Hamilton-Gibson Productions is holding auditions for 2 plays that will be performed in rep— on the same weekends on the same stage. “The Rembrandt” will be directed by Sarah Lawton and “Red” will be directed by Thomas Putnam. Auditions for both shows will be held together on June 25 at 6:30pm, June 27 at 10:30am, and June 28 at 1:30pm in the Warehouse Gallery, 3 Central Ave., Wellsboro.

Performances will be September 24, 25, 26, 27, and October 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the Coolidge Theatre. Both plays explore the transformative power of painting.

“The Rembrandt,” by Jessica Dickey, tells the story of when a museum guard decides to touch a famous Rembrandt painting and a remarkable journey across the ages ensues. Spanning centuries of human experience, the playexplores the power of creative expression and the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of love and beauty, reminding us that though our beliefs may die with the sound of our voice, it’s the love we share—and the art that love inspires—that finds eternity.

“The Rembrandt” needs five actors who play more than one role. Actor One (male, 50s-60s): Henry – museum guard, bookish, grieving but in denial; Rembrandt – the painter; brilliant, grumpy, soft-hearted; Actor Two (male, early 20s; plays 13-24): Dodger – training to be a guard, subversive, tattooed seeker; Titus – Rembrandt’s son, clever, loves his father, pragmatic; Actor Three (female, early/mid-20s): Madeline – art student, forthright, grieving, not afraid to argue; Henny – Rembrandt’s partner, loving, practical, grounded; Actor Four (male, 30s-40s): Jonny – guard, military background, carries a gun, caring in his way; Martin – hospice care nurse, strong, knowing; Actor Five (male, 60s-70s): Simon – Henry’s husband, a poet, has an inherent grace and toughness; Homer – the ancient poet, visionary, crude, crazy, brilliant.

“Red” is the story of two men: artist Mark Rothko and his assistant Ken. Viewed through the lens of Ken, we witness Rothko at the pinnacle of his creativity but struggling through the creation of a series of large paintings, commissioned by New York’s new Four Seasons Restaurant. The two men–older and younger–challenge each other to ask big questions about art: what it takes to create it and what its role should be in the world. Based on a series of real events, this play takes a compelling look at the ever-changing relationship between an artist and his creations. There are roles for two men.

Rothko is a renowned abstract expressionist painter and the central figure in the play. He is depicted as intensely passionate about his art, deeply intellectual, and somewhat egotistical. He is often philosophical and contemplative, and his interactions with Ken reveal his inner conflicts and fears about fading relevance in a rapidly changing art world.

Ken is a fictional character who serves as Rothko’s young assistant. He is eager and idealistic, Throughout the play, Ken challenges Rothko’s ideas and beliefs about art, prompting Rothko to reflect on his own principles and approach. Ken’s character development is crucial as he evolves from an impressionable assistant to someone who confidently questions Rothko’s motivations and decisions. His presence forces Rothko to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and his work.

No preparation is necessary for the audition, and there will be no singing or dancing. Those who cannot make any auditions should reach out to the director at thomas@hamiltongibson.org or sbrion123@gmail.com.