Danbury's Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 28th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will hold 2012 season auditions for high school, college and adult performers March 8-11 at The Melrose School, 120 Federal Hill Road, in Brewster, NY, just a few minutes from Danbury’s Richter Park. A separate children’s audition will be held for young performers ages 7-15 on Saturday, March 10, also at The Melrose School.
The main stage musical season features three popular shows from the American musical theater repertoire: a new larger-cast version of Dan Goggin's "Nunsense: The Megamusical" (June 14-30), the smash hit comedy about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, co-directed and staged by MAR veterans Christopher Gladysz and Donald E. Birely, both of New York City; Lerner and Loewe's exquisitely romantic classic "Brigadoon" (July 5-21) directed by Mr. Birely; and Lee Adams and Charles Strouse's exuberant ode to 1950s rock'n'roll stardom "Bye Bye Birdie" (July 26-August 11), also directed by Mr. Birely.
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.
As a kick-off and special thank you to the theater’s many alumni, the first hour of auditions on Thursday, March 8 from 7-8 p.m. is designated for returning MAR performers (age 16 through adult) to audition by appointment only. Alumni may schedule their appointments by e-mailing Mike Lozier (mikelozier@earthlink.net).
Open auditions for high school (16 and up), college and adult performers will be held Thursday, March 8 from 8 - 10 p.m.; Friday, March 9 from 7 – 10 p.m.; Saturday March 10 from 2 – 6 p.m.; and Sunday March 11 from 12 – 3 p.m.
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.
Musical directors for the season include MAR veterans Dan Koch for "Nunsense: The Megamusical" and Tina Marie Lorusso for "Brigadoon" and "Bye Bye Birdie." Choreographers include Broadway veteran Jeri Kansas for "Brigadoon" and MAR veteran Matthew Farina for "Bye Bye Birdie."
Auditionees 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 casting breakdowns are on the theater website, www.musicalsatrichter.org.
In addition to principal and ensemble roles, Musicals at Richter is seeking male and female performers with strong dance training or experience for featured choreography in all three shows.
Separate auditions for children and young performers ages 7 - 15 (8 and up for the main stage musicals; 7 and up for Fairy Tale Theater) are slated for Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. At that time, casting will be considered for featured and ensemble roles in the three main stage shows and for the Fairy Tale Theater company. Young performers must attend this Saturday call if they wish to be considered.
Young auditionees may be taught a song from the show at the audition and be seen in groups; they may also be asked to read from the script. Those auditioning for Fairy Tale Theater do not have to sing, but should be prepared to read from the script if asked.
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. Check the theater website for job descriptions; interested individuals are invited to e-mail the theater. Several positions offer a stipend or internships for credit.
Now in its 28th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 75 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.
