Musicals At Richter Seeking Performers

And Other Volunteers For 25th Season

DANBURY — Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 25th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will hold 2009 season auditions for high school, college and adult performers March 26-29 at The Wooster School, 91 Miry Brook Road.

A separate children’s audition will be held for young performers ages 7-15 on Saturday, March 28, also at The Wooster School.

The 2009 main stage musical season will feature Jule Styne and Bob Merrill’s Tony-nominated Funny Girl (June 18-July 4), directed by founding MAR artistic director Bradford Blake of New Milford; Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban’s groundbreaking A Chorus Line (July 9-25), directed by Broadway veteran Gene Bayliss of Weston; and Stephen Schwartz’s Old Testament-inspired Children of Eden (July 30-August 15), directed by MAR veteran E. Kyle Minor of Danbury .  

For younger audiences, the popular Fairy Tale Theater series features hour-long daytime shows directed and adapted by Elyse Jasensky of Danbury and performed by a youth ensemble.  

Open auditions for high school (16 and up), college and adult performers will be Friday, March 27, from 7 to 10 pm; Saturday, March 28, from 2 to 6 pm; and Sunday, March 29, 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.

Those auditioning should bring a picture and resume (stapled) if they have them, and be prepared to learn a short dance combination and 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 at MusicalsAtRichter.org.

In addition to principal and ensemble roles, Musicals at Richter is especially seeking male and female performers with strong dance training or experience for featured choreography in all three shows.  

Auditions for children and young performers age 15 and under are slated for Saturday, March 28, from 10 am to 1 pm. At that time, casting will be considered for featured roles and youth ensemble members in Children of Eden.

Young performers must attend this Saturday call if they wish to be considered. Those auditioning will be taught a song from the show at the audition and be seen in groups. Those auditioning may also be asked to read from the script.

Additional company members for Fairy Tale Theater are not being sought at this time.

MAR, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is also receiving applications from experienced stage managers and seeking volunteers for backstage duties such as set construction, properties, costume coordination, and running crew; and front-of-house operations such as house management, ushering, and concessions.

Interested individuals are invited to call 748-6873 or send email the theater.