Auditions for The Wizard of Oz

King’s Wharf Theatre announces auditions for Toto and Munchkins!



Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

PENETANGUISHENE – Do you have a child with their sights set on the stage? Award-winning Drayton Entertainment is once again reaching out to the community to involve local youth in its season opening production of The Wizard of Oz, which runs from June 7th through July 2nd at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene.

An Open Audition will be held on Saturday, April 9th at Penetanguishene Secondary School (51 Dunlop Street) to cast boys and girls in grades five through ten to play the part of the munchkins in one of the greatest family musicals of all time. Auditions begin at 12:00 p.m. No appointments are necessary, however the aspiring young performers should be prepared to sing “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead”. Performance experience is an asset, but not required. A passion for theatre is the only prerequisite! Hopeful munchkins are asked to bring a recent photo and comfortable clothes and shoes for the movement components. Please note that due to the nature of the role, height may be considered in casting.

“There is outstanding talent in this community,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “We are delighted to give our youth the opportunity to appear on stage and work side-by-side with professional actors.”

Perhaps you also have a pooch with pizazz? Not only will youngsters from the area have a chance to act in this beloved Broadway musical, but Drayton Entertainment is also looking for a special Toto to join Dorothy and her pals on there quest for the emerald city.

“We are inviting dogs that reflect the size and type of canine that appeared in the classic film to audition for the part of Toto,” says Mustakas. “We're looking for pets with potential. They don't have to be professionally trained however, there is a significant time commitment required of the owner and the dog that is selected for this production.

An Open Audition for small dogs weighing less than 30 lbs will be held on the same day, Saturday, April 9th at 3:30 p.m. at Penetanguishene Secondary School. Auditioning dogs must be well behaved, house trained, and capable to obey simple commands. Both the dog and owner must be available for all rehearsals in May and all performances from June 7th through July 2nd.

For more information, including a complete list of audition requirements and song lyrics, please visit www.draytonentertainment.com.

A downloadable audition form is available at http://www.draytonentertainment.com/auditions.

For further inquiries, please contact Steve Roth, Executive Producer for Drayton Entertainment at 1-855-drayton (372-9866) ext. 245.

This production of The Wizard of Oz is directed by Adam Furfaro, who has helmed numerous productions including Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story, The Odd Couple, On Golden Pond and Separate Beds for Drayton Entertainment.

The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all time classic 1939 Hollywood film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. “Over The Rainbow” won the 1939 Academy Award for Best Song. L Frank Baum wrote the first 1903 stage version of his 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This production features such beloved songs as "Over The Rainbow", "Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead" and "If I Only Had A Brain."

The Wizard of Oz is proudly sponsored by RBC Royal Bank and Raytheon ELCAN Optical Technologies. Media Sponsors are B101 and the Barrie Advance. The Design Sponsor is 91.5 The Peak FM.

The Wizard of Oz runs for four weeks only, June 7th though July 2nd. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kingswharftheatre.com or by calling the Box Office (705) 549-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).

For more information join the Official Drayton Entertainment Fan Club on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @drayton_theatre.

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For more information please contact: Valerie O’Brien, Marketing Manager

(519) 638-5511 ext. 235 or email valerie@draytonentertainment.com