News release
Public Information Office
SLU 10880 Hammond,
LA 70402 phone:
985-549-2341 fax:
985-549-2061
publicinfo@selu.edu
www.selu.edu/news
Contact: Christina Chapple
Date: 3/14/03
| SOUTHEASTERN TO HOLD AUDITIONS APRIL 4-5 FOR “OLIVER!”
HAMMOND -- Auditions will be held April 4-5 for the Southeastern Louisiana University Department of Music and Dramatic Arts’ summer musical, “Oliver!” Three performances of the musical will be presented June 27-28 at Southeastern’s historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond. Curtain will be 7:30 p.m. both days, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on June 28, said Chuck Effler, interim director of Southeastern’s Opera-Music Theatre Program. Effler said separate auditions will be held in the Pottle Music Building Auditorium for adults and children. Children entering the third through eighth grades in fall 2003 will try out from 3-5 p.m. Friday, April 4, and 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. High school students, university students and adults will audition from 6-9 p.m., Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Effler said New York City director/choreographer Wendy Taucher, who led the production staff for Southeastern’s acclaimed 2001 summer production of the musical "Annie," will again join faculty and staff to create this summer's "Oliver!" “Southeastern's production will offer area children and adults an opportunity to participate in a fully staged production with orchestra and professionally designed sets, lights and costumes -- and with professional leadership at every level,” Effler said. "Oliver!," one of music theater's most beloved shows, has been performed around the world since it's London premiere more than 30 years ago. The musical retelling of the classic Charles Dickens novel, "Oliver Twist," offers two starring roles for boys (Oliver and The Artful Dodger), plus a large number of leading roles, supporting roles and chorus parts for children and adults. “In order to give as many children as possible the opportunity to participate in this major theatrical event Southeastern's production will utilize an expanded children's chorus of 40 or more,” Effler said. “Children entering the third grade or higher in fall 2003 are encouraged to audition, as well adults.” Effler said that in addition to acting, community members can become involved in numerous backstage activities such as set building and painting, costume fitting, props acquisition and building, and backstage running crew. “These ‘never seen’ jobs are vital to any theatrical production,” he said. The Department of Music and Dramatic Arts will produce "Oliver!" with the financial support of the Southeastern Development Foundation and area businesses. For more information about auditions or to make a tax deductible contribution to the production, contact Effler at 985-549-2249; email or ceffler@selu.edu. |
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