New Britain Youth Theater will hold auditions for its summer production of "Once on This Island Jr." on Sunday, June 16, and Monday, June 17, 2013, at Trinity-on-Main Performance Center at 19 Chestnut Street in New Britain. Hours on both days are 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
With catchy Caribbean music and a story loosely based on the original tale of The Little Mermaid, Once on This Island Jr. tells of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel returns to his family, Ti Moune is guided by the gods who rule the island on a journey to test the strength of her love. Once on This Island Jr. has many parts for children of all levels of experience. A strong chorus is needed and children will also play island animals, trees and breezes, and even a fierce storm. This “Broadway Junior” version of the script is designed specifically for young performers and audiences.
Rehearsals will be held over a four-week half-day program on Mondays through Fridays from July 1 through 26 (except for July 4). Rehearsal hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Performances will be July 26, 27 and 28, 2013. In addition to rehearsing, the cast will also help to make some of the set pieces, props and costumes for the production. Rehearsals and performances will be held at Jefferson Elementary School on Horse Plain Road (entrance on Slater Road) in New Britain near the Farmington border.
Those auditioning should prepare at least eight lines of a song, preferably from musical theater. Sheet music may be brought, or they may sing a cappella (without accompaniment). Children auditioning will also be asked to read from a script and may also be asked to sing from the musical. To schedule an audition and learn more about the program, call (860) 515-8115 or email auditions@nbyt.org. All children who register and audition will be cast in the show, and auditions are open to all children ages 7 to 14 from any town. The participation fee for this summer program is $350.
For children ages 5 through 10, New Britain Youth Theater is also offering two sessions of its popular Stage Performance Class. Each session will meet for one week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Trinity-on-Main Performance Center. The first session will meet July 8 through 12; the second session will be July 15 through 19. In both sessions, children will stage different Caribbean folk tales.
Also this summer, the NBYT Teen Company will hold a Summer Reading Series on Thursday evenings. Ages 12 through 18 are invited to participate in group readings of plays under consideration for Teen Company productions in the 2013-14 season. The program begins with an open meeting to collect ideas on Thursday, June 27, at 6:00 p.m. and will continue in July and through August 1. Any teen may attend, but registration is encouraged so staff is prepared with enough scripts.
For more program details, registration forms, and general information about New Britain Youth Theater, please visit the company’s website at www.nbyt.org or call 860-515-8115.
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