Kaneland Arts Initiative auditions for summer production
Kaneland Arts Initiative has announced the sixth annual summer theater production, "BIG the Musical!"
Directed by Doug Orlyk, the classic 1987 motion picture fantasy bursts onto the stage as an unforgettable theatrical experience. Featuring a witty, moving, and insightful book and a dazzling, energetic, heartfelt, contemporary score about a frustrated adolescent who magically becomes an adult, "Big" is a perfect show for audiences of all ages!
Josh Baskin is sick of being an awkward kid. At a carnival, he makes a wish to the Zoltar machine to become "big." To his shock, his wish is granted. After an understandably awkward beginning, Josh is forced to do "adult" things like getting a job and a girlfriend. In the end, he discovers there's much more to being an adult than he bargained for, and learns we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time.
Auditions for "Big The Musical!" are open for kindergarten (in the fall 2015) through adult.
On Saturday, May 30, auditions for kindergarten through eighth grade (fall 2015) begin at 11 a.m. with one-hour slots. Email Doug at dovajorth@gmail.com to reserve your audition time.
On Monday, June 1, auditions for ninth grade (fall 2015) through adult will begin at 7 p.m. with one-hour slots. Email Doug at dovajorth@gmail.com to reserve your audition time.
There are three parts to the audition: singing, reading and movement. Bring sheet music in your appropriate key. An accompanist is provided. Wear comfortable clothes (no flip flops, please).
For the first half-hour, half of the group (up to 10) will be in the auditorium, on the stage, learning some movement. The choreographer and one of the producers will watch and keep notes on each individual's dancing strengths/weaknesses.
The other half of the group will be in the black box with Orlyk and the other producer.
Everyone auditioning will sing first, followed by being put into pairs or small groups for reading sides. At the half-hour mark, the two groups trade places and complete their audition.
KAI is thrilled to have Doug Orlyk as the director of the KAI's summer theater production, "BIG!"
Orlyk grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He has been a teacher for 20 years, having taught music as well as technology. His theatrical background includes dozens of shows, mostly with Wheaton Drama and Village Theatre Guild of Glen Ellyn.
KAI audiences might have seen him in "The Laramie Project" or "The Diary of Anne Frank," our last two winter shows. Some of the shows Orlyk has directed or musical directed are, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Company," "Jerry's Girls," "And the World Goes Round," "Follies," "A Chorus Line," "Annie," "Honk Jr." and "A Little Night Music." Orlyk is an accomplished pianist and singer/songwriter as well. He currently lives in Elgin but is preparing to move to West Chicago.
All auditions, rehearsals, and performances take place at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park.
Performances of "Big, The Musical" will be July 10-12 and 17-19. Tickets go on sale on May 15. Visit kanelandartsinitiative.org.