"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."

The department asks that you do not immediately accept the role until you have read the play(s), waited 48 hours, and fully understand its contents and needs. Please wait until Monday morning 5.6.24 to accept, and in the meantime contact the department (Peter Sampieri for ANGELS, Ginger Eckert for SILENT SKY) with any questions you have about interpretation of moments, costumes, illusions of intimacy/violence. Thank you!

REMINDERS:

• ACCEPTING YOUR ROLE:
Actors cannot accept their role until they thoroughly read and understand the content of the script. Actors are strongly encouraged to email the director to ask any questions about illusions of intimacy, violence, staging, costumes, or any content of concern. This process is meant to empower you, and must be done before accepting the role.

• CASTING POLICY: GRADES
All casting is contingent upon good academic standing after the Spring 2024 semester ends. GPA, TPP, and good Academic Standing must be maintained to keep your role. If a student is put on Academic Warning or Academic Probation at the end of the Spring 2024 semester (with a GPA of 2.0 or less), they will be removed from their role so they can focus on their academics. 

• MEASUREMENT APPOINTMENTS:
Ryan Goodwin, the Costume Shop Supervisor, will email all Silent Sky and Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches actors for whom he does not have recent measurements on file. Students who were not cast in a Theatre Department Mainstage production this year should please keep an eye on their SSU email and reply to Ryan ASAP to sign up for a Measurement Appointment on Monday-Wednesday, May 6-8. (Measurement appointments must take place before students leave campus for the summer and are a requirement of the Actor TPP contract.) Thank you!  

HOW TO ACCEPT YOUR ROLE:
To accept your role in a Salem State University Theatre Department Fall 2024 production, please read the documents listed below and then complete the online form.