It’s a ‘War of the Worlds!’

Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center will hold open auditions for the Long Island premiere of Joe Landry’s “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast, A Live Radio Play.” Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.

Auditions begin promptly; late arrivals will be seen at the discretion of the director. Readings from the script will occur. Sides will be provided.

Michael Disher directs the show and performances will held on Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22. Landry’s radio play is inspired by and includes Howard Koch’s infamous Halloween 1938 radio broadcast, based on the novel by H. G. Wells.

“We are truly looking forward to working with this accomplished team in bringing live theater to the Southampton Arts Center,” said Christina Strassfield, executive director of SAC.

Joe Landry’s “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast, A Live Radio Play” highlights the day leading up to the infamous Halloween 1938 broadcast — and its unpredictable aftermath.

The script is set on Sunday, October 31, 1948 in a studio at WBFR, a metropolitan radio station with some action suggesting Studio One at CBS in Manhattan and other locations.

Casting is flexible. Roles include: WBFR stage manager, Howard Koch (Mercury Theatre on the Air writer), John Houseman (Mercury Theatre on the Air co-producer), Ora Nichols (Mercury Theatre on the Air head sound engineer), Orson Welles (Mercury Theatre on the Air director, co-producer, actor), Dan Seymour (Mercury Theatre on the Air announcer and actor), as well as several other roles. Actors must cover many roles, so vocal dexterity is required. The play is performed by the ensemble of WBFR Playhouse of the Air actors who create all the characters and create the live sound effects.

Those auditioning should wear suitable clothing and shoes for an audition and have a flexible schedule. Most rehearsals are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during the day. Casting will be immediate as the first rehearsal is Sunday, September 17. Minimal rehearsals, no memorization is required, but always preferred. Familiarity with the script is a must.

For further information, contact Michael Disher at mbentondisher@gmail.com.