The Growing Stage Announces Auditions for THE WIZARD OF OZ

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey will be holding auditions for its musical production of the Royal Shakespeare's THE WIZARD OF OZ Monday, August 27 at 7:00 PM for adults and Tuesday, August 28 for young people ten to 17. The production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, the Growing Stage's Executive Director, with musical direction by Stephen Fox and choreography by Jillian Petrie. The call is open and will run from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The production has four AEA roles available with all other parts available to community artists. All auditioning should have a song prepared with printed accompaniment that should be no longer than sixteen measures and reading from the script.

The Royal Shakespeare Company version is a more faithful adaptation of the film. A more technically complex production, it recreates the dialogue and structure of the MGM classic nearly scene for scene, though it is adapted for a live stage performance. Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, dreams of escaping her mundane life. The family's mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to impound Dorothy's cherished dog, Toto, so Dorothy and Toto run away. They meet up with kindly Professor Marvel, who subtly convinces Dorothy to return home. Suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto, seeking shelter in the house, are transported to the Land of Oz.

THE WIZARD OF OZ opens October 5th and runs to the 28th, with an opening Friday night performance at 7:30 PM. All other performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. The Growing Stage is a professional member of the Association of Actor's Equity. There will be four roles available for AEA artists.

Rehearsal schedules are generally two or three evenings during the week, and a weekend afternoon. All cast members are expected for all performances, with no exception since the company does not cast understudies. Performers of color, seniors, women, and performers with disabilities are encouraged to attend. An accompanist will be provided. The Growing Stage Theatre is located in northwestern New Jersey with no regular mass transportation service available. Own transportation is strongly recommended. For additional information, please email the Director at execgst@optonline.net or call the theatre at 973-347-4946. The company address is: The Growing Stage, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Route 183, Netcong, New Jersey 07857.