SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts is holding auditions for two upcoming musical shows, Into the Woods and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Auditions for Into the Woods will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. Rehearsals begin in early September, with performances the second and third weekends in November on the MSA stage in Saxtons River.
Jesus Christ Superstar auditions are Friday, Sept. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. Performances in March will take place at the Bellows Falls Opera House.
Those auditioning for Into the Woods do not need to prepare a song from the show, although they may. They will be asked to sing and, if bringing a piece of music not from the show, they need to bring sheet music for it. They will also likely learn some part of a song from the show and be asked to work it dramatically.
Director David Stern describes the production as “very unusual,” with improvisation lying at the heart of the concept for the show and the story being made up as it is being told.
“This is a show that will be built as we go,” Stern said. “All actors will be on stage all the time, as will all musicians, and since the show will be built as we go, with everyone on all the time, attendance will be required more often than normal.”
Cast may be called on to be scenery, play an instrument, or sing a part of the orchestration, and members of the orchestra may take lines.
“Basically, we are all 'on stage,' creating all the time,” he added. “No show should be exactly like the previous one.”
MSA's major March musical Jesus Christ Superstar is being cast gender blind, with all roles open to women or men. Those auditioning are asked to prepare a song from the show, although it isn't mandatory. If seeking the role of Judas or Jesus, they should prepare the song “Gethsemane.” Dress appropriate for doing movement should be worn.
Further information is available by contacting Stern at dstern@mainstreetarts.org or on the MSA website mainstreetarts.org.