“The story of The Yellow Boat is a glorious affirmation of a child's life and the strength and courage of all children. This dramatization is based on the true story of David and Sonja Saar's son, Benjamin, who was born with congenital hemophilia and died in 1987 at the age of 8 of AIDS-related complications. A uniquely gifted visual artist, Benjamin's buoyant imagination transformed his physical and emotional pain into a blaze of colors and shapes in his fanciful drawings and paintings. A Scandinavian folk song tells of three little boats: "One was blue, one was red and one was yellow as the sun. They sailed far out to sea. The blue one returned to the harbor. The red one sailed home, too. But the yellow boat sailed up to the sun." Benjamin always concluded his bedtime ritual by saying, "Mom, you can be the red boat or the blue boat, but I am the yellow boat.” ”
- Dramatic Publishing Company
“It is about the power of imagination and art to transform our lives and make them full of color, energy, humor and hope.”
- Childsplay’s Production of The Yellow Boat
Benjamin (Male) - A uniquely gifted visual artist who was born with congenital hemophilia and passes away at the age of 8 of AIDS-related complications. His powerful imagination shows everyone the true meaning of living.
Mother (Female) - Benjamin’s mother
Father (Male) - Benjamin’s father
Joy - Child Life Specialist to Benjamin
Eddy - Benjamin’s best friend
The following characters are an extended part of Benjamin’s remarkable voyage:
Chorus #1 - #4
Doctor #1 - #4
Eddy’s Mother (Female)
Coach #1
Teacher #1 - #3
Kid #1 - #4
Healer #1 and #2
Casting 20 middle and high school age actors in this production.
COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS:
In the course of preparing for the Show, cast and crew will have the chance to hear from community leaders from Chatham County Public Health Department, UNC School of Social Work, UNC Health’s Hospice Team, and others in order to better understand the play and enhance character development.
'The Yellow Boat' auditions are open to all middle and high school age actors of any identity and ability.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions after reading through the information below, please feel free to join Mr. Samuel on Monday, February 12th, 6:30 - 7:30pm on Zoom for a question-and-answer (Q&A) session. This is a time where you can get relevant questions answered and feel more prepared for the audition process.
Click HERE for Q&A Session Zoom.
When and where are auditions?
The initial audition will be Friday, March 1st, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm in the Multipurpose Room at George Moses Horton Middle School, 79 Horton Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
All auditionees must attend the 4:30pm briefing and will be dismissed after their audition.
Do I need to complete an audition form?
Yes! In order to audition, auditionees should fill out the Audition Form.
What do I need to audition?
A memorized one to two-minute monologue or poem of your choice that encompasses your childlike imagination. Monologues or poems can be from published plays, musicals, poetry books, TV shows, or movies for this audition.
A digital copy of your headshot/photo of yourself.
OPTIONAL - you can list previous show experience or upload a resume in the audition form. This is not required.
Will the others see my audition?
No. Your audition will just be in front of Mr. Samuel and possibly an adult assistant.
How will I know if I was called back?
The callback list will be emailed to parents/guardians on Friday, March 1st, 2024 by 9:00pm.
When and where are callbacks?
Callbacks will be Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Please plan to stay the entire time.
Callbacks will be in the Multipurpose Room at George Moses Horton Middle School, 79 Horton Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
What will occur at callbacks?
Cold readings from the script for specific characters. Everyone who received a callback will be present.
Can I audition and interview for Tech?
Yes, however, you may only serve as an actor or technician, not both. If you decide to audition and interview, please follow the instructions under both the Audition Information and Technician Interview Information sections.
What does it mean if I was not called back?
Callbacks will be limited to a handful of characters. Many roles will be cast without a callback. Please check the cast list even if you are not called back.
When and where will the cast list be posted?
The cast list will be emailed to parents/guardians by Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 at 5:00pm.
I have been cast in a role, what do I do now?
Attend our first rehearsal on Friday, March 15th, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm in the Multipurpose Room at George Moses Horton Middle School, 79 Horton Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
I have not been cast in a role, what do I do now?
Unfortunately, there are not going to be enough roles for every single person to be cast in this show. If you were not cast, please don’t be discouraged. The casting decision process is very hard and based on many factors. You are encouraged to continue seeking opportunities to get involved with Circle City Theatre Company. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us. Continue being yourself and believing in yourself!
When will rehearsals be?
Rehearsals will begin Friday, March 15th, 2024, 4:30-7:30pm. Check out the full Rehearsal Calendar. Attendance is required at the rehearsals and performances listed below in red.
Date Start Time End Time
3/1/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
3/2/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
3/15/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
3/16/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
3/22/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
3/23/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
4/10/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/12/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/13/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
4/15/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/17/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/19/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/20/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
4/22/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/23/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/24/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/25/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/26/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/27/2024 12:00 PM 5:00 PM
4/29/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/30/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
5/1/2024 5:00 PM 9:30 PM
5/2/2024 5:00 PM 9:30 PM
5/3/2024 5:00 PM 9:30 PM
5/4/2024 12:00 PM 9:30 PM
Note: Actors may not be called for every rehearsal and/or may not be called for the full rehearsal. Actors will be notified of call times in advance by a daily call communication.
