ………………… Marianne
John Jesse Jeffords ……………….. Tony
Samantha Egge …………………….. Jackie
Maisie Kelly ……………………… Ben/Lisa
Jessica Nelson .…… Sister Mary Downy
Melissa Broder ……………………. Shirley
Robert Strauch …………………….. Maury
Lily Mayo …………………… Levora Verona
Matthew Masiello …………………… Jake
Ashley “Ash” Nichols ……….. Ensemble/US Tony
Karina Munoz ………………….. Ensemble/US Shirley
Maggie Madere …………………. Ensemble/US Sister Mary Downy
Amanda Regan …………………. Ensemble
Paula Barratta ………………….. Ensemble
Danubia Vilar ………………….. Ensemble
Judy Espaillat …………………… Ensemble
Holly Stefanik …………………… Ensemble/US Marianne
Gunnar Holmberg ……………. Ensemble
Richard Dwyer …………………. Ensemble
Leo Vasile …………………………. Ensemble
Javier Woodard ……………….. Ensemble
**US = Understudy; Understudies will perform their leading roles during the 1;00 pm matinee performance on Saturday, April 27.
DISASTER! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Auditions: Twelfth Night, or What You Will | Shakespeare in the Park
2024-05-08 19:00 - 21:30 | Holy Cross School, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, 07029, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company and Teaneck New Theater, in association with The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) are proud to announce open auditions for their Shakespeare productions scheduled for this summer!
Twelfth Night auditions will be held in-person as follows:
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Location: West Hudson Arts & Theater Company, 15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross School)
Free parking is available in the lot at Jersey Street.
Production Dates:
July 10, 17, 24 at 7:30 pm
(Teaneck New Theater will be performing Romeo and Juliet on August 7 ad 14 at HACPAC)
** NOTE: Performances will be held outdoors at The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (102 State Street, Hackensack), with encore performances of Twelfth Night scheduled in outdoor venues in West Hudson (to be announced)
***if you are interested in auditioning but cannot make the date, please email Matt at mmasiell2@gmail.com regarding video auditions. Any video submission must be submitted by 9:30 pm on May 8th.
Please contact shakes@whatconj.org with questions or for additional information.

Actors ages 18-80+ are invited to read from the provided sides.
Summary
Named for the twelfth night after Christmas, the end of the Christmas season, Twelfth Night; or What You Will (directed by Matt Masiello) plays with love and power. The Countess Olivia, a woman with her own household, attracts Duke (or Count) Orsino. Two other would-be suitors are her pretentious steward, Malvolio, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
Onto this scene arrive the twins Viola and Sebastian; caught in a shipwreck, each thinks the other has drowned. Viola disguises herself as a male page and enters Orsino’s service. Orsino sends her as his envoy to Olivia—only to have Olivia fall in love with the messenger. The play complicates, then wonderfully untangles, these relationships.
Cast of Characters:

Viola: A young woman of aristocratic birth, and the play’s protagonist. Washed up on the shore of Illyria when her ship is wrecked in a storm, Viola decides to make her own way in the world. She disguises herself as a young man, calling herself “Cesario,” and becomes a page to Duke Orsino. She ends up falling in love with Orsino—even as Olivia, the woman Orsino is courting, falls in love with Cesario. Thus, Viola finds that her clever disguise has entrapped her: she cannot tell Orsino that she loves him, and she cannot tell Olivia why she, as Cesario, cannot love her. Her poignant plight is the central conflict in the play.
Orsino: A powerful nobleman in the country of Illyria. Orsino is lovesick for the beautiful Lady Olivia, but becomes more and more fond of his handsome new page boy, Cesario, who is actually a woman—Viola. Orsino is a vehicle through which the play explores the absurdity of love: a supreme egotist, Orsino mopes around complaining how heartsick he is over Olivia, when it is clear that he is chiefly in love with the idea of being in love and enjoys making a spectacle of himself. His attraction to the ostensibly male Cesario injects sexual ambiguity into his character.
Olivia: A wealthy, beautiful, and noble Illyrian lady, Olivia is courted by Orsino and Sir Andrew Aguecheek, but to each of them she insists that she is in mourning for her brother, who has recently died, and will not marry for seven years. She and Orsino are similar characters in that each seems to enjoy wallowing in his or her own misery. Viola’s arrival in the masculine guise of Cesario enables Olivia to break free of her self-indulgent melancholy. Olivia seems to have no difficulty transferring her affections from one love interest to the next, however, suggesting that her romantic feelings—like most emotions in the play—do not run deep.
Sebastian: Viola’s lost twin brother. When he arrives in Illyria, traveling with Antonio, his close friend and protector, Sebastian discovers that many people think that they know him. Furthermore, the beautiful Lady Olivia, whom he has never met, wants to marry him. Sebastian is not as well rounded a character as his sister. He seems to exist to take on the role that Viola fills while disguised as Cesario—namely, the mate for Olivia.
Malvolio: The straitlaced steward—or head servant—in the household of Lady Olivia. Malvolio is very efficient but also very self-righteous, and he has a poor opinion of drinking, singing, and fun. His priggishness and haughty attitude earn him the enmity of Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria, who play a cruel trick on him, making him believe that Olivia is in love with him. In his fantasies about marrying his mistress, he reveals a powerful ambition to rise above his social class.
Feste: The clown, or fool, of Olivia’s household, Feste moves between Olivia’s and Orsino’s homes. He earns his living by making pointed jokes, singing old songs, being generally witty, and offering good advice cloaked under a layer of foolishness. In spite of being a professional fool, Feste often seems the wisest character in the play.
Sir Toby: Olivia’s uncle. Olivia lets Sir Toby Belch live with her, but she does not approve of his rowdy behavior, practical jokes, heavy drinking, late-night carousing, or friends (specifically the idiotic Sir Andrew). Sir Toby also earns the ire of Malvolio. But Sir Toby has an ally, and eventually a mate, in Olivia’s sharp-witted waiting-gentlewoman, Maria. Together they bring about the triumph of chaotic spirit, which Sir Toby embodies, and the ruin of the controlling, self-righteous Malvolio.
Maria Olivia’s clever, daring young waiting-gentlewoman. Maria is remarkably similar to her antagonist, Malvolio, who harbors aspirations of rising in the world through marriage. But Maria succeeds where Malvolio fails—perhaps because she is a woman, but, more likely, because she is more in tune than Malvolio with the anarchic, topsy-turvy spirit that animates the play.
Sir Andrew Aguecheek: A friend of Sir Toby’s. Sir Andrew Aguecheek attempts to court Olivia, but he doesn’t stand a chance. He thinks that he is witty, brave, young, and good at languages and dancing, but he is actually an idiot.
Antonio: A man who rescues Sebastian after his shipwreck. Antonio has become very fond of Sebastian, caring for him, accompanying him to Illyria, and furnishing him with money—all because of a love so strong that it seems to be romantic in nature. Antonio’s attraction to Sebastian, however, never bears fruit. Despite the ambiguous and shifting gender roles in the play, Twelfth Night remains a romantic comedy in which the characters are destined for marriage. In such a world, homoerotic attraction cannot be fulfilled.
Sea Captain: A fried of Viola.
Lords attending on Orsino
Lords, attendants, musicians and officers

