Countdown To Opening Night!

STEEL MAGNOLIAS ~ The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

 

Concerned with a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching—and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters.

 

“Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” —New York Daily News.

“…a skillfully crafted, lovingly evoked picture of eccentricity in the small-town South…Robert Harling is a new voice in the theatre and the qualities of STEEL MAGNOLIAS suggest he may be an important one.” —Drama-Logue.

“…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” —New York Post.

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Lap sitting is not permitted as every person must have their own ticket. No children under 3 will be permitted. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.

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STEEL MAGNOLIAS AUDITION INFORMATION

All those cast in STEEL MAGNOLIAS are required to become a KVTA member at some level (minimum $28) by December 22, 2024. One parent being a member of KVTA does cover the membership requirement for all family members 17 and under. Subscriptions paid during the 2024-2025 season will also fulfill this requirement. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the cast member being removed from the production.

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Director: Tyler McMahon

Assistant Director: Robin Haug

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PERFORMANCE DATES / LOCATION:

January 31, February 1 & February 2, 2025

KVTA Studios' Black Box Theatre  1 Stuart Dr  Kankakee, IL 60901​

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AUDITION DATE / LOCATION:

November 22, 2024 at 6 pm

KVTA Studios' Black Box Theatre  1 Stuart Dr  Kankakee, IL 60901

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AUDITION INFORMATION:

All auditioners must be 16 and older by January 31, 2025. Proof of age may be requested. All auditioners must complete an audition form, a conflict calendar, and sign KVTA's policies acknowledgement form. Cast members are required to provide the following personal items: shoes and socks. In addition, cast members may be asked to supply other items such as: leotards, tights, etc. Optional expenses include: the purchase of show recording, a picture CD, apparel items, production party attendance, cast/staff chill times, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Child care is not available during rehearsals and performances. Cast and staff members are not permitted to bring their children, or any additional family members, to rehearsals. All rehearsals are closed to the public unless otherwise stated. All KVTA facilities are smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free. Anyone found to be in violation of these policies may be removed from the production.

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Audition Form can be downloaded here: MICROSOFT WORD   PDF

Conflict Calendar can be downloaded here: PDF

KVTA Policies: PDF

KVTA Policies Acknowledgement Form to be signed: PDF

All participants, on-stage or off-stage, will be required to sign KVTA's Social Media, Sexual Harassment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies. If said participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will sign for the participant. Any parent or guardian signing for their auditioner agrees to instruct and provide information to their auditioner regarding KVTA's policies. An Emergency Card and Waiver of Liability must also be completed and signed in order to participate. These forms will be distributed when you first volunteer with KVTA. If you have any questions please email: kvta@kvta.org

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AUDITION INFORMATION:

November 22nd ~ 6:00 pm ~ KVTA Studios 

First and foremost, we are extremely thrilled to be starting on this play!

 

Everyone will arrive at the same time as there are no time slots to sign up for auditions. Please arrive early with your completed audition form and conflict calendar. Rehearsals may be held on weekends, if necessary. Please include weekend conflicts on your conflict calendar. Please be honest when completing your conflict calendar. Conflicts may not preclude you from being cast, but it is necessary for our staff to plan rehearsals accordingly. 

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Depending on ticket sales, we may add a performance on Saturday, February 1, at 7 pm. Please be sure to include your availability for this time on your conflict calendar.

We are looking for 6 strong female/female-identifying performers for this show.

To prepare for auditions, we encourage you to read the play. Please email the Director if you are unable to obtain a copy of the script. 

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Please be advised we are not looking for imitations of the actresses in the movie. Create your own versions of the characters.

We would like to cast understudies for the show.  Understudies will perform the show on the Friday before tech week. 

Character descriptions are listed below.

If you cannot attend the auditions on the 22nd, or you have any questions, please contact the Director by email  TylerActs@gmail.com  please list Steel Magnolias in Subject line.

Hope to see many of you there!

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

The ages are that of the characters, not the actresses portraying them. Southern accents are highly encouraged for auditions but they are not required.

M’LYNN EATENTON

Anywhere between late-40’s and mid-50’s, M’Lynn is a mother that has been dealing with a rebellious daughter for the last 20+ years. She is constantly frustrated yet worried about Shelby and her illness. She takes solace in her friendships with Truvy, Clairee and Ouiser. The actress playing M’Lynn needs very strong acting skills. M’Lynn goes through the ringer of emotions in this play. She needs strength and vulnerability, love and sternness, some humor and motherly warmth.

SHELBY EATENTON-LATCHERIE

Shelby is in her 20’s and has Type 1 Diabetes. She’s a more modern Southern Belle for the times. She’s often referred to as the prettiest girl in Chinquapin and is truly loved by all that know her.  She wants everyone to be happy but she is always ready to go toe to toe with her mother. She loves her mother but definitely rebels for the sake of rebelling.  The actress playing Shelby should have a genuine sweetness and youthful energy about her.

TRUVY JONES

Truvy is a Southern Belle through and through and the best Beautician in the Tri-County area.  She’s in her 40’s and has wisdom beyond her years. Most of it is said in folksy country sayings. Like any beautician she knows the ins and outs of everyone’s lives and is always ready to share the juicy details. She is definitely the fun aunt every teenager would want. The Actress playing Truvy should have a down-home warm feeling mixed with a folksy charm. 

ANNELLE DUPUY-DESOTO

Somewhere in her 20’s, Annelle is new to the area and incredibly shy and awkward when the show begins. As the show progresses she eventually finds her strength in church and becomes rather a little holier-than-thou with the other ladies. Actress playing Annelle should be good at playing awkward in an endearing way.

CLAIREE BELCHER

In her 60’s, she is the widow of the former Mayor of Chinquapin.  She’s very wealthy and likes to create an air of sophistication. She knows everyone’s business and loves a good piece of gossip. She can be very sarcastic and loves to laugh and poke fun at the little things in life that others cry over. She is very close with Ouiser but also loves to pester her. The actress playing Clairee needs to have good comic timing and give off the idea of sophistication.

LOUISE “OUISER” BOURDEAUX

(Pronounced Wheezer) Ouiser is similar in age to Clairee. Thanks to two marriages, she has become quite wealthy and feels that is the only reason anyone is nice to her. She’s the definition of a curmudgeon and kind of relishes the lifestyle. She supplies most of the humor in the show. The actress playing Ouiser needs great comic timing and a willingness to be miserable.

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Further questions regarding auditions, callbacks, or casting may be emailed to the Director at: tyleracts@gmail.com

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Thank you! Break a leg!

Steel Magnolias 2025 Staff