Kids can audition for 'Wizard of Oz' in St. Charles

Submitted by Rising Star Theatreworks

Students in third through ninth grades are invited to audition for Rising Star Theatreworks' February production of “The Wizard of Oz” from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, and Friday, Oct. 28, in St. Charles.

Thursday auditions are at Munhall Elementary School, 1400 S. 13th Ave., and Friday auditions are at Wild Rose Elementary School, 36W730 Red Haw Lane.

Based on the books of L. Frank Baum and the 1939 Oscar-winning film, this whimsical musical follows Dorothy as she ventures over the rainbow and down the yellow brick road. After being whisked away by a twister in her Kansas farmhouse, Dorothy finds herself in a magical and Technicolor land. As she tries to find her way home, Dorothy befriends a Scarecrow, whose “head is full of stuffin,” “an empty-chested” Tinman, and a “dandelion” of a Lion. Keep your eyes out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys! Songs include “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “The Jitterbug” and “We're Off to See the Wizard.”

To audition, prepare 16 measures of a Broadway song appropriate for age and vocal range. An accompanist will be provided. Also, be prepared to learn and perform a short dance routine. Dress to move. An audition application, conflict sheet, and more information about the show are available online at www.risingstartheatre.org. “The Wizard of Oz” will be directed by Rising Star artistic director Jeanne O'Donnell, vocal director is Dawn Harkins, music director is Joe Blomquist, and choreographer is Paula Venckus.

Rehearsals begin Monday, Nov. 14, and will be at the Rising Star Theatreworks studio in Geneva. Tuition is $250 and includes six tickets and a T-shirt. Partial scholarships are available. Show dates are Feb. 10-12 at the new Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia.

For information, call the hotline at (630) 845-4028 or visit www.risingstartheatre.org.