A Streetcar Named Desire

Audition Dates

July 17 & 18 at 6:00pm with rehearsals to begin shortly thereafter

Performance Dates

September 8, 9, 15, & 16 (all 7:30 pm)
September 10 & 17 (both 2:00 pm)

Audition, rehearsal and performance location

J. Philip Gibbs, Jr., Centre for the Performing Arts
(Old Town Theatre) 1023 12th St., Huntsville, TX 77340

TIcket Prices

Adults $12
Seniors $10
Military $10
Student (w/ID) $6
Children (17 and under) $6

Purchases or Reserve Tickets Online Here
PURCHASE ONLINE with credit or debit card
RESERVE will-call tickets online, or by calling HCT's message line at 936-228-1996.
Will-call tickets must be paid for with CASH or CHECK; credit/debit cards cannot be accepted at the theatre.
HCT Box Office opens ONE HOUR before each scheduled showtime.

Synopsis

A Streetcar Named Desire (drama) - "The play reveals to the very depths the character of Blanche du Bois, a woman whose life has been undermined by her romantic illusions, which lead her to reject—so far as possible—the realities of life with which she is faced and which she consistently ignores. The pressure brought to bear upon her by her sister, with whom she goes to live in New Orleans, intensified by the earthy and extremely "normal" young husband of the latter, leads to a revelation of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness.
This celebrated play had a long and successful run on Broadway and the road. A tragic and effective drama which ranks as one of the greatest in our theatre." (from Dramatists Play Service)

Character Descriptions

6 men, 6 women (3 or 4 minor roles): 12 total

PLEASE NOTE: The character descriptions given on this site are general descriptions; our directors have ultimate say in casting (unless contractually held to a trait by the production’s publisher). Please do not let a character trait in the description keep you from auditioning.

About the Cast and Crew

MELISSA M. MILLER (Blanche) is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, having earned her BFA in Theatre, and since developed an extensive resume of theatrical credits in acting, directing, playwriting and theatre production. She has a penchant for the classics, and spent the better part of seven years creating with, and for, Long Beach Shakespeare Company (LBSC) in Long Beach, California. There, she honed her craft, working with professionals and amateurs on forty plus projects. Recent work with Huntsville Community Theatre includes directing "Murder at the Howard Johnson’s", and undertaking the role of Joy in "Shadowlands". Outside of HCT, she directed last year’s production of "Dust Bowl Motel", which presented in Conroe at The Crighton Theatre as a fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation and Sam Houston State University scholarships. Melissa continued her charitable efforts this past summer writing, directing and producing a brief Murder Mystery for the 8th Annual Diva Night, presented by the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. The past three years, Melissa has taught English and Theatre for Trinity ISD, and this year is proud to be coming home to Huntsville to fill the role of Theatre Teacher at Huntsville High School. She looks forward to the challenges that await her.

JENNIFER BARNES (Stella) is excited to be back at the Huntsville Community Theatre after a year's hiatus. Past shows with HCT include The Miss Firecracker Contest (Elain), Jake's Women (Older Molly) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Mother). Jennifer previously worked in both theatre and film in New York and Los Angeles before making the move to Texas. Education: BFA Drama, NYU. Many thanks to her wonderful friends and family for their support, especially her husband and furbabies. This one is for Melody. I know you would be here if you could. You might even be watching anyway.

PATRICK KERSTENS (Stanley) This is Patrick’s second show at the Huntsville Community Theatre. Patrick is an acting/directing major at Sam Houston State University and hopes to one day make a living as an actor. Patrick would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support. He would also like to thank the director, Velvia Keithley, for this incredible opportunity.

DAVID A. KEITHLEY (Mitch) is originally from Littlefield, Texas near Lubbock, Texas. David graduated from Texas Tech University in 2004 with a B.A. in Psychology, and in 2007 from Sam Houston State University with a M.A. in School Psychology. David and his family have lived in Huntsville for the last 9 years. David currently works as the Director of Special Education for Trinity ISD. David has acted in previous HCT productions of "Bell Book and Candle," "Alone Together," "Twelve Angry Men," "The Boys Next Door," "Shadowlands," "Almost, Maine," "Harvey" and most recently in "Murder at the Howard Johnson’s." He assistant directed HCT’s production of "Anatomy of Gray" and directed HCT’s productions of "Hate Mail" and "Dr. Cook’s Garden." David is married to the wonderful and talented director Velvia Keithley, and has two talented and beautiful daughters, Ashlea Zadakis and Johanna Keithley.

TYLER MAHLER (Steve) is a freshman at Sam Houston State University and is majoring in Theatre Education. This is his first production with the Huntsville Community Theatre. He would like to perform on Broadway in the future. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

TAYLON BLACK (Eunice) Theatre is Taylon’s passion, and although she has always been dramatic, she accredits her sister as the spark to her theatrical flame. From high school into college, she has performed in numerous productions, including Tom Sawyer (Mrs. Harper), The Odd Couple (Cecily Pigeon), and many others, several of which were written by her mentor and college theatre professor, Dr. Shellie O’Neal. During her time at the HCT, she has performed in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Mrs. McCarthy, in Proof as Claire, and recently made her directorial debut with Waiting in Tobolsk. When not on stage she enjoys writing plays, spoiling her sweet puppy, Lettie, and daydreaming. She also serves as a board member at HCT.

DANE McKETHAN (Pablo) Dane recently transferred to Sam Houston State University, and he is majoring in biology and minoring in theater. He has not acted in theater or film before, but he took an interest in it this summer. He plans to pursue acting in the future.

DARRELL SPRINGER (Doctor/Ensemble) is fresh off a 35-year engagement entertaining, and caring for patients in the Emergency room as a registered nurse. In between, he has been in many talent shows doing standup comedy, and Emcee work. Involvement in community theater overseas during military service lead to minor roles in Man of LA Mancha and Anything Goes. He was most recently seen as Interviewer and Ed Fenstermaker in The Days and Nights of BeeBee Fenstermaker, as well as Officer Duggar and Cousin Chicken in Mama Won’t Fly. He is extremely thrilled to be part of Huntsville Community Theater Family.

CHRISTINA TAYLOR WOOD (Nurse/Ensemble) is extremely excited to be returning to the Huntsville Community Theatre family as a member of the ensemble. Christina is no stranger to theatre. After graduating from Baylor Law School, Christina returned to the area and is now the Assistant Criminal District Attorney for San Jacinto County. She also received her Bachelors in Psychology from Texas A&M where she was seen as Lucy in The Beggar’s Opera and Madame de Rosemonde in Dangerous Liaisons. Her Huntsville Community Theatre debut was in Cheaper by the Dozen as Ernestine Gilbreth, and also appeared as Hope in Almost, Maine and Nurse Ruth Kelly in Harvey. You may have also seen her in her UIL Award winning roles Thelma in Trip to Bountiful, Clara in To See the Stars, and Elda Tate in A Rose for Emily. Her favorite roles include Alice Ann in Only You and Patty Simcox in GREASE! She most recently appeared as Olga in Waiting in Tobolsk. When she is not on stage, Christina loves to read, write, and spend time with her family and friends.

HOLLY PAGE (Flower Peddler/Ensemble) first discovered an interest in acting during her first year at college. It was on the film set as an extra in the movie The Return that her love of acting & film were set in stone. Holly made her HCT stage debut as the elderly Mrs. Chauvenet in Harvey. Following that, she was cast as the wicked Goneril in William Shakespeare's King Lear. Next, she played the church gossip, Edna Slocum in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. However, Holly's most challenging & favorite role was that of Maggie in Neal Simon’s comedy Jake's Women. She assisted backstage in the final show of the 2015-2016 season, The Miss Firecracker Contest. Holly also performed on stage at the Crighton Theater in Conroe as Tia Carlita in The Dust Bowl Motel. Holly’s most recent role at HCT was Empress Alexandra Romanov in Waiting in Tobolsk. Holly joined the HCT Board of Directors mid-2016 and looks forward to helping behind the scenes. Other than her passions for film and acting, Holly loves animals, traveling and spending time with her loved ones.

MARCO ALVARADO (Young Collector/Ensemble) is a junior at Sam Houston State University. He was recently cast in SHSU’s production of The Love of the Nightingale and was Edmond in HCT’s production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. His most recent role was Alexei Romanov in Waiting in Tobolsk. In his free time, he enjoys petting fluffy kittens and eating tapioca.

ROBYN CARTER (Stage Manager) is the mother of four boys, three of which were taught by Velvia Keithley. Robin has been a part of the Texas Renaissance Festival for 22 years, a Scout Mom for 19 years, Walker County Relay for 13 years, a drama mama for 10 years, a band mom for 7 years, and now is helping Velvia with A Streetcar Named Desire.

CHUCK FIELDS (Set Foreman/Sound) is a carpenter/remodeler by trade, and has been doing it since 1972. He has been involved with the Community Theatre since Harvey when he was asked to help with the set. He has been building the sets since then. He has only acted in one play at the theatre. He enjoys being part of the theatre and bringing enjoyment to all of you.

MATTHEW FIELDS (Lights) is 17 years old and goes to Huntsville High School. He has done some acting, but is now more interested in the tech part of theatre. He does the lights and/or sound for most of the plays at the HCT. He is also involved in the theatre in school.

BRITTANY REBELES (Prop Master) is a graduating senior at Sam Houston State University. She got her start in theatre in high school in their productions of Noises Off and Grease. In her time at HCT, she has also been the Scenic Painter for the children's camp. When not in the theatre, she enjoys reading tarot cards.

JOHANNA KEITHLEY (Rehearsal Assistant) is a junior at Huntsville High School. She was last seen on the stage as Suzanne in the 2017 UIL One Act play "Dearly Departed," where she won an All-Star Cast Award, and an Honorable Mention All-Star award. She also played Dorothy in the Huntsville High School musical production of "The Wizard of Oz." She began acting at the age of three, following in her family's footsteps. Musical Theatre is her passion and she hopes one day to light up the sky on Broadway and/or to be a movie star. "Though she be little, she is fierce." Follow her on Snapchat at johanna_222.

About the Director

VELVIA KEITHLEY is currently a theater teacher at Huntsville high school, where she has taught for nine years. She is also the creator and director of the Huntsville Community Theatre's Summer Children's Theatre program, for the last eight years, and the Teen Theatre Academy, which just had its inaugural summer this past year. "A Streetcar Named Desire" will be Velvia's fifth adult production at HCT over the last eight years. She has been seen onstage at HCT in "Almost, Maine" and "Jake's Women."

About the Authors

Thomas Lanier "Tennessee" Williams III (March 26, 1911 – February 25, 1983) was an American playwright. He is considered among the three foremost playwrights in 20th-century American drama. (Wikipedia)

Box Office Hours

HCT’s Box Office opens one hour before the start time of each production.

7:30 PM Productions – Box Office opens at 6:30 PM
2:00 PM Matinee – Box Office opens at 1:00 PM

PRESS CONTACT

HCT Message Line: 936-228-1996
Email: hct.board@gmail.com

Purchase a 2017-18 Season Membership HERE

"A Streetcar Named Desire" is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service