The Loneliest Bird
This is for the Second Stage Production, performing February 28-March 2. Auditions will be held at work.shop (160 Winston Drive, Athens, Ga) on Sunday, December 29 from 5-7 pm.
Directors: Julianne Merritt and Marius Palmour (Music by Julianne Merritt)
Synopsis: An original Puppet Show/Musical. Scientists plant mannequin birds across an island, and Nigel, a living bird, flies down from a passing flock. He falls in love with a mannequin bird, Helen, and creates his home amongst the mannequins, feeding and taking care of Helen, dreaming of their family and life together. He is visited by scientists, and perhaps a threatening stranger, while the story follows Nigel’s aging, persistence, and eventual death.
We are looking to cast 6-7 puppeteers. Each will take on multiple roles throughout the show – this will include moving props and set pieces.
Nigel (2-person puppet)
A young wide-eyed gannet ready to settle down and start a family with the love of his life, Helen.
Helen (2-person puppet)
A gannet statue placed on Mana Island in an attempt to encourage real gannets to land.
Conservationists (non-speaking human roles)
The people who place and maintain the statues.
Visitor (2-person puppet)
The only other living gannet to appear on the island, but has little to no interest in staying for long.
Babies (1-2 people, 3-4 puppets)
Appearing only in dreams, Nigel and Helen’s children.
Flock (1-person puppet) – dance heavy
The flock of birds from which Nigel loses his way.
School (1-person puppet)
School of fish from which the birds hunt.
The Players have planned a special trip to the Alliance Theatre and we want you to join us! Town & Gown veteran, Tituss Burgess, has written his first musical and it’s making its world premier in Atlanta. Based on the 1996 film starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington, The Preacher’s Wife will feature Amber Riley (Glee, The Wiz Live!) and Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy, Waiting to Exhale) and make its debut on the Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance.
