Call For Performers And Volunteers: Richter’s 21st Season In Planning Stages

DANBURY — Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 21st season, will hold season auditions for high school, college and adult performers March 31 through April 3 at The Melrose School, 120 Federal Hill Road, in Brewster, N.Y., just a few minutes from Richter Park.

A separate children’s audition will be held for young performers on April 2.

The main stage musical season will feature Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, June 16-July 2, directed by Kyle Minor of Danbury; Maury Yeston’s acclaimed musical Phantom, July 7-23, to be directed by Donald Birely of New York City; and the perennial Rodgers and Hammerstein favorite The Sound of Music, July 28-August 13, also directed by Mr Birely.

Fairy Tale Theater will continue its Saturday morning offerings under the direction of Elyse Jasensky of Danbury.

As a special thank you to the theater’s many alumni, Thursday, March 31, has been designated for returning performers (high school through adult) to audition by appointment only; call 270-0242.

Open auditions will be held Friday, April 1, from 7 to 10 pm; Saturday, April 2, from 10 am to 1 pm for ages 15 and under only, and then from 2 to 6 pm for high school students and adults. Open auditions will resume on Sunday, April 3, from 1 to 5 pm.

Those auditioning for main stage shows should prepare two Broadway show tunes (uptempo and ballad) that show their range, bring sheet music in their key, and be ready to sing only their best 16 measures if necessary. An accompanist will be provided.

Auditionees should bring a picture and résumé (stapled) if they have them, be prepared to learn a short dance combo and to read from the script if asked.

All roles are open; please note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show descriptions and cast breakdowns can be found on the theater’s website, www.MusicalsAtRichter.org.

The auditions for children and young performers on April 2 will be for casting of children in The Sound of Music, the role of Young Erik in Phantom for the Mainstage and Fairy Tale Theatre.

Six young performers are needed for the younger von Trapp family children, ranging from Gretel (age 5) up to Friedrich (age 14). Young Erik should be a boy between the ages of 8 and 11.

Youngsters must attend April 2 or call if they wish to be considered for either of these shows. Children auditioning for either of these shows should prepare an uptempo and ballad Broadway show tune, and be prepared to read and dance.

Non-singing young performers ages 7-15 are sought for Fairy Tale Theater, a small repertory group directed by Elyse Jasensky that presents children’s shows on Saturday mornings in July.

All roles are open for Fairy Tale Theatre and candidates do not have to sing, but should be prepared to read.

Musicals at Richter is also looking for volunteers for backstage duties and front-of-house operations such as house management, ushering, and concessions.

For further information, visit www.MusicalsAtRichter.org, leave a message at 748-6873, or send email to infor@MusicalsAtRichter.org.