AUDITIONS FOR "THE DIVINERS"
Auditions for Wichita Community Theatre's production of "The Diviners" will be held from 2-5 p.m. on December 1 and 2 at the theatre, 258 N. Fountain. Roles are available for 6 men and 5 women, ages 18 and up. One of the men should be an actor who could play a teenage boy. Reading material will be provided. For more information contact director Dan Schuster at (316) 655-2017 or via email at gurgi4@cox.net.

Show dates: Jan 31 - Feb 16, 2008

About the show: Set in the fictional town of Zion, Indiana (Population 40) during the Great Depression, it is the story of a disturbed young man named Buddy who has the weird ability to divine water. He acquired this ability in a tragic drowning accident where his mother saved him, but died herself in the process. Buddy has never been the same since, both in his strange new abilities and his aversion to water (he has not bathed in years). The people of Zion consider Buddy an oddity ("idiot boy" is a general term thrown around), yet they also take advantage of his divining abilities.

One day a drifter named C.C. comes to town looking for work. He is a former preacher who has lost his faith, and finds a job in the local mechanic garage. He and Buddy strike up a very strong bond. C.C. helps Buddy overcome his fear of water and, inadvertently, Buddy helps C.C. come to grips with some of his own demons. The climactic scene is both tragic and uplifting as it becomes clear just how much Buddy and his "gift" have meant to the town of Zion.

This is a play that speaks to a sense of community during a very dark time in our nation's history. It is a beautiful, haunting play that will stick with you long after it's over.

All of the characters are wonderful. The ages listed are approximates. You do not have to be in these age ranges, just could pass for these age ranges:

-C.C. Showers: the former preacher battling his own demons (20's to 30's)

-Buddy Layman: the "idiot boy" with a special gift (15 to 21)

-Ferris Layman: Buddy's father and local mechanic (40's to 50's)

-Jennie Mae Layman: Buddy's patient sister (18 to 25)

-Basil Bennett: a farmer who relies on Buddy's abilities (30's to 50's)

-Luella Bennet: Basil's wife who doubts Buddy's abilities (30's to 50's)

-Norma Henshaw: the owner of the Dry Goods Store (30's to 60's)

-Goldie Short: the owner of the Dine Away Cafe (30's to 50's)

-Darlene Henshaw: Norma's niece (18 to 25)

-Melvin Wilder: Basil's farm hand (20's to 30's)

-Dewey Maples: Basil's farm hand (18 to 30)