Open auditions scheduled; season announced

DANBURY >> Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 33rd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will hold 2017 season open auditions for high school (15 and up), college and adult performers on Sunday, April 2 at Seven Stars School of Performing Arts in Brewster, N.Y., and on Tuesday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 5 at Richter Arts Center in Danbury. A separate audition session for younger performers (8-15) will be held on April 2 at Seven Stars.

The main stage musical season features classic and recent shows from the Broadway repertoire including: “Into the Woods” (June 16-July 1) directed and choreographed by MAR co-founder and former Artistic Director Bradford Blake; “West Side Story” (July 7-22) directed by Michael Limone and choreographed by Jimmy Locust; and “Seussical” (July 28Aug. 12) directed and choreographed by MAR artistic director Lauren Nicole Sherwood. MAR veteran Dan Koch serves as musical director for “Into the Woods” and Zachary Kampler returns to Richter for a second season to musically direct “West Side Story” and “Seussical.”

For younger audiences, MAR’s popular Fairy Tale Theater series, now in its 18th year, features hourlong daytime shows directed and adapted by veteran educator Elyse Jasensky and performed by a youth ensemble. Productions include “Cinderella” (July 1); “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood” (July 8); “The Dancing Princesses” and “The Musicians of Brementown” (July 15); and “The Jungle Book” (July 22).

Open auditions for high school (15 and up), college and adult performers will be held Sunday, April 2 at Seven Stars School of Performing Arts, 509 Route 312, in Brewster, NY from 1:30-5 p.m. The auditions on April 4-5 will be held at Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury from 7-10 p.m. (parking in RIchter Golf Course parking lot next door). Doors open 1/2 hour before all auditions begin.

Those auditioning for main stage shows should prepare two contrasting songs from traditional and contemporary musical theater 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 also complete and print out an audition form (found on the theater website, www. musicalsatrichter.org) and bring a picture and resume (stapled) if they have them; they should also be prepared to learn a short dance combination and read from the script if asked. All ethnicities are encouraged to attend and all roles are open. Note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show descriptions and casting breakdowns are on the theater website, www.musicalsatrichter.org. If you are unable to attend any of these auditions, please email info@musicalsatrichter.org. Callbacks will be scheduled the week of April 17 as needed.

Separate auditions for young performers ages 8-15 will be held Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seven Stars. At that time, casting will be considered for youth roles in “Seussical” only. Due to script requirements, there are no roles for young performers in “West Side Story” or “West Side Story.” Please also note that the Fairy Tale Theatre company is not auditioning performers for their youth ensemble this year. Children must attend the Sunday call if they wish to be considered for “Seussical” casting.

Other opportunities for young and aspiring performers (ages 8-16) are available through Musicals at Richter’s tuition-based Summer Youth Theater Workshop programs which include a workshop program culminating in performances. Participants can choose from the “Summer Spotlight” musical showcase (June 26-July 21) and a production of “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” (July 24-August 19). Visit www.musicalsatrichter.org for further details and registration.

In addition to performers, Musicals at Richter seeks volunteers from the area for backstage duties such as set construction, properties, costume coordination and running crew, along with front-of-house operations such as house management, ushering and concessions. Visit the theater website for job descriptions; interested individuals are invited to e-mail the theater (info@musicalsatrichter.org). Several positions may offer a stipend or possible internships for credit.

Founded in 1985, 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 95 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 email info@musicalsatrichter.org.