Call for Auditions: Nicolet Players Present “Nightfall”

The Nicolet Players will host auditions for their spring performance of “Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe” on Sunday, March 24 from 1–4 p.m. and Monday, March 25 from 6–9 p.m. at the Nicolet College Theatre. Actors and artists of all experience levels are invited to audition. 

Directed by Nicolet College Math and Physics Instructor Dr. Colette Fikriye Kaya and written by Playwright Eric Coble, "Nightfall" is a theatrical adaptation of four of Poe’s best stories: “The Raven,” “The Fall of the House of the Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” These separate stories are woven together with a chilling mix of mystery, death and gothic romance to underscore Poe’s personal struggles as he questions his own sanity.

As a new faculty member at Nicolet College, this will be Kaya’s first production directing the Nicolet Players. Originally born in Turkey, Kaya came to the U.S. to study science at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and brings dynamic acting and directing experience to the stage. She starred in several theatre performances as a graduate student at Tufts University and directed an independent film. Kaya’s passion for Poe, coupled with the desire to unravel the complexity of the antihero and contemplate differing views of the afterlife, prompted her to choose “Nightfall” as her first theatre performance to direct.

“I want to take the audience away from their regular life to experience the fairyland we call fiction,” Kaya explained. “It’s a gloomy story, but I hope to include some aspects that are cheerful.”

Kaya said she hopes to cast actors who offer their own sense of characterization to elevate the story and bring creative authenticity to the intimate Nicolet College stage. Five to nine lead roles will be cast, and there is no age requirement or gender preference. Actors with and without previous experience are invited to audition. In addition, artists are invited to contribute artwork for set design and stagehands are needed to help with the production. 

“We want to cast backstage help, tech assistance, stage managers, as well as any other artistic experience people would like to bring," Kaya said. “We are looking to demonstrate artistic work from Nicolet artists, which the audience can look forward to seeing on stage."

Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute dramatic or comedic monologue for the audition. Before the audition, actors are asked to read through the play to determine which characters they want to audition for. Copies of the script are available at the Nicolet College Library. Although acting experience is not required, those auditioning are also asked to bring a resume and headshot to the audition. Performers will complete a form with their availability for rehearsals, which will be determined based on the actors’ availability.

Actors will be selected based on their audition performance and ability to follow direction. Kaya noted that performers living with disabilities are welcomed to audition and accommodations can be made.

Rehearsals will be held late March through mid-May at the Nicolet College Theatre. The time commitment for rehearsals is 1-2 days per week for 2-3 hours per day, with more rehearsals required closer to the opening show. Performances of “Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe” will take place May 17–19 and May 23–26 at 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sundays) at the Nicolet College Theatre.

Click here for more information about the Nicolet Players and to purchase tickets online. Kaya can be reached by email at ckaya@nicoletcollege.edu.