KINGSTON, R.I. — Nov. 29, 2016 — The University of Rhode Island Theatre Department is calling for actors to audition for its spring 2017 production of “The School for Lies.” The auditions are open to the public. To register, call the URI Theatre Department at (401) 874-5921 or visit the theatre office on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road, Kingston.

“The School for Lies,” written by David Ives, adapted from “The Misanthrope” by Molière, is set in Paris in 1666 at a fashionable salon run by the sharp-tongued and witty young widow, Celimene. She is pursued by a number of shallow suitors whom she is able to live off of without ever having to take them up on any of their offers. Enter Frank, who has recently changed his name while away in London. He is determined to live up to his new name by being frank and rude to everyone. When Frank and Celimene meet, the sparks fly in this hilarious production.

The Theatre Department seeks nine actors, six men and three women, to audition in G Studio of the Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road in Kingston on Dec. 13 and 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. Call backs will be held in J Studio of the Fine Arts Center on Dec. 17 from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Actors are asked to prepare a 1- to 2-minute comedic monologue from one of Molière’s plays translated by Richard Wilbur. Audition monologues can be cross gender.

The play is directed by Alan Hawkridge, with performances running Feb. 23-25 and March 2-4, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances Feb. 26 and March 5 at 3 p.m. “The School for Lies” will be performed in J Studio of the Fine Arts Center at 105 Upper College Road on the Kingston campus.

URI Theatre is committed to an environment of inclusion and diversity. Auditions are open to any student, staff member, or faculty member of The University of Rhode Island, as well as any member of the community. Non-traditional and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged.