"Rugrats" Auditions Next Week

A reminder that Rugrats auditions are a week from today. Here's the announcement from today's Herald-Dispatch:

Auditions for First Stage Theatre’s upcoming performance of Rugrats - A Live Adventure will take Saturday, Dec. 11.

The auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church, 5747 Pea Ridge Road. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade can audition.

The show is a musical comedy with audience interaction. Cast members will need to have high energy and be able to think on their feet. There will be a total of 17 named male and female characters in the ensemble cast.

There will also be additional chorus members. Characters will be from the well-known cartoon with established voices and characteristics. Show organizers will be looking for children that can bring these cartoon characters to life being true to their already-established form. Reviewing the cartoons and working voices and characterization is encouraged.

Participants will be asked to read various parts of the script in character as well as sing a portion of a song that this character will sing in the show. Familiar songs will be provided.

Characterization will be considered equally with singing ability. In addition to the main show, there will also be casting for a short pre-show that will be a Nickelodeon-based character concept production. This is will be an actual 30 minute show presenting an assortment of various Nickelodeon characters. All ages will be considered for the Pre-Show characters.

Performance dates are March 17-20, 2011 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Rehearsals will start in January on weeknights except for Wednesdays, but early in the process, there will be Saturday workshops for various groups.

The Cast List will be posted Sunday evening Dec. 12, and the first cast/parent meeting will be scheduled for that week.

Co-directors are Mary and Tommy Smirl. Musical director is Lara Donahoe. Producers are Elaine Young and Leslie Porter.

For more information, go online at www.firststagetheatre.