High school actors plus adults wanted, auditions coming for Lake Superior Community Theatre “STAIRCASE”

Lake Superior Community Theatre (LSCT) is planning to stage the 1969 non-musical com­edy Up The Down Staircase by Chris­topher Sergel based upon the book by Bel Kaufman. The play release followed the 1967 movie premiere starring actress Sandy Dennis.

The theatre com­pany would present shows on the Sil­ver Bay William M. Kelley School stage March 27, 28, 29 & 30 + April 4, 5, 6, 2025.

LSCT founder Paul Deaner would direct and Kenneth “Ken­ny” Albrecht would stage manage. Duluth professional scenic designer and painter Ann Gumpper plus Silver Bay costumer/ makeup artist Rachel Drew-Thun are ready in the wings.

It would be LSCT’s return to the stage af­ter a two year break, stepping aside for Kelley music wing demolition and recon­struction. LSCT’s last offering was the 2023 drama The Diary of Anne Frank. (The community theatre company started grass roots operations in 2002 & incorporated in 2007.)

“Staircase” is the story of first year high school English teach­er Sylvia Barret and her intercity school homeroom & class of rowdy, but lovable students. The title represents the some­what contradictory, silly, and at times un­necessary red tape, rules and regulations of school education. The heart of the play is Sylvia’s efforts & dedication to teach, “get through” to her students and connect to their hungry minds and hearts. She suc­ceeds.

The cast of charac­ters features 19 high school aged students grades 7-12, nine adult school staff plus Sylvia’s back-home friend Ellen. Excep­tions would be made for 6th graders who, “…have the chops,” according to Deaner.

Plans are somewhat tentative pending the clearing of the stage by the Kelley Music Department pending completion of their new school music suite. The play pro­duction is also depen­dent upon recruiting enough boys.

“We’re especial­ly looking for Wm. Kelley, home school, area high school aged boys, not to mention high school girls and adults,” Deaner said.

To schedule an audition with Paul Deaner, please contact him “immediately” at 218-353-7509 (land line, no text) or email deaner@lakeconnections.net.