DARKE COUNTY — Darke County Center for the Arts is presenting a week-long Missoula Children’s Theatre residency, which begins with auditions for all interested youngsters to try out for a role in a full-scale musical theater production and concludes with performances starring local students.
Auditions for MCT’s “King Arthurs’ Quest,” a familiar story with an unusual twist, will be held Monday, July 27, from 10 a.m. until noon. Performances are for Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. All activities will take place at Versailles Performing Arts Center, 280 Marker Road, Versailles.
“We are extremely grateful to VPAC for opening their state-of-the-art performance space to us due to the renovation taking place at our usual venue, St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville,” said DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan. “Although not centrally located in the county seat, all routes can lead to Versailles Performing Arts Center so that youngsters from all over our community will have the opportunity take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for hands-on involvement with theater.”
All students entering grades 1 through 12 are encouraged to audition for one of the approximately 60 roles available. There is no charge for participation in this production. Those wanting to try out should arrive by the scheduled starting time and remain for the entire session. Some cast members will be asked to stay for the first rehearsal, which begins 30 minutes after the casting announcement at the end of auditions. Rehearsals continue daily from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 2:30 throughout the week. Although not all cast members are needed at every session, those auditioning should have a clear schedule for the entire week.
In addition to the title character and his queen, Guinevere, roles to be cast include other favorite characters from Camelot: Merlin, Raven, Taleisin and Lancelot, as well as the Lady of the Lake, Uther Pendragon, Mordred and Morgan LeFey. Knights of the Round Table, Squires, Damsels and Minis join The Camelotians to complete the list of roles available. Additionally, assistant directors will be chosen to assist with technical aspects of the production.
According to Jordan, no advance preparation is required for this group audition, but she reminds youngsters that playing close attention to the MCT Tour Directors’ instructions is of great help to a successful audition. “And a smile never hurts,” the executive director advised.
The residency by Missoula Children’s Theatre is made possible by a grant from Darke County Endowment for the Arts. DCCA also receives funding from local businesses, foundations and the Ohio Arts Council.
Tickets to the performance cost $5. To reserve tickets for either Saturday performance of King Arthur’s Quest or for further details regarding auditions and the production, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or [email protected].
