Local area children performing with professional actor, Angel Lozado (“Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert”-NBC-2018) in the 2017 McLeod Summer Playhouse production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Photo provided).
April 04, 2019
McLeod Summer Playhouse hosting special auditions for area youth
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The McLeod Summer Playhouse is boosting the local arts scene, offering three unique opportunities for aspiring performers to pursue their ambitions.
On April 6, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s professional theater company will host special auditions for area children to fill roles in “Gypsy” and “The Full Monty.” Carbondale Community Arts will also host auditions for teen performers to fill roles in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Special auditions for area children
Auditions for “Gypsy” and “The Fully Monty” are set for 9:30 am- 12 p.m. on April 6 at Altgeld Hall, room 116. Prepared singing or acting pieces are not necessary, as music and acting sides will be provided and taught at the audition.
Schedule includes:
- 9:30-10 a.m. – Sign-in for girl’s roles.
- 10-11 a.m. - Singing and dancing auditions for girl’s roles.
- 10:30-11 a.m. – Sign in for boy’s roles.
- 11 a.m.-noon – Singing and dancing auditions for boy’s roles.
Auditions for “Gypsy” include several singing and acting roles for both girls and boys:
- Baby June – Must be able to play ages 9-10. Featured dancing, singing and acting role.
- Baby Louise – Must be able to play ages 10-12. Featured singing, mover and acting role.
- Newsboys – Looking for four boys who can play ages 10-12 (voices should not have changed yet). Must sing and dance/move-well.
Participants can also audition for one position in “The Full Monty.”
- Nathan – Featured acting only (no singing) role; son of the leading character, must be able to play around 12 years old; strong actor needed to act in several key scenes with the leading actor; does not need to sing or dance.
All children auditioning must live or have housing with an approved guardian in the Southern Illinois area during the times of rehearsals, and must have transportation to and from the rehearsal spaces in Carbondale. Parents and guardians are encouraged to become familiar with the plays and the roles.
For more information, contact J. Thomas Kidd at 618-453-5741 or email mcloeodsummerplayhouse@gmail.com.
Auditions for area teens
In addition to the openings for children, casting spots are available for local teenagers in the upcoming production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Auditions are also set for April 6 at Altgeld Hall, room 116, with sign-in at 1 p.m. and auditions beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Auditions are open to high school students and those who have just completed grades 8-12. While performers do not need musical theater experience to audition, they should prepare 90 seconds to sing a musical theater selection and perform an upbeat or comic monologue (memorized if possible).
Selections from the show are permitted, but participants should bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Additionally, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers for a choreography workshop.
For more information, contact Lisa Janssen at 618-457-5100 or email info@carbondalearts.org.