Davidson Community Players will host open auditions Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 5-6, for its February 2011 production of M.Z. Ribalow’s new play “Masterpiece.” The local theater group also plans auditions Jan. 23-24 for its upcoming production of “Ragtime.”

‘MASTERPIECE’ AUDITIONS

Auditions for “Masterpiece” will be Wednesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St.

“Masterpiece” is a new play based on a 20th century art forgery scandal. It explores questions of reality and illusion, what is great art and who gets to decide, and the relationship between love, passion and truth. The play is based on the true story of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch artist and master forger who created fake Vermeer paintings in the 1930-40s and sold them to the Nazis.

“Masterpiece” was first presented in Davidson in summer 2008 as a staged reading by New River Dramatists. Davidson Community Player’s production marks the regional premier of the play, and will be directed by Charlotte director, actor and acting coach Martin Thompson.

The production will run Feb. 24-March 13.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. A prepared monologue may be presented, but is not required. Auditionees should plan to arrive by 8 p.m. and need only attend one session. Auditionees should bring a resume or list of theatre experience, a recent picture and a list of conflicts for the January thru mid-March 2011 time period.

Roles available are Bredius, an elegant, distinguished, and learned man in his 50s or 60s;  Jo, a blazingly intelligent and outspoken woman in her 40s; Han Van Meegeren, a male in his 40s; Wooning, a calm, quiet man of indeterminate age.

‘RAGTIME’ AUDITIONS

Auditions for “Ragtime” are planned Sunday and Monday, Jan. 23-24.  Roles will be available for actors/singers/dancers of a wide variety of ages, ethnicities, and types including African American males and females ages 16 and over.

More information about Davidson Community Players is available at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org or by contacting artistic director Melissa Ohlman-Roberge at 704-892-7953 or email melissa@davidsoncommunityplayers.org.