Free LIbrary of Philadelphia holding Charles Dickens auditions

    Wanted: someone to play Charles Dickens.

    Qualified applicants must be 20 to 70 years of age, comfortable with improv and “bring Dickens to life through appearance, personality, and mannerisms.”

    As the literary master approaches his 200th birthday, the Free Library of Philadelphia is searching for someone who captures his essence. Monday is the Dickens Idol Contest, to be judged by Dickens experts and local celebrities.

    The panel is searching for someone to play the famed author at library’s “Year of Dickens” events throughout 2012 in honor of Dickens’ 200th birthday. Why does Philly care so much about the English writer?

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    Dickens visited in 1842 in one of only two trips to the U.S.
    The Philadelphia Chapter of the Dickens Fellowship, founded in 1907, is one of the oldest
    The Free Library of Philadelphia houses one of  the largest collection of Dickens’ works and personal effects outside of the UK

    Think you’re qualified to play Charles Dickens (and win $1,500)? Be at the library’s central branch Monday at 10:30 a.m. for the full rules and audition.

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