New musical seeks VMC nurses for starring roles
Vanderbilt nurses are being sought for “Hey Florence!,” a one-hour musical honoring the many different responsibilities of nurses and their impact on patients.
Auditions will take place March 18 and March 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 202 Light Hall.
Eight singing parts are available to Vanderbilt R.N.s, L.P.N.s, A.P.N.s — full-time or part-time — women and men.
The production company is also looking for nurses to assist as stage manager, assistant stage manager, make-up artist, props manager, chief usher and public relations.
“Nurses often take care of patients, family and friends rather than themselves,” said Ann Cross, M.S., R.N., director of nursing for Vanderbilt Medical Group, Williamson County, who co-directs Vanderbilt's Nurse Wellness committee with Susan Hernandez, M.B.A., R.N. “We hope this play will be a fun and valuable experience for our nurse performers as well as audience members.”
Australian playwright Craig Christie wrote the music and lyrics after job shadowing Vanderbilt nurses throughout the Medical Center and clinics for several weeks. The title, “Hey Florence!,” is a reference to Florence Nightingale, a pioneering nurse who viewed nursing as a science and an art.
“This first-of-its-kind piece offers some comedy, some poignancy and truly celebrates our nurses,” said Donna Glassford, VMC director of Cultural Enrichment. “This is an opportunity for many of our nurses to share their singing talents.”