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Miami University Theatre Fall 2025 Auditions

What the Constitution Means to Me

by Heidi Schreck
Directed by Gina Handy Minyard

What the Constitution Means to Me will be presented by the Miami University Department of Theatre and the Menard Family Center for Democracy on September 16 thru September 21, 2025 in the Gates-Abegglen Theater in the Center for Performing Arts.

Content Disclosure

This production includes mentions of domestic violence, homophobia, misogyny, transphobia, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, and discussions of abortion and its stigmatization.

About the Director

Gina Handy Minyard (Director, she/her) is excited to return to Miami University, having previously directed The Thanksgiving Play. A passionate theatre artist, Gina’s work spans performing, directing, and teaching. She is the Founding Artistic Director of Magnolia Theatre Company, dedicated to producing female-driven theatre since 2012.

Gina’s teaching credits include Dayton Public Schools, Sinclair Community College, Dayton Live, Town Hall Theatre, Columbus Children's Theatre, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. As a director, she has collaborated with Wright State University, Short North Stage, Miami University, Festival 56, Vandalia Youth Theatre, and Town Hall Theatre.

She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Mars Hill University and has pursued additional training in theatrical intimacy and the Michael Chekhov technique. Currently, Gina is an M.F.A. Theatre candidate at Randolph College. She is also a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.

Audition Information and Instructions

Summary of What the Constitution Means to Me from Concord Theatricals

Playwright Heide Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

Roles

A description of each role is provided below

Heidi

Female, white, 40’s. A woman who is reflective and uses that lens for the audience to see the play. A dynamic storyteller, who is engaging, smart, passionate, and witty. Alternates from adulthood to her 15-year-old self throughout the play. Full disclosure: We are auditioning students and professionals for this role.

Note: the play will be cast and performed with either the role of Mike OR Danny based on the audition process. We are only casting one of these roles.

Legionnaire/Mike

Man of any race. Legionnaire is assertive, and a stickler for the rules and monitors the debates. Mike is Hedi’s ally and friend. A gay man who is reflective and genuine.

Legionnaire/Danny

Man of any race…Legionnaire is assertive, and a stickler for the rules and monitors the debates. Danny is Heidi’s ally, a man who is reflective and honest. He is sensitive about not fitting in as a child and how his Dad acted as a role model for him.

Debater

Teenage female of any race. Appears only in Act 2. A high school student. Bright and aware.

Audition Time and Location

Auditions will be held in person on Sunday, April 6 from 2-5pm in the Gates-Abegglen Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts. Please arrive to the Green Room (CPA 144) 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time.

How to Sign Up for an Audition

  1. Please complete the Audition Form
  2. Please sign up using the Audition Signup for the first available time slot for which you are available. This will help us to move efficiently through the audition process and respect everyone’s time.
  3. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time.

What to Prepare

Please memorize and prepare the provided monologue for the character(s) you’re auditioning for. If you are auditioning for more than 1 role, please prepare both monologues.

Headshot and Resume

If you have a resume, please upload it to the Audition Form. If you do not have a resume, you can complete the relevant experience on the Audition Form. Please submit a selfie or headshot and we will also photograph you at auditions to give the director a day of reference.

Callbacks

Callbacks will be held on 4/6 at 5:30 if needed.

Understudies

What the Constitution Means to Me will have understudies. Please consult the Understudy Policy for more information about what being an understudy means in the Miami University Department of Theatre.

Required Dates and Expectations

Spring 2025 Rehearsal Dates

May 6-8 from 6-10 pm

Summer 2025

Performers will be expected to be off-book on 8/25, so they will be meeting with the Stage Management team during the summer to check progress toward memorization.

Fall 2025 Rehearsal Dates

Rehearsals: August 25 to September 10, Monday through Friday from 6-10 pm - no rehearsal on Sept. 1 for Labor Day
Tech Rehearsals: September 11 and 12 from 6-11 pm and September 13 from 1-4 pm
Dress Rehearsals: September 13 and 14 from 6-11 pm
Performances: September 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 pm and September 21 at 2:00 pm
Note: Call times for performances will be up to 90 minutes prior to curtain.

Cast Strike: Strike will occur approx. one hour after the end of the Sunday, September 20th performance.

There will be a KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival) response after one of the productions. This is required.

Photo Call: Will be held likely prior to Saturday’s performance. This will add approximately 90 minutes to that call and is required.

FAQ

What if I have a conflict for callbacks or auditions?

Email the stage manager ASAP to let them know. We will work out accommodations on a case by case basis.

What if I need an accommodation to attend auditions or participate in a production?

Please contact Student Disability Services for information about accommodations.

Department of Theatre

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