The Mariposa Theatre Alliance, a program of the Mariposa County Arts Council, announces auditions for actors in Mariposa for a brand-new annual event: The Story.

The Story is the story of Mariposa itself – a multi-media theatre piece written by Les Marsden, who will also direct.  The initial 2017 installment of The Story covers the history of the entire Mariposa region from the lives and times of the pre-European native population through the “discovery” and naming of Mariposa by the Moraga party in 1806, to the gold rush years which saw the influx of many fascinating characters as well as the founding of many of Mariposa County’s boomtowns.

The cast of The Story requires an ensemble cast of four principal male actors, four principal female actors and two child actors.  All actors play multiple roles and actors of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition.  There will also be parts for supernumerary performers in non-speaking roles.  The Story is offered as the latest presentation of Marsden’s “Acting in Mariposa” (AIM) - a Mariposa County Arts Council program.  Past offerings of AIM were filled to capacity.  There is no fee for participation in The Story, but actors and crew must commit to a summer rehearsal schedule and two weekends of performances at the Mariposa County Park Amphitheatre in late September and early October.

The Story is made possible by a grant from the California Arts Council.  Marsden, best known locally as the Founder and Conductor of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra, previously had a decades-long career as an award-winning professional actor, playwright and director based in New York and London.  Disabled in an onstage accident in Washington DC in 1999, he retired and moved his family back to California in 2001.

Auditions for The Story will be held onstage in the Mariposa County Park Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 25 between the hours of 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and also on the evening of  Wednesday, June 28 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Appointments for audition are required.   Audition sides and audition appointments are available by calling the Mariposa County Arts Council at 209.966.3155 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.