Local auditions & tryouts
• Broadway in Chicago and Cirque Dreams hold a "Run Away with Cirque Dreams" contest for a performer to get a one-night-only onstage moment at the Bank of America Theatre in Chicago during its upcoming touring stop of "Cirque Dreams Illumination." Those with a special talent or skill can post a video online at broadwayinbhicago.com/cirque.
• Elgin Community College has auditions for the Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical "Company" from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 7, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in rooms 284D and 285D of the Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Those auditioning must be ages 16 and older, and the roles will be cast age-appropriately if possible. Call (847) 530-3264 or visit eccartscenter.com.
• Smart Bar in Chicago is holding a Fashion Design competition to grace its upcoming line of merchandise. One-color and two-color logo designs can be submitted through 6 p.m. Friday, May 7. Call (773) 549-0203 or visit smartbarchicago.com.
• The Fox Valley Academy of Music has auditions for the 2010-11 season of the Fox Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras, Summer Symphony and associated ensembles. Auditions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. Positions for string, woodwind, brass and percussion players are available. Call (630) 879-8018 or visit fvyso.org.
• The Riverfront Playhouse has auditions for Catherine Butterfield's dark comedy "The Sleeper" at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 10 and 11, at 11-13 S. Water St., Aurora. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Call (630) 897-9496 or visit riverfrontplayhouse.com.
• Elgin Summer Theatre has auditions for its upcoming production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Dates for adults ages 16 and older to audition are Tuesday and Wednesday, May 11 and 12, and Monday, May 17. Children's choir auditions for kids ages 9 to 15 are on Thursday and Saturday, May 13 and 15. Call (847) 931-5904.
• Music Institute of Chicago is auditioning string players, woodwind players, brass players, percussionists, pianists and vocalists for its Youth Chamber Music programs. Youth choirs (for grades 2-5 and grades 6 and up), youth orchestras (grades 2-5, grades 5-8 and grades 7-12) and early music ensembles for baroque orchestra and madrigal singers (grades 7 and up). Auditions are noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. Visit musicinst.org or call (847) 905-1500 ext. 180. Deadline is Saturday, May 8.
• The Glenview Art League invites artists of original fine art to exhibit in the 57th annual juried 2010 Outdoor Art Fair on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25. Entry fee is $175 plus a $10 jury fee. The deadline is Monday, May 17. Call (847) 724-4007 or visit glenviewartleague.org.
• The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra has auditions by appointment for its 2010-11 season between Friday, May 21, through Sunday, May 23, at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Auditions are open to students fourth grade to college age for the organization's five orchestras and brass ensemble. There is a $45 audition fee per instrument. Call (847) 841-7700 or visit eyso.org for more information.
• Highland Park Players has auditions for the 1977 Broadway musical "Annie" from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, June 1 and 3. Kids ages 7 and up audition between 7 and 8 p.m., while adults 16 and older audition from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Prepare a 16-bar song and be prepared to do cold readings from the script and dance. Visit highlandparkplayers.com.
• Performing artists interested in joining a fundraiser for Esperanza School (which helps students with disabilities) at Summerfest are invited to sign up by Thursday, June 17. Call (312) 243-6097 for more information.
• Illinois artists are invited to submit applications to the Illinois Artisans Program. Submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 10. Visit museum.state.il.us/artisans.