While Williamstown has enlisted New York actors, including John Rubinstein, Becky Ann Baker, Dylan Baker, Jessica Hecht and Campbell Scott, the production will also welcome townsfolk to its cast.

Casting directors are seeking men and women over 40, and boys and girls ages 8-16. According to a representative, Williamstown hopes to fill up to seven roles, including those of Woman in Auditorium, Man in Auditorium, a Crowell Brother, and members of the Church Choir.

Local actors are asked to be prepared tell a joke and sing a short hymn or folk song. Appointments can be made by phoning (203) 500-0077.

Williams College professor Sam Crane has also been cast as Professor Willard. Williamstown occasionally pulls from its local talent pool for productions, as in the 2008 staging of Three Sisters, but most casting is New York-based.

Williamstown artistic director Nicholas Martin will helm the production that runs July 28-Aug. 8. Wilder's poignant play chronicles the seemingly unremarkable passage of time, and life and death in a small American town.