‘The Cat in the Hat’ Holds Auditions

As the first week of the spring semester came to an end, auditions for Fresno City College’s theatrical production “The Cat in the Hat” also closed.

This theatrical adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat” showcases a vivid artistic interpretation using aerials and dance, while staying true to Dr. Seuss’ beloved story.

Janine Christl, the director for this show, has directed theater for 12 years. Some of her most notable work is “Grass Mirror” as well as her theater company, Epic Theatre’s, production of “The Shape of Things.” This year, she will be working with choreographer Amy Querin to bring life to “The Cat in the Hat.”

“It’s all about your imagination and how far you can take it,” Christl said. “You have to really step back as the reader and go, ‘If I was a little kid imagining all these things happening, how would that translate to the stage?’ And that’s really the goal.”

The stage manager for the show, Chelsea Hatler, is majoring in technical theatre at FCC. Hatler was also the stage manager for “Farragut North,” one of FCC’s fall semester productions.

“There’s something beautiful about being given a blank canvas, like a stage, and turning it into art,” Hatler said about her devotion to theatre. “Ms. Christl is brilliant and gives a sparkle to anything she does; the aerial work for the show is an interesting take. I’m glad to be a part of this show, as much work as it is.”

The theatre scene can be labor intensive, but those who enjoy the field are thoroughly committed to its schedule. Rehearsals go for two hours a day, six days of the week, from casting until opening night.

Auditions took place from Jan. 12 to 14 at the FCC Theatre Arts Building in the Main Stage Theatre, with callbacks at noon on Jan 14. A few students described the audition process as nerve-wracking.

“Now that I’m older and have been doing it for a while, I’m not as intimidated,” Courtney Carini, a dancer and aerialist who auditioned, said. “I’m coming to it in a different mental state, but we’ll see if I still get nervous.”

Christl said many people were expected to audition, despite only 12 roles in the show. Students have roughly two to three minutes to showcase their dance, aerial, and/or monologue abilities.

“As a director, you always feel bad in the audition process because there’s always some people that you know could benefit from the work,” said Christl. “But you just have to make those tough choices.”

“The Cat in the Hat” is scheduled to run on March 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., with matinee showings on March 5, 10 and 11 at 2 p.m. in the Main Stage Theatre at Fresno City College. Tickets are $14 for students and are on sale now in the theatre box office and online.