NEWS RELEASE
_____________________________________________________________________________________

PRESS CONTACT: MICHAEL DEMPSEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 05, 2017

LEAPIN’ LIZARDS! ACTORS OF ALL AGES (AND ONE MUTT)

SOUGHT FOR BELOVED MUSICAL, “ANNIE” AT ACT

AURORA, OHIO – Aurora Community Theatre will hold AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT for the heartwarming Tony Award-winning musical, ANNIE, on Sunday and Monday, July 16-17, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Aurora Memorial Library and Performing Arts Center, 115 East Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH 44202. The show will be directed by Michael Dempsey. Please visit Signup.com to reserve an audition appointment at http://signup.com/go/iGvcdsg.

Based on the popular Depression-era comic strip, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Broadway musical comedy boasts at least three movie versions, a beloved book and score, and the unforgettable hit song, “Tomorrow.” It’s the story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find the parents who abandoned her on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage, run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. See if Annie foil Miss Hannigan and her brother Rooster's evil plans and finds a new family and home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

PERFORMANCES run five weekends, November 3 – December 2. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, with Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm during the middle three weekends.

REHEARSALS will begin in early September. Rehearsals are typically Sun-Thurs evenings. Please bring a list of your conflicts to auditions.

All roles are available.

ADULT ROLES: Besides the iconic adult roles mentioned above, ANNIE requires a dynamic and talented ensemble, in which the performers play multiple roles and sing and dance in major production numbers, with several featured singing roles.

CHILDREN ROLES: Besides the title role of Annie, there are six specific orphan roles (age range 6-13). Additional orphans may be cast. Children must be at least 8 years old to audition for an orphan role. Parents must commit to having orphans at rehearsals when needed and helping them learn their material.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

IMPORTANT: Auditions are by appointment! Please go to http://signup.com/go/iGvcdsg to reserve an audition slot or call the theatre at (330) 562-1818. People who attend without an appointment will be seen if time permits.

Callbacks will be Thursday, July 20^th at 7:00 pm.

Please prepare a brief musical theater song in the style of the show (“classic” Broadway). Please do NOT prepare movie, pop or rock songs. Please do NOT prepare the song “Tomorrow.” Bringing sheet music is preferred but an accompaniment track on CD will be accepted. An accompanist will be provided.

A short dance combination will also be taught as part of the audition. Actors may or may not be asked to read from the script at preliminary auditions. Actors will read from the script and be asked to sing from the score during callbacks.

Owners of potential “Sandy” dogs should contact the director at 330-397-3667 to arrange an “audition.” Sandy must be able to remain calm in performance situations and be trained to perform very specific tasks, including crossing the stage unleashed and alone.

For a complete breakdown of roles and vocal ranges, visit: http://www.mtishows.com/full-cast-info/1637

PRODUCTION STAFF:

Director Michael Dempsey has a 30-year background as a professional actor, director, playwright and novelist. Recent NE Ohio productions include THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, SWEENY TODD, THE LAST FIVE YEARS and INTO THE WOODS (Salem Community Theatre), YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute; winner of Broadway.com's regional award for Best Youth Production), OF MICE AND MEN (TrueNorth Cultural Arts), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (SCT and Players Guild of Canton), AN EVENING IN MICHAEL DEMPSEY'S SHORTS (Rust Belt Theatre Company), I AM MY OWN WIFE (Oakland Center for the Arts), MACBETH and CURTAINS (Youngstown Playhouse).

ANNIE will feature musical direction by John Krol, choreography by Amie Wesley Gabel and will be produced by Marianne Paul.

Aurora Community Theatre enjoys a long and distinguished history of providing quality live performances to the Aurora area and beyond. The theatre is located in the Aurora Memorial Library and Performing Arts Center, 115 East Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH 44202. You can reach the theatre Box Office at (330) 562-1818, visit the theatre's website at http://auroracommunitytheatre.com or find them on Facebook.

For more information, contact director Michael Dempsey at demzer@gmail.com.