Ascension Community Theatre to put on 110th show with ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

Trinity Velazquez
·2 min read
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ASCENSION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — Ascension Community Theatre is preparing for its 110th show after opening almost 25 years ago.

The theater is located in Gonzales and its first production was “Gift of Christmas” in December 1999.

Dustin M. Delaune, Ascension Community Theatre Board of Directors president, said the best part about ACT is the people.

“There’s something so incredibly special about people who are willing to come out and do something they’ve never done before and figure things out on the spot,” Delaune said. “Every single position on a production, from stagehand to director, is open to volunteers from our community.”

Delaune said because they are an all-volunteer theater, costumes or lights are handled by different people. Anyone who has thought about costume or lighting design is welcome to try it.

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“And we’ll be sure to find a place for them,” Delaune said.

“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry is ACT’s upcoming production. The play follows the Youngers, a Black family living in Chicago’s South side, as they struggle with poverty and a decision to move to an all-white neighborhood.

Delaune said they chose to put on “A Raisin in the Sun” based on a James Baldwin quote about the script. Baldwin said, “Never before in the entire history of the American theatre had so much of the truth of black people’s lives been seen on the stage.”

“We wanted our community theatre to be reflective of our entire community and ensure that everyone could see a little bit of themselves on stage,” Delaune said.

There is no age limit in auditioning for a role at ACT, Delaune said. Some auditions will only be 18 and up depending on the content.

“Each role has their own age range and most actors can typically play ten years younger or older than the specified range,” Delaune said.

A lot of work to prepare for the show begins before auditions begin. Rehearsals can be an hour or more.

“By the time the actors sit down for the read-through, there have been so many people working to make sure things run smoothly,” Delaune said. “Most directors will begin running scenes as soon as possible, watching their actors make choices and occasionally pausing rehearsal to give a bit of direction or discuss a dense or difficult piece of the script.”

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“A Raisin in the Sun” will run from Feb. 15-25. Buy tickets here.

As they prepare for opening night, Delaune said ACT’s next show will be “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Auditions are from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 19-20. Sign up here.

“We’re looking for a very large cast of actors and backstage personnel. No experience required,” Delaune said.

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