California University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, along with Mon Valley Dance Council, will audition performers for roles in the Cal U’s upcoming holiday production of Miracle on 34th Street.
Based on the 20th Century Fox film, the musical will be directed by Dr. Michele A. Pagen, a professor in Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance, with choreography by Maria Gismondi.
Auditions will be held Sept. 7 in Steele Hall.
Male and female performers of all ages and abilities will be considered for acting, singing and dancing roles. Participants should dress appropriately and bring their own shoes. Auditioners should report to the Blaney Lobby entrance at the rear of Steele Hall 30 minutes before their scheduled audition times.
Performers auditioning for actor/singer/dancer roles should prepare a selection from musical theatre between 16 and 32 bars in length and arrive ready to dance.
Auditions are scheduled as follows:
- Dancers only, ages 6-adult, 10 a.m. to noon: Dancers also may be considered for the ensemble, and they should plan to attend the appropriate ensemble audition as well. Strong dancers are needed for the parade scene; no singing or acting is required for these roles.
- Susan, 10 a.m. to noon: This character (actor/singer/dancer) is a young girl who is “city smart” and wise beyond her years. Performers must bring sheet music; no acapella singing or recorded accompaniment is permitted. They may be asked to attend a 4 p.m. callback.
- Children’s ensemble, ages 5-12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Performers (singers/dancers) must bring sheet music; no acapella singing or recorded accompaniment is permitted. They also must bring dance clothing and shoes. These children are involved in several musical numbers; they may be asked to attend a 4 p.m. callback.
- Teen and adult ensemble, 2 to 4 p.m.: Performers (singers/dancers) must bring sheet music; no acapella singing or recorded accompaniment is permitted. They also must bring dance clothing and shoes. Strong dancers (no acting or singing required) are needed for the Thanksgiving Day Parade scene; other roles require acting, singing and dancing.
Miracle on 34th Street features book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, who also created The Music Man. Performance dates will be Dec. 5-8 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre at Cal U.