Auditions For Musicals At Richter; Call For Performers & Volunteers

BREWSTER, N.Y. — Musicals at Richter, celebrating its 22nd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in southwestern Connecticut, is holding 2006 season auditions for high school, college and adult performers through April 2 at The Melrose School, 120 Federal Hill Road in Brewster, just a few minutes from Richter Park.

A separate children’s audition will be held for young performers on April 1.

The main stage musical season features three Tony Award-winning musicals, including Jerry Ross and Richard Adler’s 1950s tribute to America’s pastime Damn Yankees, June 22 to July 8, to be directed by Musicals at Richter’s founder and current president Brad Blake; Maury Yeston’s poignant and stirring Titanic, July 13-29, also directed by Mr Blake; and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s sumptuous and exotic favorite The King and I,  August 3-19, directed by Kyle Minor of Danbury.

The popular children’s theater series Fairy Tale Theater will continue its Saturday morning offerings under the direction of Elyse Jasensky of Danbury.

Open auditions will be held Friday, March 31, from 7 to 10 pm; Saturday, April 1, from 10 am to 1 pm, for children and youth ages 15 and under only, and then from 2 to 6 pm for high school students and adults only; and Sunday, April 2, from 1 to 5 pm.

Those auditioning for main stage shows should prepare two Broadway show tunes (up tempo 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 resume (stapled) if they have them, and be prepared to learn a short dance combination and to read from the script if asked. All roles are open; positions are unpaid and housing is not available.

Full show descriptions and cast breakdowns can be found on the theater’s website, MusicalsAtRichter.org.

In addition to principal and ensemble roles, Musicals at Richter is especially seeking performers ages 14 and up with ballet background for the “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet in The King and I.

The auditions for children and young performers on Saturday will be for the roles of Anna’s son Louis Leonowens (age 8-11), the King’s son Prince Chulalongkorn (age 12-15), and the King’s other children (ages 5 and up) in The King and I ; two small roles in Titanic for a 14-year old and 9-year old boy; and for all roles in Fairy Tale Theater.

Children must attend this Saturday call if they wish to be considered for any of these shows. Children auditioning for the main stage musicals should prepare an uptempo and ballad Broadway show tune, and be prepared to read and dance.

Young non-singing performers ages 7-15 are sought for Fairy Tale Theater, the small repertory group that presents children’s shows on Saturday mornings in July. All roles are open for Fairy Tale Theater and candidates do not have to sing, but should be prepared to read.

Scheduled shows include Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Rumpelstlitskin, Rapunzel and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

In addition to performers, Musicals at Richter welcomes applications from experienced stage managers and seeks volunteers from the area 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 or e-mail the theater.

Musicals at Richter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit MusicalsAtRichter.org, send email to info@MusicalsAtRichter.org, or leave a message at 748-6873.