Auditions for Nicolet Players’ Steel Magnolias Mar. 26 and 27

Roles for six powerhouse women are available when the Nicolet Players holds auditions March 26 and 27 for the heart-warming classic Steel Magnolias. 

“This is a show that I have laughed and cried at multiple times, but have yet to direct,” shared Director K. Woodzick. “It truly is a love letter to actresses of all ages.”  

Auditions for Steel Magnolias will take place Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Nicolet College Theatre located in the Lakeside Center on the Rhinelander campus. 

As always, everyone is welcome to audition. Those interested do not need any acting experience and they do not need to be Nicolet students. No preparation is required, but actors are strongly encouraged to read the script beforehand. Interested individuals need to audition only one night but may elect to attend both nights. New to this round of auditions is an optional online sign-up at NicoletLive.com on the Auditions page. 

Steel Magnolias is one of the most recognizable titles in theatre. The play by Robert Harding is based on experiences around his sister’s death and the independent Louisiana women who supported his family throughout that experience. All the action of the play happens in Truvy’s Beauty Spot, the local salon. Audiences are also likely familiar with the 1989 movie starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Dolly Parton. This will be the second time that the Nicolet Players have produced this play. 

Scripts are available for a three-day checkout from the service desk on the third floor of the Richard J. Brown Library, located in the Lakeside Center. 

The play needs six actresses to build a strong ensemble that switches swiftly from comedic to dramatic moments, Woodzick explained. 

"My biggest piece of advice is to come to auditions with an open heart, a sense of play, and focus on connecting with other actors when you read from the script,” she said. “Experience is not necessary, but willingness to try new things and be part of a team are mandatory.” 

Rehearsals start the first week of April. The rehearsal schedule will be comprised of weekday evening rehearsals to be held three to four times a week. 

Public performances are scheduled for May 19 to 21 and 25 to 28, with Sunday performances at 2 p.m. and all others at 7:30 p.m. 

More information about the play, including a detailed list of characters and further recommendations and resources for auditions, are available at nicoletlive.com. Anyone with questions can also contact K. Woodzick at kwoodzick@gmail.com.