Auditions Monday for 'The Secret Garden'

[July 19, 2013]  BLOOMINGTON -- Open auditions for the Miller Park Summer Theater production of "The Secret Garden" will take place on Monday at 9 a.m. at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts Creativity Center, 107 E. Chestnut St. The BCPA is working with the Missoula Children's Theatre to present this summer's performances at Miller Park. "The Secret Garden" will be presented free of charge at the Miller Park bandstand on July 26 and 27 at 7 pm.

Children entering first grade through age 18 are eligible to participate. Advance registration is not required for auditions, nor do performers need to bring a prepared song. The production is looking to fill 50-60 cast roles, in addition to up to four assistant directors to be selected from youth age 12-18.

Missoula Children's Theatre says: "This is a group audition -- no advance preparation is necessary, but a smile never hurts. Students should just be ready to come and have a good time!"

It's recommended that parents and participants arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. to fill out paperwork and receive more information about the program. Auditions will start promptly at 9 a.m. By approximately 11 a.m. the Missoula staff will post the cast list and assistant directors for the week's show. The first rehearsal will begin approximately 15 minutes after the cast list is posted.

Those selected to participate will need to be available for all rehearsals during the week, as well as for both performances, Friday night and Saturday night. The rehearsal schedule is not yet final but it is estimated to be as follows: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Creativity Center; Thursday, 3-8 p.m., at Miller Park; Friday, 8 p.m. until the end of show, at Miller Park; and the Saturday show at Miller Park.

Note that the Thursday, Friday and Saturday scheduling can be affected by weather. If inclement weather occurs, the production will be guaranteed a Friday night show indoors on the BCPA stage, but not guaranteed Saturday night.

For children cast in the show, there will be a $35 registration fee per child.

The Missoula Children's Theatre interpretation of "The Secret Garden" is a story of hope and a celebration of all good things in life. Mistress Mary Quite Contrary embarks on a journey from India to her uncle's home in England. Along the way she makes friends with the hilarious Canadian Geese and the colorful Giant Bugs that Rock. In time she learns to appreciate everything around her, including the Moor Animals and the helpful Fireflies. Add to that a good, healthy dose of caring, and what happens? Colin, Martha, Archibald and the rest of the household begin to enjoy the return of health and happiness in a garden carefully tended until it blossoms once more.

A second summer theater opportunity takes place the following week, with the Missoula Children's Theatre returning with a new production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The production process for that show mirrors this, with auditions on July 29 and performances Aug. 2 and 3.

For more information on the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts and presentations of the Miller Park Summer Theater, visit the BCPA website at www.artsblooming.org.

[Text from file received from Bloomington Parks & Recreation]