When does the show go up?
May 2nd - 4th, 2024 in the Multipurpose Room at George Moses Horton Middle School, 79 Horton Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
'The Yellow Boat' technician interviews are open to all middle and high school age individuals of any identity and ability.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions after reading the information below, please feel free to join Mr. Samuel on Monday, February 12th, 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom for a question-and-answer (Q&A) session. This is a time where you can get relevant questions answered and feel more prepared for the tech interview process.
Click HERE for Q&A Session Zoom.
What is a Tech Interview?
A time for anyone interested in the technical (behind-the-scenes) side of theatre to meet with Mr. Samuel and talk about their interest in a tech crew position.
What tech crew positions are available?
Stage Manager (SM) - In this production, the SM is responsible for setting up and breaking down the rehearsal and performance space, taking attendance, recording blocking, being on book, issuing line notes, taking general notes, keeping track of times, creating and executing pre-show and post-show checks, overseeing backstage during tech rehearsals and performances, delegating duties/tasks to ASM, and clearly communicating needs, issues, and updates to Director. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by Director.
Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) - In this production, the ASM is responsible for assisting the SM with duties/tasks throughout the show. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by Director.
Scenic/Properties Run Crew Head - In this production, the Scenic/Properties Run Crew Head is responsible for setting up all backstage and on-stage set and props at the beginning of each tech rehearsal and performance and striking them at the end. Also, this position reports any set and prop operation/maintenance issues to stage management. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by Director.
Costume Run Crew Head - In this production, the Costume Run Crew Head is responsible for setting up all costume garments at the beginning of each tech rehearsal and performance and striking them at the end. Also, this position assists in specific actors' costume quick-changes, and reports any costume operation/maintenance issues to stage management. Other position-related duties/tasks may be assigned by Director.
When and where are tech interviews?
Tech Interviews will be Sunday, March 3rd, 2024, 3:00-5:30pm on Zoom.
All interviewees must attend the 3:00pm briefing and will be dismissed after their interview.
Click HERE for the Tech Interview Zoom.
Do I need to sign up to interview and complete a Tech Interview Form?
Yes! In order to interview, interviewees should fill out the Tech Interview Form.
What do I need to interview?
A device with Zoom capabilities.
A digital copy of your headshot/photo of yourself.
OPTIONAL- you can list previous show experience or upload a resume in the interview form. This is not required.
OPTIONAL - you can upload work samples that showcase your previous work in the interview form. This is not required.
Interviews could last up to 15 minutes.
What are the tech crew position time commitments?
The Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager are needed for the entire duration of the production process: Friday, March 15th, 2024 - Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
The Scenic/Properties and Costume Run Crew Heads are needed periodically throughout the production process: Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 and Thursday, April 25th, 2024 - Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
Check out the full Rehearsal Calendar. Attendance is required at the rehearsals and performances listed below in red.
Date Start Time End Time
3/1/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
3/2/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
3/15/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
3/16/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
3/22/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
3/23/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
4/10/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/12/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/13/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
4/15/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/17/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/19/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/20/2024 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
4/22/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/23/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/24/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/25/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/26/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/27/2024 12:00 PM 5:00 PM
4/29/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
4/30/2024 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
5/1/2024 5:00 PM 9:30 PM
5/2/2024 5:00 PM 9:30 PM
5/3/2024 5:00 PM 9:30 PM
5/4/2024 12:00 PM 9:30 PM
Note: Crew may not be called for every rehearsal and/or may not be called for the full rehearsal. Crew will be notified of call times in advance by a daily call communication.
Will the others see my interview?
No. Your interview will just be with Mr. Samuel and possibly an adult assistant.
Can I interview and audition?
Yes, however, you may only serve as a technician or actor, not both. If you decide to interview and audition, please follow the instructions under both the Technician Interview Information and Audition Information sections.
When and where will the Tech List be posted?
The Tech List will be emailed to parents/guardians by Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 at 5:00pm.
I have received a tech position, what do I do now?
Attend our first rehearsal on Friday, March 15th, 2024 and then refer to the tech crew position time commitments for future rehearsals and performances.
Rehearsals and performances will be in the Multipurpose Room at George Moses Horton Middle School, 79 Horton Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
I did not receive a tech position, what do I do now?
Unfortunately, there are not going to be enough tech crew positions for every single person to receive one for this show. If you did not receive a position, please don’t get discouraged. The tech decision process is very hard and based on many factors. You are encouraged to continue seeking opportunities to get involved with Circle City Theatre Company. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us. Continue being yourself and believing in yourself!
When does the show go up?
May 2nd- 4th, 2024 in the Multipurpose Room at George Moses Horton Middle School, 79 Horton Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.