The Casting Auction, in Association with Porchlight Music Theatre Presents the Annual CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION

Anyone can be a star - for a price! The annual CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION is a unique opportunity for amateur theatre lovers to experience the thrill of being on stage in a professionally produced Chicago stage production - no experience or training required! The Casting Auction, in association with Porchlight Music Theatre, will be auctioning off over 30 roles for this season's musical production, All Shook Up, on Friday, November 4, 2016 at Michelle's Ballroom, 2800 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION will also feature live entertainment, delectable hors d'oeuvres, an open bar with signature cocktails, a lively dance floor and a professional photo booth to ham it up!

Doors open at 7 pm and the Live Auction begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the Live Auction, priced at $75 online and $85 at the door, are available at castingauction.com.

The CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION is a unique experience made up of three distinct elements:

The Live Auction:

At the annual Live Auction, a professional auctioneer starts the bidding for leading roles and major supporting roles. Anyone can make an opening bid, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Once all the contenders for a given role are onstage, the bidding begins! Friends, family and supporters bid to win the role for their contestant of choice. Be advised, contenders may be asked to show off their talents - resulting in the ultimate talent show! Supporting roles are bid on in a silent auction throughout the night, and attendees may purchase a chorus or walk-on role at any time (or simply enjoy the party)!

Online Fundraising:

Anyone may be a contestant and can use an online fundraising tool - the Sponsor Drive - as a unique opportunity to maximize their chances of winning a role at the Live Auction. After signing up at castingauction.com, contenders receive a free personal fundraising page where they can crowdfund in advance from family, friends and colleagues. The funds raised this way are used at the Live Auction to win a role, and it all goes toward a deserving not-for-profit arts organization.

The Production:

After casting is complete and five weeks of exciting rehearsals, it all culminates in a public production of the musical inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, directed and choreographed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Christopher Pazdernik. All Shook Up will be presented for four performances, March 15 - 18, 2016 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for All Shook Up go on sale Sunday, January 1, 2017 at castingauction.com.

All Shook Up is inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It's 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that'll have you jumpin' out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Don't Be Cruel."

The Casting Auction is a not-for-profit organization that produces professional theatrical productions starring amateur theater lovers, and uses the profits from the production to benefit deserving theaters and arts organizations. Each year, the company chooses one local theater to partner with to create the experience known as the CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION. Over the past five years, The Casting Auction has raised over $300,000 for Chicago theatrical programming.

Last year's CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION, which culminated in a sold-out public run of 9 to 5 the Musical, raised over $50,000 to support a local not-for-profit theater.

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 22nd season, is nationally recognized for developing new works, reimagining classic productions and showcasing musical theatre's noted veterans and rising stars. Porchlight elevates the genre in Chicago by providing intimate and powerful theatrical experiences for its growing and diverse audiences. With the vision of Artistic Director Michael Weber, Porchlight builds on its role as Chicago's only Equity not-for-profit company exclusively specializing in music theatre. Porchlight's rich history includes the staging of more than 60 productions with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Through Porchlight's "Off the Porch" new works program, the musicals of the next generation are developed and given a first audience. The School at Porchlight is Chicago's new center for music theatre training in the areas of performance, writing and appreciation. The company's many accolades include 11 Black Theatre Alliance nominations and two awards, as well as a total of 126 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 35 Jeff Awards including three consecutive Best Production awards for Sondheim on Sondheim (2015), Ain't Misbehavin' (2014) and A Class Act (2013). Porchlight's 21st season has been honored with 12 Jeff nominations, making the company the third-most honored theatre in the city.

The Casting Auction Staff:

Kate Garassino O'Driscoll - Co-Artistic Director

Eric Martin - Co-Artistic Director

Porchlight Music Theatre Staff:

Michael Weber - Artistic Director

Jeannie Lukow - Executive Director

Don Sprague - Development Director

Dana Mroczek - Audience & Development Manager

Michelle Leatherby - Marketing Manager

Rosie Schultz - Office Assistant

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