CU sets auditions Aug. 18 for first production of the season, ‘They Promised Her the Moon’

Cameron University's Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts has scheduled auditions for "They Promised Her the Moon," the first theatrical presentation of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Auditions are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 17-18, at 7 p.m. in the University Theatre. The production will be presented Oct. 1-4.

"I am particularly excited to direct this production as it revolves around Oklahoman Jerrie Cobb, who was 'almost' the first American female astronaut," said Dr. Natalie McCabe, an assistant theatre professor at Cameron.

Born in Norman, Cobb was an American aviator who was part of the "Mercury 13," a group of women who participated in an under-the-radar program at the same time as the original "Mercury Seven" astronauts who flew in space. She was the first to successfully complete all of the testing, but since the Mercury 13 was not considered an official NASA project, women were not added to the astronaut program.

Written by Laurel Ollstein, "They Promised Her the Moon" is a compelling drama about the challenges of sisterhood and fighting for the greater good, based on Cobb's life.

Auditions are open to everyone, regardless of major, university position, or place in the community, McCabe said. Those who would like to audition should prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue for the first evening of auditions, then sign up for an audition timeslot for that evening. The second evening of auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, which will be provided to attendees. Short monologues will be provided for those who did not prepare one for the first evening of auditions.

Rehearsals will be held Monday-Friday evenings from 7-10 p.m., though not every actor in the cast will be needed for every rehearsal until the last two weeks before opening night.

The show will be performed in the University Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-3, with a matinee finale at 2 p.m. Oct. 4. McCabe noted that the production contains mature subject matter.

Questions about auditions can be directed to McCabe at [email protected]. Anyone interested in backstage or technical positions can contact associate professor Ben Williams at [email protected]. Details about the play can be found at www.concordtheatricals.com/p/98757/they-promised-her-the-moon.

PR#26-081