Auditions for “To Kill a Mockingbird, ” the first play of the Fall 2012 Cerritos College Theater Department, was on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. inside the Burnnight Center Theater.

The play is about an innocent black man who is accused and convicted of beating and raping a white woman. This play deals with racial injustice and destruction of freedom.

Kevin Slay directed the “Crucible” and is now directing “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“I directed ‘The Crucible’ here at Cerritos College two years ago and was asked to come back to helm this production of Mockingbird. I’m thrilled to be back and am happy that Georgia Well, the Chair of the (Theatre) Department, has asked me back,” said Slay.

Students rehearsed their monologues as they waited for the auditioning process to begin.

Theatre major Natasha Lopez, who received a callback audition, said that this play is her favorite.

“I love how the story has a really strong and powerful message, how not to judge people because of rumors that you hear or how the person looks like,” Lopez said.

Theatre major Emmanuel Plascencia, who has been in several Cerritos College plays, also auditioned for a role. “I am really excited to be here and audition for ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’,” said Plascencia.

Slay commented on what acting is all about.

“As actors you need to give yourself something to fight for at all times.”

This play is set to open Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. with additional show dates of Oct. 13, 18, 19 and 20 also at 8 p.m. The production will close on Oct. 21 with a 2 p.m. show.

For tickets and information, contact the Cerritos College Theater Department at (562) 467-5058.