Village Theatre Guild of Glen Ellyn is holding auditions for A Hatful of Rain. This story of a young man who was terribly injured in the Korean War provides a look at drug addiction through the eyes of society in 1955, and how it can tear a family apart or bring them together. This emotional drama can be related to soldiers of today with PTSD.

Auditions will take place at Village Theatre, 2S720 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (near the northwest corner of Park and Butterfield Rd.) They are scheduled for Sunday, January 20 at 2pm and Tuesday, January 22 at 7pm and call backs, if necessary, will be on Wednesday, January 23 at 7pm. Actors need only come to one night of auditions and be available for callbacks. Contact director Jeni Dees at jdeestheatre@gmail.com with any questions.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The director strongly suggests those interested to read the script and be familiar with the play. Rehearsals will be 3-4 days a week based on cast availability. All characters are 1955 New York Italian, so must be willing to possibly change hair cut or color. A realistic New York dialect would be appreciated, but not required. The director is open to color blind casting as well. All shapes, sizes and ethnicities are welcome to audition.

Character Breakdown:

John Pope Sr.: 40-60. No nonsense, fairly absentee father of Johnny and Polo. Can be insulting and opinionated.
Johnny Pope: Late 20s-early 30s. A Korean War Vet who was severely injured and taken captive. He has developed a secret, but severe addiction to morphine.
Celia Pope: Mid to late 20s. Johnny's wife who is 4 months pregnant. She is a strong willed independent thinker who doesn't suffer fools.
Polo Pope: Mid to late 20s. Johnny's younger brother. Loves Johnny, doesn't know how to help him, so he gives him all his money to feed his habit. He is in love with Celia. Has spent most of his life trying to gain the approval and love of his father, to no avail.
Mother: 30-60. A collector/dealer for a drug ring. He is the ruthless brains of the trio. Heartless and seems to enjoy inflicting "punishments" on the junkies that can't pay up.
Apples: 19-30 Mother's "2nd in command". A slimy yes man.
Chuch: 20-40. Mother's muscle. A very big man, but under it all, can have a sensitive heart.
Putski: 20-40. A female morphine addict friend of the three goons. A small but fun part for an actress. Must be comfortable appearing as if naked, only wearing a rain coat. (This will be done as a tasteful illusion-no actual nudity will occur).

For more information about Village Theatre Guild, visit http://www.villagetheatreguild.org.