Twelfth Night Audition Materials
Side 1: Orsino, Curio, Valentine
Side 2: Sir Toby, Maria, Sir Andrew
Side 3: Orsino, Viola
Side 4: Malvolio, Olivia, Viola
Side 5: Victoria, Antonio
Side 6: Sir Andrew, Sir Toby, Feste, Malvolio
Side 7: Olivia, Malvolio

2024 One Act Play Festival
2024-05-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-18 19:30 - 21:30 | 15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S, 15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S, Harrison, NJ, 07032, United States
Join us for WHATCo’s One Act Play Festival
When: May 17th and 18th at 7:30 PM
Where: 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. S, Harrison NJ, 07029
Ticket Price: $10 General Admission

BUY TICKETS

REST & Relaxation Workshop
2024-05-19 14:00 - 16:30 | NJ
An event to benefit the musicians of WHATCo, Hudson County’s Award-Winning theater!
Rest & Relax with Kearny Rotary
In partnership with WhatCo (West Hudson Arts & Theater Company), facilitated by Stretch Studio.
Location: WHATCo, 15 Frank E Rodgers Blvd South, Harrison, NJ 07029 Suggested Donation: $15
Date & Time: Sunday, May 19 from 2:00 – 4:30 pm Register: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/west-hudson-arts-and-theater-company/6640e9281abf4b0e3967ab2b
What to Wear: Dress in comfortable lounge wear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweat / yoga pants
What to Bring: Yoga or exercise mats, throw blankets, pillows, cushions, water
What Not to Bring: Your phone! This is an opportunity to detach from technology for 2.5 hours
About the Session: Expect to learn and actively participate in breathing and relaxation techniques traditionally utilized in restorative yoga and yoga nidra (yogic sleep). Light stretching will take place as well as a guided meditation to further tap into your parasympathetic nervous system. Folding chairs will be provided for those who do not bring a mat or are not able to lie on the floor. The workshop is intended for adults/young adults that are recovering from an injury, illness, or experience stress. Step away from everyday life and feel at ease and find peace.
Questions: Stretchstudioharrison@gmail.com

Shakespeare in the Park - Twelfth Night
2024-07-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC), 102 State Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
West Hudson Arts & Theater is excited to announce our 2024 Shakespeare in the Park production Twelfth Night, directed by Matt Masiello.
Summary: A tale of mistaken identity leads to confusion, trickery, and unrequited love. This popular Shakespeare comedy promises hilarious hijinks that lead to a happy ending for all.
Production Dates:
July 10, 17, and 24 @7:30 pm at HACPAC’s State Street Park

Venue: Hackensack Performing Arts Center: 102 State St, Hackensack, NJ 07601

July 28 @ 7:00 pm at Arlington Depot Park

Venue: Arlington Depot Park: Garofalo Place between Elm and Forest Streets, Kearny 07032

Tickets: Free Admission

Director: Matt Masiello
Stage Manager: Emily Schepker
Costuming: Samantha Egge, Lily Mayo
Producer: Amanda Castro-Conroy

CAST

Viola: Grace Ahlin
Olivia: Samantha Egge
Maria: Holly Stefanik
Sir Toby Belch: John Jesse Jeffords
Sir Andrew Aguecheek: Gunnar Holmberg
Malvolio: Christopher Tully
Feste: Jackie Wilberton
Orsino: Frankie Perez
Sebastian: James Phillips
Antonio: Joseph Jones
Curio/ensemble: Scout Graham
Valentine/ensemble: Jenny DeCelles
Sea Captain/ensemble: Joe Turner
1st officer/ensemble: Lillian Mayo
2nd officer/ensemble: Melissa Ramirez
