Black Hawk College and The Mockingbird are producing “Death of a Salesman” in August. Auditions are on June 25th at Black Hawk College in Moline

Black Hawk College and The Mockingbird are launching a long-term theatre partnership aimed at expanding access to professional-caliber productions in the Quad-Cities. The collaboration will give students, emerging artists, and community members hands-on experience onstage and behind the scenes. The two groups previously joined forces on “The Glass Menagerie” in 2023, after The Mockingbird’s former Davenport theatre building collapsed.

The first production will be Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” directed by Black Hawk alum and Mockingbird co-founder Tristan Tapscott, with Dr. Traci Davis as executive producer. Performances are set for August 20th through 22nd and August 27th through 29th at Black Hawk College Theatre. “We want this to be a true community effort. It’s the essence of what Black Hawk College is – a community college for everyone – and we want this to be a theatre for everyone,” executive producer Davis said.

“We hope this partnership can offer yet another opportunity to work together and inspire the next generation,” he said.

Auditions are coming up for “Death of a Salesman” at Black Hawk College. Tryouts will be held Thursday, June 25, at 7 PM in the Black Hawk College Theatre, located in Building 1, Room 308, at 6600 34th Avenue in Moline. Roles include Willy Loman, Linda, and twelve additional characters. No preparation is needed. Participants can simply arrive ready to read from the script. All roles are open, and both community members and Black Hawk College students are encouraged to audition.

Organizers are also seeking behind-the-scenes artisans. Rehearsals begin Monday, July 20, with the full schedule set after casting. Alternate audition arrangements are available by emailing [email protected].

“In the Quad Cities, the arts don’t just reflect the community – they are the community: where neighbors become audiences, audiences become collaborators,” director Tapscott said.

Tickets will be pay-what-you-can.

“When education and artistry meet, the arts don’t just exist they grow,” Tapscott said. “And together with Black Hawk, we can ensure that they thrive.”

The Mockingbird on Main is inviting the community to stay connected through its social media channels. Updates, announcements, and more information can be found by visiting The Mockingbird on Main on “Facebook” and “Instagram” at “themockingbirdonmain.”

Those looking for additional details or media information can contact Tristan Tapscott directly by phone at 309-781-5972 or by email at [email protected]. The Mockingbird on Main continues to use its online platforms as a central place for sharing news, community updates, and ways for the public to learn more about what’s happening.