Playwright Christopher Durang Attends Q & A and Performances of his Adrift in Macao, Texas State University

Christopher Durang (photo via Austin Chronicle)

 

 

Christopher Durang

Tony-winning playwright takes up residence at Texas State

by Robert Faires, October 3, 2013

[. . .] Adrift in Macao, a 2007 musical for which the playwright penned the book and lyrics, is being mounted by the Texas State University Department of Theatre and Dance, and the author will be in San Marcos to see it. Indeed, he and his partner of 26 years, John Augustine – a widely produced and very funny dramatist in his own right – will be on hand as playwrights-in-residence, thanks to the efforts of Kaitlin Hopkins, head of the musical theatre program at Texas State and an old friend of Durang's, with support from the Bowman Guest Artist Series.

The residency is obviously for the benefit of the department's students, and they'll have the chance to take a master class on the audition process with both authors, but Texas State is creating ample opportunities for the larger community to take advantage of it. After the evening performances of Adrift in Macao Friday and Saturday, Durang will join the cast for a talk-back moderated by Hopkins, who directed the production. And Saturday afternoon, a pair of programs involving the two writers will be open to the public – one focusing on Durang and his career, the other a roundtable discussion about collaboration featuring Durang and Augustine[. . . .]

Saturday, Oct. 12

"A Conversation With Christopher Durang" – 1-2 p.m.

Durang will field questions from head of playwriting Jim Price and the audience, and will also read from his own work.

"Collaboration: The Process" – 2:30-4pm

Durang and John Augustine will join students in Texas State's playwriting and directing programs for a roundtable discussion about the collaborative process between writer and director, and how it differs when the play is in development and when it's being fully produced. MFA directing associate professor Deb Alley will moderate.

Click to read full article at the Austin Chronicle

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Adrift in Macao runs Oct. 8-13, Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m;. Sunday, 2 & 7:30 p.m., at University Mainstage Theatre, 430 Moon, Texas State campus in San Marcos. For more information, call 512/245-2204 or visit www.txstatepresents.com.

City Theatre Auditions for Durang's Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge, September 22-23

City Theatre AUDITIONS FOR Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge by Christopher Durang

When: September 22 and 23.
Where: The City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. Suite D. Austin, TX 78722 (click for map)Times: Saturday September 22, 12 - 3 p.m. and Sunday September 23, 1 - 3 p.m.
Ten minute slots by appointment. Show dates: November 29 – December 22 with rehearsals starting the week of October 1.

Looking for six men and four women to play multiple roles including Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas and many more.

Christopher Durang takes no prisoners in his over-the-top spoof of "A Christmas Carol", "It's a Wonderful Life", “The Gift of the Magi” and many more —a complete toppling of the traditional holiday. It retells the familiar story of Scrooge and the Cratchits — with twists and turns, hilarious songs and even a few characters that may not actually belong in the play. Durang’s off-the-wall parody mines laughs from the traditional Christmas stories we all know and love. Bring headshot and resume. Monologue not required but be prepared to do dialects including British. Scenes from the show will be performed. Call or email for an appt. 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org. Website: www.citytheatreaustin.org