“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Auditions on Feb. 7

   If you'll forgive some self-promotion, First Stage Theatre is getting ready to take on a new challenge - courtesy of a very old play.

   For the first time in its 25-year history, the children's theatre is tackling a Shakespeare play - and I get to direct it! Here's the press release announcing the auditions:

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   First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va. 

   Auditions are open to students ages 10 through high school seniors - there are parts available for all ages in that range. Participants can arrive and sign up at any time between 10 and 4. There is no charge to audition or to take part in a First Stage production, and no theatre experience is required. 

   The comedy by William Shakespeare includes royalty, commoners and hapless entertainers, creatures of magic and love spells gone wrong. It’s one of Shakespeare’s most beloved (and funniest) plays.

   Auditioners will also be given a few lines from the script to read - memorization is not required (in other words, they can read from the sheet while auditioning).

   The play is being directed by Chuck Minsker, with Assistant Director Robyn Welch and Producer Leslie Comer-Porter. 

   The play will be presented April 17, 18 and 19, 2015, at the Cabell County Public Library in Huntington. There will also be a special school performance on April 16.

   A Midsummer Night’s Dream will wrap up First Stage’s 25th season.

   Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

   For more information, contact Chuck Minsker at 304-736-4366, or visit the First Stage website at: www.firststagetheare.org; on Facebook it’s: https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Stage-Theatre-Company/151408134941398.  

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   Let me add how happy I am to be working with my directing team on this play! The team includes Robyn Welch, who grew up on stage with First Stage. She's now a teacher, and has worked as an assistant on several shows, including Disney's Little Mermaid, Jr.

   Our producer is the amazing Leslie Comer-Porter, who's worked her magic on several shows with me, including "Little Mermaid" and last fall's Disney's Aladdin, Jr. The producer job is a heck of a challenge, and you need someone as organized, efficient and hard-working as Leslie - she's terrific!

   The show's going to be a real challenge, but it's also going to be a lot of fun! I've been a fan of "Midsummer" for decades, and I've been hoping First Stage would tackle it. I can't wait to get started!