Actors sought for Schaumburg troupe’s Black History performance

Schaumburg-based Powerhouse Productions is looking for teens and adults of all races to audition later this month for its 15th annual Black History performance this February.

Valerie Profit, founder and executive producer of Powerhouse Productions, is especially encouraging the participation of white teens whom she said often don’t know they’d be welcome in a Black History performance.

The audition will begin at 7:15 p.m. sharp Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Hanover Park Branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 1266 Irving Park Road — just east of Barrington Road — in Hanover Park.

This winter’s show will be called, “18 and Graduating.” Profit said it’s about the pressure a high school senior goes through from parents, siblings and teachers at a time of life when he or she feels the strongest influence from peers.

The performance — intended to be informational, educational and fun — will include dialogue as well as song. Even if a teen or adult has never acted before, there is a place for them, Profit said. Adults are needed to portray parents, teachers, counselors and a principal.

Profit’s personal love of theater and access to a dedicated base of local talent helped her get Powerhouse Productions off the ground in 1999. She said her inspiration was her father, who taught her to start projects herself rather than sit back and complain that others weren’t.

No registration is required to attend the audition, but those with additional questions can either call (847) 902-7508 or email powerhouseproductions99@gmail.com.