ABOUT THE SHOW
GLIMMER ISLAND is an evening of two short plays by West Coast playwright Ed Ballou.
In Return from Bird Island a father has left a teenage son who struggles to accept ultimate departure . The boy
waits for his father's ship to return from the fabled Bird Island and searches for answers to "why?" and "when?".
This is a story of denial set in the Age of Sail and written in the style of John Millington Synge's Riders To The
Sea. Click here for the complete script.
In The Glimmer an alcoholic couple battle their own pasts and each other, drawing a young neighbor into playing
an unlikely savior who becomes forced to choose between either his own redemption or the ultimate release of his
spirit. Redemption strives to flower in the shadow of a great and beckoning bridge. The style is spare and
naturalistic. Click here for the complete script.
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DESCRIPTION OF ROLES
Return from Bird Island
RALPHIE BOY
An impetuous teenage boy in denial over his father's absence. He longs for his father's return.
OLD SAILOR
Now an old fisherman, he's lived the life. He wants Ralphie Boy to face up to reality.
ESMERALDA
Ralphie Boy's mother. Weary, now that her husband has left her, she wants her son to accept the fact and go to
sea.
UNCLE JIMMY
Brother to the missing father. A captain of a small trading schooner. He sails so that others may live.
The Glimmer
MIKE
A retired electronics worker, who has been literally blinded by his work. He longs for another impossible chance to
redeem himself, both as the defeated young boxer and the older husband who never had a son.
LIL
Mike's wife and his eyes. She wants to maintain her dominance in their relationship, while at the same time sustain
their marriage.
GEORGE
The young man from next door, their landlady's son, a jilted lover who wants to avoid having to tell his mother
that he is planning to take his own life.
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GENERAL CASTING POLICY
MET's productions feature color-creative, multi ethnic casting. At auditions every role is open to all ethnicities.
All adult ages and persons with disabilities are encouraged to audition. Cross-gender possibilities are often
considered in casting. We are a non-equity company, but all actors and rehearsal staff including understudies
receive a transportation allowance and a small share of box-office income. Capable understudies are guaranteed
performance opportunities.
DOUBLE CASTING OPPORTUNITIES
Some roles may be double cast in which case performance opportunities will be divided equally.
UNDERSTUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Understudies are an important part of the maintenance of high standards and the assurance of growth at MET. In
many ways they represent the future of the company. Understudies work on stage at all blocking and books off
rehearsals and at as many other rehearsals as possible. Capable understudies are guaranteed one or two
performances in the role or roles covered. The pay scale for understudies is the same as for principals.
Understudies who perform may omit reference to understudy status on their resumes and MET will back up the
claim if asked. Understudies are sometimes also cast in smaller roles or serve on rehearsal staff or both.
REHEARSAL STAFF OPPORTUNITIES
Director Training Internships - per show
One Stage Manager (director's assistant): Attend all rehearsals and performances.
Two Assistant Stage Managers (book holder and props): Attend half of all rehearsals and performances.
LEVEL OF PAY AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Some pay will be available for actors, understudies and rehearsal staff. MET uses mostly non-equity actors and
stage managers. Company members receive allowances for transportation to rehearsals and performances. They
also receive a percentage of box office income. More important is the opportunity to work on a strong show and
support MET's mission of creative inclusiveness. In addition, MET provides the following valuable services: A
head shot photo session (cost of film only) and a resume creation or update (free of charge). Actors, understudies
and rehearsal staff all become members of the company and as alumni receive continuing deep discounts on
group training, private coaching, and admissions to shows by MET and other companies producing at The Next
Stage in San Francisco.
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