Summer Stage Auditions are Fun and Relaxed

Performers rarely call auditions fun and relaxed, but that’s exactly what they say about auditioning for Summer Stage Children’s Theatre productions. Summer Stage veterans enjoy the audition process so much that they can’t wait until June 10th, when this year’s auditions begin.

“The staff guides us through the audition so it’s very simple. It’s a great first audition for kids who’ve never done one before,” said Sean McLaughlin, of Washington Township. “The directors act like kids themselves. They bring up people who’ve participated in Summer Stage for years and have them help demonstrate good acting and bad acting.”

“And, they really put no pressure on you. They let you audition when you’re ready. If you want to do the speaking and dancing audition, but not the singing, it’s fine. You do what you’re comfortable with,” added Hillary Kurtz of Turnersville.

Auditions for children entering 6th through 12th grade for the productions of High School Musical 2, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., and Disney Spectacular will take place June 10, 16, and 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Each participant will receive everything they need at the auditions, but they must have previously registered for Summer Stage’s seven-week Children’s Theatre program or register the evening of the auditions. This program is designed to excite and encourage young people with an interest in the arts and to help them develop confidence and self esteem. Everyone who registers and auditions receives the opportunity to perform in the shows; no child is eliminated.

“The atmosphere at Summer Stage auditions, and the whole program, is so open and supportive. You make so many friends here. And, if anything concerns you the staff are so easy to talk to,” said Tom Shaw of Pine Hill.

Tom is 15 and is entering his eighth year of Summer Stage. For children who start young as he did, Summer Stage offers Kids Stuff and Apprentice five-week, half-day programs (with a full day option) designed just for children entering second through fifth grades. These programs culminate with their own musical revue. There is no audition for these programs, but those wishing to perform must be registered members of either the Kids Stuff or Apprentice programs.

For more information on Summer Stage and all Mainstage Center for the Arts programs, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.