Auditions are open to all who are interested - no previous theater experience necessary! Roles are available for ten adult women and two adult men. WOMEN OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION.

This is an independently produced, fundraising and awareness-raising benefit production of "Birth," not affiliated with a theater company, and all roles are volunteer positions. No prepared is necessary; materials will be provided at the auditions (actors may request material prior to the audition by contacting the coordinator at 218-590-1891 or via e-mail at [email protected].) Dress comfortably, in clothing that you can move around in easily. Also, please bring (or be prepared to provide) as detailed a schedule as possible of your availability from July 29 through September 29.

"Birth" will be performed at the new Harbor City International School theater September 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2008. Actors must be available for production on all 4 days. A read-through will be held in the week of July 28 with rehearsals beginning in August (exact dates to be determined based on the various schedules of the cast and crew). Actors may anticipate rehearsals 1 or 2 days per week until the last three weeks prior to opening when rehearsals will be 2 to 3 times per week. Tech Day will be September 21.

"Birth" is a play based on over one hundred interviews playwright Karen Brody conducted with mothers across America who gave birth between 2000-2004. It tells the true stories of 8 women painting a portrait of how low-risk, educated women are giving birth in America today.

Duluth is one of many cities around the world organizing productions of "Birth" as part of BOLD 2008 (http://www.boldaction.org). BOLD (Birth On Labor Day) is a global movement to make maternity care mother-friendly that raises awareness about maternity care issues, raises money for organizations working to make maternity care mother-friendly, and validates mothers' birth experiences in all communities worldwide.

The 2008 BOLD in Duluth proceeds will be donated to two organizations working towards mother friendly maternity care – Birthing Ways Doula Connection and the Northland Birth Network.

Volunteers are also needed for a wide variety of roles in organizing this event. Please contact Deb McLaughlin if you are interested: 218-590-1891 or e-mail: [email protected].