After a multi-year hiatus, the hills of Bracebridge will soon once again be filled with the Sound of Music.
Paused due to Covid-19, the Rotary Club of Bracebridge has announced that it is resuming its long tradition of annual musicals with The Sound of Music. Auditions begin Oct 1 and 2 at the Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington Street, Bracebridge.
“I grew up watching the Sound of Music on television every Christmas in Britain, so it was a favourite of mine, I used to know all the songs by heart,” says director Emma Phillips. “It was on my list of musicals I’d like to direct anyway, but I also felt that it was a good time to do a musical that was uplifting and well-loved. Something that feels comforting to bring people back into live theatre.”
There are four audition times, starting both Saturday and Sunday at 10 am and 2 pm. Auditions will consist of a singing and dance call, and some performers may be asked to read lines from the script. Applicants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled start times. They must come prepared to sign a song of their choosing and they should bring their own recorded accompaniment. The song should preferably be from a musical although it does not have to be from this show. A simple dance will be taught and then performed by the group.
“The main adult roles will require experienced local actors who can sing well. We also need talented younger actors and singers for the Von Trapp children’s roles,” says Phillips. “We encourage everyone who is interested to try out. It’s always a great experience to be part of a production like this and who knows what new talent we might find, it’s a perfect way to start accumulating onstage experience if you are interested in community theatre.”
In addition to the acting roles, the organizers are looking for volunteers for all aspects of backstage and production, including costumes, props, set building, stage management, set painting, stagehands and many more roles.
Phillips is pleased to be involved with the Rotary musical again this year, after having been director of previous productions including My Fair Lady and Cabaret, and assistant director for Oklahoma and Matilda. She was also the main costume designer and creator for those musicals, as well as Kiss Me Kate and The Drowsy Chaperone.
“I’ve been around local theatre my whole life, as my mother was always in plays and musicals. I was in plays and doing backstage work as a teenager,” she says. “I came back to live in Muskoka in 1997 and started helping backstage again, which quickly led to acting again and eventually to directing.”
Rehearsals for the production will begin in November and will be held at least twice a week. The musical will run for seven performances at the Rene Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge from February 23 – March 4, 2023. Those who accept a role do need to make a commitment for the entire winter.
For more information, contact Jean Polak, Rotary Club of Bracebridge Email: [email protected].
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