‘FIRST STEP TO STARDOM’ AUDITIONS SEEK STUDENTS FOR THREE MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE SHOWS
March 1, 2012 (Jupiter) – You’ve seen American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.
Now it’s your turn to take your own ‘first step to stardom’ with the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s third annual First Step to Stardom audition day on Saturday, April 14, with roles for dozens of students (ages 6 – 20). The day will feature casting for the Theatre’s professional productions of the family favorite musical The Music Man, the all-new musical Through the Looking Glass and a show produced through the Theatre’s high school mentorship program: The Laramie Project.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kids to work with theatre professionals and to be a part of the audition process,” said Andrew Kato, the Theatre’s artistic director. “We are delighted to be inviting local families to our theatre to take part in three of our shows during the 2012/13 season.”
The Theatre’s First Step to Stardom audition day will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 14. Participants will learn a dance routine, receive acting lessons and learn to sing as an ensemble. Students are asked to wear dance clothing (no sandals or open-toed shoes).
The event comes at the heels of the success of the Theatre’s large-scale “First Step to Stardom” events during the past two seasons, which drew hundreds of children to the Theatre for auditions. Nearly 240 children who auditioned last year performed in December’s production of the musicalJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
“It was so rewarding to see hundreds of local children perform in one of our large musicals last year,” said Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, the Theatre’s director of marketing. “This is a wonderful way to expose local children to professional theatre, and we’re so happy that students have the opportunity to be cast in three of the Theatre’s upcoming productions next season.”
Here’s a bit more about audition day and the commitment each show will entail:
The Music Man – Students (ages 6-13) should check in with parents/guardians between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on April 14. Students will be taught a short song and dance combination. Rehearsals will begin Monday, Nov. 5, with performances that run from Nov. 27 – Dec. 16, 2012.
Through the Looking Glass – Students (ages 8-20) should check in with parents/guardians between 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. on April 14. Students should bring a 16-bar cut in the style of pop-rock musical theatre, in their key (no CDs). Rehearsals will be held throughout the summer, with multiple performances on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.
The Laramie Project – Students (ages 13-18) should check in with parents/ between 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. on April 14. Be prepared with a one-minute monologue. Note: show includes adult subject matter. Rehearsals will be held July 30 – Sept. 7, with a performance on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012.
Free optional audition workshops will be offered March 10 at the Theatre. For additional information and to register, visitwww.jupitertheatre.org/fsts. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Here is a bit more about each of the shows students may audition for:
The Music Man (part of the Theatre’s season subscription) is a classic American musical that takes us on a toe-tapping adventure with fast-talking salesman Professor Harold Hill, who convinces the townspeople of River City , Iowa , that they need a band, instruments and uniforms. His plans to skip town with their money come to a crashing halt when he falls in love and has to face the music. With unforgettable songs such as “Til There Was You,” and “Seventy-six Trombones,” this Tony Award-winning sensation is a treat for the entire family. Sponsored by Peggy and Rick Katz.
Through the Looking Glass (part of the Theatre’s Emerging Artist Series in Musical Theatre Playwriting) is a contemporary retelling of the children’s classic Alice in Wonderland that comes to life with eye-popping sets, costumes, magic and puppetry. In a colorful land where animals talk and characters amuse, 12-year-old Alice learns to “look in the mirror” and see the truly special person she is. With an exciting original pop score, this adventure is filled with fun twists the entire family will enjoy. Sponsored by the Elmore Family Foundation and Muriel and Ralph Saltzman.
The Laramie Project (part of the Theatre’s Youth Artists’ Chair program) is about the brutal murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie , Wyoming , in 1998. Interviews with local citizens and officials unveil the hate crime and its aftermath. The play explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion in which we are capable. Note: adult subject matter and language.
First Step to Stardom is sponsored by Muriel and Ralph Saltzman.
About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
In only nine seasons, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida ’s preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state’s largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws over 70,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,000 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida ’s highest honor for artistic excellence. For more information about the Theatre’s upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.