A unique theatrical production set to bring Newport’s Common Burying Ground to life is holding final auditions this weekend for community members interested in history and acting.
“Life After Life,” an ambitious theater project created specifically for Newport’s historic Common Burying Ground, will hold auditions from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 12 and 13 at 16 1/2 Warner Street. The production is scheduled for four performances on November 1 and 2, 2025.
The play aims to tell the stories of Newporters buried in the Common Burying Ground and God’s Little Acre through encounters with the cemetery’s residents, exploring their interconnected stories, personalities, and regrets.
“In order to tell the story of the Newporters buried in the Common Burying Ground and God’s Little Acre we need all kinds of people to play many roles,” said Director Rebecca Noon. “We’re excited to include people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels, whether as performers in the show, singers in the choir, or behind-the-scenes helpers.”
The production, directed by Noon and Jed Hancock-Brainerd, will feature a large cast of local actors, singers, and musicians. In addition to speaking roles, the play will include both adult and children’s choruses led by Elizabeth Woodhouse of Newport Sings.
Community members interested in joining the chorus don’t need to audition or have singing experience, according to Woodhouse. “Rehearsals will be less frequent than for the actors, but you still get to be in the show. No need to audition either. We want the chorus to be open to everyone in the community regardless of performance experience.”
The production is also seeking volunteers for marketing, house management, stage management, and other support roles. “It will take a village to stage Life After Life,” Woodhouse noted.
The project received a $10,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation to stage the performances. Life After Life operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County.
More information about the auditions is available at centeraquidneck.com.
