The arts are thriving on the North Shore, and Castle Hill is leading the way.
A theatre group that didn’t even exist 10 years ago is now holding auditions for its entire season in one fell swoop.
“One show at a time,” says Castle Hill Productions founder Kristina Grundmann, a longtime Ipswich resident. “That’s how most community theatre groups audition their shows. Which totally makes sense. But we’ve grown now — I’d say we’re approaching a semi-pro level — so this year, we’re auditioning our full season, both the winter and summer shows.”
For North Shore actors, this is a big deal. They have twice the opportunity to be cast.
The Crane Estate-based theatre group Grundmann started seven years ago (she’s now Cultural Programs Coordinator for The Trustees), will produce two innovative shows in its 2024 season.
“The Importance of Being Ernestine” will be a fresh perspective on Oscar Wilde’s comic masterpiece “The Importance of Being Earnest” — most of the roles gender-swapped, and the entire story updated to the Roaring Twenties — to be staged in the Castle Hill Great House Ballroom March 7-17.
Then comes Shakespeare’s classic comedy “As You Like It,” June 5-16 (mistaken identities, cross-dressing, misplaced affection, and more) — also updated to the Roaring Twenties — presented outdoors in the Crane Estate’s Casino complex.
Auditions for both shows will take place by appointment only at Castle Hill in the Great House Ballroom, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, on Thursday, November 9, and Sunday, November 12, both days starting at 4 pm. Video auditions (recorded or live) will be accepted if needed. For details, email Kristina Grundmann directly via kbrendel@thetrustees.org.
Good Morning Gloucester 