At The Kate: 'Stand UP and Speak OUT The Musical' Auditions Announced

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — In 2019, Patch wrote about 'Stand Up: The Bully Prevention Musical.'A powerful and moving performance by high school-age actors and singers. Part of the anti-bullying initiative, Stand Up Speak Out, it was created and written by songwriter and producer and four-time Emmy nominee Jill Nesi. The production was taken from her musical 'Her Song,' about the lasting impact that bullying and mean behavior can have on children, highlights the severity of an issue that many of our children face.

Now, three years later, "Stand UP and Speak OUT The Musical," produced by Nesi, directed by Nick Rapuano, choreographed by Tracy Tolisano with music composed by Nesi, Nick Fradiani Sr., and Mike Song, will be performed in May 2023 at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook.

The musical will feature a youth cast performing inspiring music and dialogue focusing on the effects of bullying, an issue that many children face today. It will help both children and adults to identify bullying and to stand up to it safely, using kindness and inclusion to foster empathy and connection. Learn how we can work together, one voice at a time, to Stand UP, Speak OUT and prevent bullying while creating a chain reaction of kindness.

All about auditions

Auditions for cast and dancers will be held Jan. 8, 2023, from noon until 3 p.m. at Limelite Dance Studio, 168 Boston Post Road, in Madison. Auditions are by appointment only. Contact Nesi with name and age at susosing@gmail.com or text Stand UP & Speak OUT to (203) 988-0203. Prepare a verse and chorus from any musical theatre song, a cappella. Auditions for dancers is Jan. 14 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Limelite Dance Studio, 17 Water Street, in Guilford. Dancers have the option to prepare a one to two-minute routine, and they will be asked to learn choreography. Dance / athletic attire is a must, and turning or ballet shoes are recommended. To register, text Stand UP & Speak OUT to (203) 314-0044 -please include your full name and age.