Fresno City College’s Theatre Arts program held auditions on Aug.19 and 20 for its fall plays, “Waiting for Lefty,” an American classic and “Farragut North,” an award-winning, off-Broadway production.

“Waiting for Lefty,” directed by Janine Christl and stage manager, Kaderina Guizer, is set in 1935 about the struggles of cab drivers during the Great Depression as they protest their unfair wages. This production will have a big cast with over 20 roles available.

“Farragut North” will be a smaller production and directed by Chuck Erven. With only eight major characters to enact the intense and unadulterated play about a successful press secretary, Stephen Bellamy, who makes a fatal mistake during a presidential primary sending his career spiraling downwards because of harsh and unforgiving politics.

“This play requires a real, honest performance,” Erven said, “you have to be open, accessible, and show an instinctive need to connect with somebody else on the stage.”

Chelsea Hatler, a veteran stage manager, is “excited to see people develop their inner actor,” since “Farragut North” will take place on a much smaller stage. “Most people who act, do it on a big stage and they’re very big and bold, and this is a different kind of experience,” Hatler said.

Auditions for both productions required a minute-long contemporary monologue and an additional 30 second song piece if auditioning for “Waiting for Lefty.” Several students will likely be participating in both productions.

Both of these plays, having to do with either politics or socio-economic issues, are coming to FCC at a time that is very relevant to these topics, with so much pending friction following the upcoming election.

FCC student, Andrew Garcia, auditioned for “Farragut North,” accrediting his interest in participating to the upsurge of Americans interested in politics. Garcia pointed out that “we’re just living in a political era,” he believes people are starting, “to pay more attention and be more aware,” of political issues. The same goes for “Waiting for Lefty,” which displays the vast wealth gap that plagued the Great Depression.

All student interested in theatre are encouraged to audition for future productions, although major roles may sometimes be limited, there is always opportunity for experience through ensemble roles. Stage manager, Kaderina Guizer explained that, “about 65 percent of auditioners usually get callbacks.”

“Waiting for Lefty” will be first to hit the stage on Sept. 30, through Oct. 8. “Farragut North” will debut on Nov. 11 through Nov. 19.