HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL - FVR Performing Arts Academy Youth Ensemble Non Equity Auditions

April 2012, St. Charles, IL - The Fox Valley Rep Performing Arts Academy is searching for the best and brightest young talent in the Fox Valley to audition for the summer youth ensemble musical, Disney's High School Musical. Open auditions will take place at Fox Valley Rep's home - Pheasant Run Resort (4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL; education telephone
630-364-0550).

"We're very excited about bringing High School Musical back to our stage, as it was the very first youth ensemble production that began our Performing Arts Academy in the fall of 2006. It's back by popular demand from our students as well as our patrons," says Education Manager Tracy Whiteside. "Students that get cast will be learning from some of the best in the area, as our directing, design and production teams are professional, accomplished artists in the Chicagoland area. Cast members are not only taught a show, but also receive skills training in singing, dancing and acting - one of the many benefits of becoming a part of the FVR Performing Arts Academy family."

Director and Choreographer Carly Churchey will join Fox Valley Rep for the first time after directing and instructing professionally around the country. She holds a MFA in Acting from University of Illinois at U/C and a BA in Acting and Directing from Frostburg State University.

Open auditions for ages 11-18 will be held in the Utrillo/Vermeer Rooms in Gallery Hall at Pheasant Run on Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm or Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. No appointment is necessary.

Interested youth should prepare and memorize a one-minute monologue and 16 bars of a song that best displays their talent. An accompanist will be provided, so children should bring sheet music. Everyone will be taught a dance combination at the audition; previous dance training is helpful but not required. Auditionees may also be asked to do a cold reading from the script. Everyone should bring a headshot and a resume to the audition.

The FVR Youth Ensemble is an exclusive, audition-only education program for the best and brightest young talent. Participants are responsible for memorizing lines, music and choreography. Members learn the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances. Youth Ensemble performances are produced, directed and performed on the Mainstage in the same manner as Fox Valley Rep's professional theater productions.

Disney's High School Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

OTHER ACADEMY AUDITIONS

KIDS ADVANCED MUSICAL THEATRE (Ages: 7 to 11)

"Wizard of Oz" - Open Auditions: June 2 from 10am to 12pm OR June 4 from 5-7pm

TWEENS PROFESSIONAL SERIES MASTER ACTING CLASS (Ages: 9 to 12)

Open Auditions: June 2 from 10am to 12pm OR June 4 from 5-7pm

About the FVR Performing Arts Academy

The Fox Valley Rep Arts Academy is a non-profit organization. The academy continues to feature some of the Chicago area's most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. For more information on the Performing Arts Academy or for more audition information, visit
www.foxvalleyrep.org/education, call
630-364-0550, or email
education@foxvalleyrep.org. Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. Additional theater information may be obtained at
www.foxvalleyrep.org.