Steinbach Arts Council opens auditions for Broadway revue

The Steinbach Arts Council has opened auditions for its newest production this spring – a Broadway revue.

SAC has done a Broadway revue in the past and this production, Broadway Moments, will cover Broadway musicals over the past decade that were produced by SAC and some favourites that have echoed in the theatres of the Great White Way. Cast members will be a mix of past performers and those who have never participated in an SAC production.

“When I run auditions, or when anybody else runs auditions, they’re really looking for stage presence and musical and acting skills. So, we want to see what everybody has to offer,” said executive director David Klassen, who is co-directing the production with Kristy Penner.

“We often say in an audition setting that even if we can’t cast you today, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have the perfect character for something else. So, this is why we want to see what people have to offer and we want to get to meet them.”

Klassen is looking to cast from 35 to 45 actors.

The call for performers will fill roles in the chorus with the possibility to fill solos or duets/small ensembles. All ages are encouraged to apply. Auditions run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 6 and 9, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 10.

“It’s a great demonstration of local talent and just a great way to celebrate the people who make our art community so strong,” said Klassen.

One actor who will audition for the revue is Jutta Wittock, who has appeared in two SAC musicals – as a flower munchkin in the Wizard of Oz and as Bielka in Fiddler On The Roof.

For her audition, she will perform Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

The 15-year-old, who’s favourite musical is Ride The Cyclone, said she really loves the theatre and by being a part of SAC’s community musicals it allows her to be a part of an intergenerational cast where she can expand her acting skills.

“I just really enjoy hanging out with people with the same interests and it’s a really fun extracurricular activity to do,” she said. “It’s so much fun. It’s kind of like a built-in family. And it’s, honestly, there’s so many great memories that you can make and it’s like a whole lot of fun. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, so I really enjoy it.”

Wittock noted it does take a time commitment when one is part of a theatrical production, which could mean time off work and weekends. Her advice for people who are auditioning is to do some vocal warm-ups, not to “stress so much,” be yourself, and to “plant your feet and be proud and respectful.”

She also believes these productions bring the community together.

“It brings everyone together really nicely. Everyone has a different story to tell and it’s so fun. And the whole community can get together and just share the joy of acting in theater and it’s just really, really fun to do.”

Some of the musicals that may be in Broadway Moments include Anne of Green Gables, The Music Man, and last season’s successful Fiddler On The Roof. Klassen said about 20 to 30 songs will be selected from a variety of Broadway shows.

“It’ll be a fun collection of highlights,” he said.

As to what will be hitting the boards for next season, Klassen said the arts organization is in the early planning stages and has yet to decide if it will be able to do a full musical production.

“But we do have several musicals that are on our radar. I wouldn’t want to say which ones they are, but we’re always looking at possibilities for that next show. And it’s another reason why we love to see auditions, because we may see somebody audition for this production that is perfect for two shows from now. So, it’s a way for us to really get to know who’s out there and what shows are possible for us in the future.”

Rehearsals for Broadway Moments will begin sometime in late January or early February and will run between four to six weeks. Curtain rises from March 19 to 21 at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School Theatre. Tickets will go on sale sometime in the new year.

Those who would like to audition should email performing arts coordinator Tara Schellenberg at tara@steinbacharts.ca to book an audition slot and receive audition packets. Please specify your preferred audition date and time. Auditions will take place at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.