Little Theatre auditions set for winter production of ‘Emma’
The plot revolves around Emma, a senior at Highbury Prep who is certain she knows what’s best for her classmates’ love lives and is determined to find the perfect boyfriend for shy sophomore Harriet by the end of the school year.
Auditions for The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s winter pop musical, “Emma,” will be held Sunday and Monday, Dec. 8 and 9 from 6-9 p.m. at the theater. Callbacks, if necessary, are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11. Digital audition forms, which may be filled out ahead of time, are available on the theater website at www.thelittletheatreonline.org.
Rehearsals will begin Dec. 29 and run Sundays through Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The production, sponsored by Mike and Elizabeth Lauber and Tusco MFG, will run nine days from Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, March 9.
Auditioners age 13 and older will be considered for available roles. They are asked to prepare a one- to two-minute cut of a pop song that matches the style of the show. Songs by female artists are preferred but not required. There will be no accompanist, due to the style of songs. Auditioners should provide a backing track or link to a backing track. No tracks with vocals will be accepted. Following vocal tryouts, there will be cold readings from the script and a mandatory dance audition.
The plot revolves around Emma, a senior at Highbury Prep who is certain she knows what’s best for her classmates’ love lives and is determined to find the perfect boyfriend for shy sophomore Harriet by the end of the school year. But will Emma’s relentless matchmaking get in the way of finding her own happiness? Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, this new musical features the hit songs of girl groups and female singers from The Supremes to Katy Perry.
Artistic Director Jared Sparks-Lee said all actors portraying students should be able to visibly pass for high school age, whether or not they actually are. The actors portraying teachers should be prepared to double as pit singers, and actors playing Mr. Weston and Miss Taylor will be asked to provide stage crew assistance during the performances. Eight of the nine main characters will be required to engage in an onstage kiss. Eight student and three teacher roles are available.
Other singers include The Welcoming Committee, a female trio; an ensemble of 10-15 additional members to play students; and six to eight pit singers to sing backstage.
Questions may be emailed to jared.sparks1010@gmail.com. The Little Theatre is located at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.