Up and Coming Theatre Co. and Elgin Summer Theatre hosts auditions for 'In The Heights' through May 12

The Hemmens Cultural Center and Up and Coming Theatre Company are continuing their partnership to present the 2022 Elgin Summer Theatre production of "In the Heights."

Auditions, which are open to the public, will be held both virtually and in-person.

This show was created for a diverse cast, age 16 or older, to represent a multicultural community. They are looking for all races, gender identities, and body types.

Virtual audition submissions will be accepted through May 12.

For those that prefer an in-person audition, it will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. Callbacks will be by invitation only on May 17 and 19.

All auditionees, virtual or in-person, will be asked to prepare, and sing 16 to 32 bars of a song that best highlights their vocal ability as well as learn and perform a short dance combination.

An accompanist will be provided for in-person auditions, and auditionees should bring sheet music in the key they will be singing.

Singing acapella is not encouraged. Rehearsals and productions will take place at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.

For audition submission form, information, and updates, visit www.uactheatre.org or www.hemmens.org and their associated social media accounts. Address all questions to Lindsey at uactheatre@gmail.com.

"In The Heights" tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York's Washington Heights neighborhood - a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. In The Heights is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 15-23, with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays, July 17 and 24. Tickets on sale now at www.hemmens.org.

Through collaboration and partnerships, Up and Coming Theatre Company creates diverse, thought-provoking works that engage the community. They strive to provide professional level performances that are originally interpreted and maximize the creativity in all aspects of production. It is committed to offering educational and mentoring opportunities for both staff and cast members to elevate their craft and to grow as people. Past Broadway World Chicago nominated and winning shows include "School of Rock," "Sweet Charity," "Heathers," "American Idiot," "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," and "Wild Party."

The Elgin Summer Theatre is a showcase for regional talent and is funded through a grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the City of Elgin. Past performances include "Hair," "Grease," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Annie," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Rent," "A Chorus Line," "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Sister Act," "Seussical," and BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nominee "Next to Normal."