Auditions Announced for Musicals at Richter

Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Holds 2016 Season Auditions March 24-26; Call for Performers and Other Volunteers

Danbury, Conn. -- Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 32nd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will hold 2016 season auditions for high school, college and adult performers March 24-26 at Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, CT (adjacent to Richter Park Golf Course). A separate audition for younger performers will be held on Saturday, March 26, also at Richter Arts Center.

The main stage musical season features classic and recent shows from the Broadway repertoire including: “Hello, Dolly!” (June 10-25) directed and choreographed by MAR co-founder and former Artistic Director Bradford Blake; “Footloose” (July 1-16) directed and choreographed by MAR alumnus Matthew Farina; and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (July 22-August 6) directed and choreographed by MAR alumna Jane Matson.

For younger audiences, the popular Fairy Tale Theater series, now in its 18th year, features hour-long daytime shows directed and adapted by veteran educator Elyse Jasensky and performed by a youth ensemble. Productions include “The Little Mermaid” (July 2); “Snow White” (July 9); “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Stone Soup” (July 16); and “Peter Pan” (July 23).

Open auditions for high school (14 and up), college and adult performers will be held Thursday, March 24 from 7 - 9 p.m.; Friday, March 25 from 7 – 9 p.m.; and Saturday, March 26 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. Doors will open 1/2 hour before the 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 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. Please note that positions are unpaid and housing is not available. Show descriptions and casting breakdowns are on the theater website, www.musicalsatrichter.org.

Separate auditions for young performers will be held Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. At that time, casting will be considered for youth roles in “Joseph” and for the Fairy Tale Theater company. For “Joseph,” young performers (ages 7-13) should prepare a song and bring sheet music in their key (“Happy Birthday” is an acceptable alternative). They will also be taught a dance.

For the Fairy Tale Theater ensemble, young performers (ages 7-15) will be asked to read from a scene supplied at the time of the audition (there is no singing). Fairy Tale director Ms. Jasensky is looking for personality; no experience is necessary.

Please note that children must attend the Saturday call if they wish to be considered for “Joseph” or Fairy Tale Theater casting.

Other opportunities for young performers ages 8-16 are available through Musicals at Richter’s tuition-based Summer Youth Theater Workshop programs. Participants can choose from two different showcases and a production of “Little Mermaid, Jr.” Visit www.musicalsatrichter.org for further details.

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.

About Musicals at Richter: 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 90 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.