08/10/2026
Auditions extended to August 17! Please spread the word!
FirstLight Players is extending our open auditions for roles in "An Oasis in the Desert: Amy Post's Sophia Street Circle" (performances in October 2026). Please drop in Monday August 17 anytime from 6:30-8:30 and plan to stay about 30 minutes.
This is a new one-act historical play written by Ira Srole, one of the co-chairs for FirstLight Players. This bold play uses words from the historical record to show how Rochester NY was a vital center for radical reform in the mid-19th century.
Auditions are continuing for the 10 speaking roles, held in the sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester NY (220 Winton Road S.):
Monday August 17 6:30-8:30 pm
Drop in any time during the window and plan to stay about 30 minutes.
If this time doesn't work for you, please email [email protected] for an audition time.
Performance dates:
-- Premiere performances: Friday October 23 evening; Saturday October 24 afternoon
-- For Greece Historical Society: Tuesday October 27 evening
Please read the full announcement here for more details:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rAKVTBI1vVf1z4yq1RaSj4nOiTtrIsUj9EzLyfFZg5Y/view?tab=t.0 =h.o86knxw1jumt
It helps us if you complete the Audition Form before arrival: https://forms.gle/FkV5tf3yvrM1hE1g6
Roles:
All roles are real people who lived during the mid-19th century, and we wish to honor their stories through thoughtful representation using a theatrical style of realism. We are looking for actors who can convey the historical figure convincingly. We also recognize this is a dramatic work for theater, and we will make room for flexibility in gender, age, and physical characteristics.
Roles
-- Amy Kirby Post (white woman, age 48-58): Central narrator and host, speaks throughout the play, introducing scenes, recounting events, and interacting with other characters.
-- Isaac Post (white man, age 52-62): Amy’s husband, co-host, and participant in the narrative and spiritualist activities.
-- Harriet Jacobs (Black woman, age 37-47): Formerly enslaved woman, author, and activist, shares her story and involvement.
-- William Wells Brown (Black man, age 36-46): Abolitionist who escaped from enslavement, describes his work and views.
-- Sojourner Truth (Black woman, age 53-63): Black abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, delivers her famous speech.
-- George Thompson (white man, age 46-56): British abolitionist, addresses the audience on anti-slavery.
-- Ernestine Rose (white woman, 40-50): Polish-born abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, speaks at the convention.
-- Rev. William Henry Channing (white man, age 40-50): Unitarian minister, supporter of Douglass and the Underground Railroad.
-- Frederick Douglass (Black man, age 32-42): Formerly enslaved abolitionist and publisher of “The North Star”, delivers a pivotal speech.
-- Julia Griffiths (white woman, age 39-49): English abolitionist, supporter of Douglass, and fundraiser.
Thank you for your interest in FirstLight Players! We would appreciate it very much if you would forward this information to any of your theater contacts in the Rochester area to spread the word!
Your Production team:
Ira Srole (Co-chair, and playwright)
Lynn Kinsman (Co-chair, and producer)
Rebecah Hatchel (Director)
Stefan Baer (Stage Manager)
[email protected]
