Actors Sought For Darien Bicentennial Celebration Reenactments

DARIEN, CT — The town's bicentennial committee is looking for aspiring actors to take part in reenactments of two American Revolution events that occurred in Darien.

Reenactments of Tory raids on both the Middlesex Meeting House and The Mather Homestead will be part of the town's Heritage Day celebration, an all-day event scheduled for Oct. 23, with a rain date the following day, according to a news release.

Al Miller, chairman of the Darien 2020 Bicentennial Committee, said no acting experience is required for anyone who wishes to take part in the reenactments.

"We are interested in anyone wanting to have fun while celebrating our history," Miller said. "There are speaking and nonspeaking roles. All are welcome and everyone who auditions will get a part."

According to Miller, who is is producing the reenactments, participants must be at least 12 years old and be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Miller noted the bicentennial committee's mission is to organize events that celebrate Darien's unique heritage, honor its forefathers and educate the community about the town's history.

"We often emphasize the major historical figures and battles when learning about our past," Miller said. "What may get forgotten is what transpired closer to home. During the Revolutionary War, people who lived in this area were split between the patriot and loyalist causes. We hope our dramatization of the raid and kidnapping at the Middlesex Meetinghouse and the raid at the Mather farm will bring to life events that occurred during a major turning point in our history."

Carole Claps, a longtime Darien resident and former board member of the Darien Arts Center, is directing the presentation. She previously directed "Darien's Got Talent" for the Darien Arts Center and produced many cabaret evenings and performances.

"I'm delighted to be involved with the Museum of Darien in celebrating Darien's Bicentennial," Claps said in a news release. "I hope that many of our citizens will come out for the auditions. I promise, we will have a fun time!"

Auditions will take place Aug. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Darien on Brookside Road. More information on scripts and roles will be provided the day of the audition, Claps said.

Organizers are in the process of meeting regularly to discuss the reenactments, and once roles are assigned, there will be a few rehearsals that will take place on Saturday mornings, Claps said.

Heritage Day festivities will be held at the Museum of Darien, the First Congregational Church and The Mather Homestead. All three locations will include living history presentations by the Fifth Connecticut Regiment.

According to Miller, Heritage Day will be a celebration capping the many town events that took place to mark Darien's 200th birthday.

"I am so proud to be part of this event. We've crafted some wonderful roles for both adults and children," Miller said in a news release. "Everyone who attends the audition will be able to participate, so please come out and help bring Darien's history to life!"