The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific and heart-bound discoveries. With music and math bursting forth onstage, Henrietta and her female peers change the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

Silent Sky Auditions

Silent Sky will open in the Playhouse on Friday, March 3, 2023 and Close Sunday, April 2, 2023. Director: Jessie Drollette. Stage Manager: Meredith Connely

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

HENRIETTA LEAVITT: 30’s, brilliant, meticulous, excited – almost always wearing a period hearing aid – female presenting – Will Kiss Peter*

MARGARET LEAVITT: 30’s homebody, creative, sweet, sister – female presenting

PETER SHAW: 30’s, the head astronomer’s apprentice … and the man. – male presenting – Will Kiss Henrietta*

ANNIE CANNON: 40’s, the leader, terse and sure, grows into a firebrand. – female presenting

WILLIAMINA FLEMING: 50’s, smart as a whip and fun. Scottish. – female presenting

*Intimacy will be choreographed by the play’s director and will be following GPT’s standard intimacy protocol. 

Auditions will be held Saturday, January 7 from 2:00p-5:30p with Callbacks Monday, January 9. Callbacks are by invitation only, and will be posted on the Palace website, but an email with the callback link will be sent to everyone who auditioned when the callback list gets posted online. 

• Please prepare a monologue or story of your choosing, comedic or dramatic.  It does not have to be memorized but should be prepared.  Some improv exercises may be asked of you in addition. We welcome auditioners that are 18 and older. 
• Please note: Anyone interested in Williamina should prepare a few sentences in their best theatre Scottish accent. If you are extremely confident in your theatre Scottish accent, feel free to perform your monologue in it. 

Auditions are located at the Palace Playhouse 216 W. 8th street Georgetown TX 78626. Initial Auditions and callbacks will be on the Playhouse Stage. 

Auditions are scheduled online via the Palace website. You will fill out the audition form, sign up for a time, and fill out the conflict calendar, as well as upload a headshot and resume. Questions should be emailed to productions@georgetownpalace.com

You will receive an email confirming your appointment. If you are unable to attend any of the audition times, please go ahead and fill out the form and put yourself on the waiting list. Then send us an email and we will try to work with you to schedule an alternative time.

Click HERE to fill out the form!

**Please note that auditions may be recorded for use in casting**

REHEARSALS:

• Scripts will be distributed the week after casting offers go out. 
• Rehearsals will begin on/around January 23rd.
• Rehearsals are typically held Monday through Thursday from 7:00p-10:00p and Saturday 1:00p-5:00p.

PERFORMANCES: 

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p, and Sundays at 2:00 p. Sometimes ticket demand causes us to add Saturday matinee performances at 2:00 p.  

CONFLICTS:

Please make sure to notate all conflicts that you are aware of on your conflict sheet when filling out your audition form. It is difficult to create a rehearsal schedule if we do not know all of your conflicts up front. Adding all of your conflicts after casting could result in removal of the production. 

CASTING:

Once casting is completed (typically 2-3 days after callbacks), emails will be sent to the actors that will be offered a role in the production. Once the full cast has accepted, everyone else who auditioned will be notified via email.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS: 

Everyone should self-monitor for symptoms and stay home if they do not feel well. You should also wear a mask if you have direct exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and get tested on the 5th day following the exposure.

We’re constantly monitoring and evaluating our policies and will update them based on guidance from the CDC.

The Georgetown Palace Theatre is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment in which all community members feel a sense of belonging and does not discriminate in casting practices on the basis of an individual’s ethnicity, age, gender, physical and cognitive ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, country of origin, or other factors.  We strongly encourage candidates of all ages, abilities, gender, and ethnicities to audition.

Please see our operating Standards at the following link:
Georgetown Palace Operating Standards

Everyone involved with the production must submit to a background check at the Palace’s expense. If you are cast, you will receive a secure link where you can fill it out. There is no cost to you.

The Georgetown Palace Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit organization. There is no compensation for any of the actors at this time.  

If you have any questions, please email productions@georgetownpalace.com.