NewArts: Newtown Musicals theater program Director Michael Unger is reminding young local actors, singers and dancers that auditions are continuing March 4-6 for a brand new youth version of School of Rock, and the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz - two musicals being presented by the company this summer.

Because of planned renovations ongoing in the Newtown High School auditorium, the 2016 summer productions will be presented at the Walnut Hill Community Church auditorium in neighboring Bethel.

Auditions for the summer shows began last weekend. While they were already scheduled for March 5-6, Mr Unger has announced that an additional series of auditions have been added for March 4, due to "overwhelming demand," according to the NewArts website. Auditions for the 2016 summer musicals will be held Friday, March 4, from 3 to 7 pm, at Sandy Hook Elementary School, 375 Fan Hill Road in Monroe; Saturday, March 5, at Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Road in Bethel (where the productions will be staged); and Sunday, March 6,  will be hosted by The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Road in Sandy Hook.

Audition times on March 5 and 6 were assigned as applications were received. As of Monday, February 29, all slots for Saturday and Sunday appear to have been filled.

The organization, which has been operating as The 12.14 Foundation up to this season, has maintained a mission is to build a landmark performing arts center in Newtown, in memory of those lost on 12/14. Its aim is to develop a premier academy of the arts with help from local, national, and international collaborations.

Through the collective efforts and contributions of local craftsmen and artisans,respected business professionals and corporations, and renowned designers, the foundation and its NewArts collaborators hopes to create a remembrance that expresses its respect, passion, resilience and focus on a "hope for the future."

In years past, the organization has produced successful productions of

Seussical, The Musical, A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream, a special localized version of 101 Dalmatians - The Musical, Liberty Smith and Disney's The Lion King, Jr. Mr Unger is also planning to stage his long-running production of A Christmas Carol in December, following its close last month in Princeton, N.J., where he directed the show since 1999.

There will be a fee to participate in the 2016 summer programs. For those with economic hardship, other opportunities to raise money for the NewArts non-proft organization will be provided. Additional information will be announced at auditions.

Students age 8-18 are sought for what Unger has described as a modified, youth version of

School Of Rock, based on the 2003 Paramount film written by Mike White, which starred Jack Black. Anyone auditioning who plays a rock band instrument like keyboards, guitar, bass or drums, must be prepared to play during their audition.

The musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

The stage musical on Broadway is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has composed 14 new songs to create a score, which also features all of the original songs from the movie.  

School of Rock with its sensational live kids' rock band, is a testimony to the transforming power of music - consistent with driving philosophies of The 12.14 Foundation and New Arts.

School of Rock performances are scheduled for August 5-7. The Wizard of Oz will be staged August 11-14.

Performers between the ages of 5 and 20 may audition for

The Wizard Of Oz. Performers between the ages of 5 and 13 may audition for the Oz chorus.

Previous musical experience is not required to be the

Oz chorus.

While in year's past, double-cast productions have been mounted, Mr Unger has no plans to double cast either 2016 show. However, anyone age 10-18 may audition for both shows.

.

newartsct.orgFor additional specific requirements for auditions, callback details, planned rehearsal times, volunteer opportunities, pit and stage band details, technical apprenticeships and other production information, visit