STARS Youth Theatre to hold auditions for “The Little Mermaid Jr.”!

The Soo Theatre Project and STARS is proud to announce their selection for the Spring musical production of the STARS YOUTH THEATRE.  “The Little Mermaid Jr.” was chosen as the all youth musical for 2017 to be performed on April 28, 29, and 30.  

Two rounds of auditions will be held divided by age groups: 12-18 and 12 and under.

Principal auditions for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr. for ages 12 – 18 will be held on Monday, January 16 beginning at 7pm. This night is for auditionees who are trying out for one of the show leads and have a solo piece prepared to sing for the directors.  Singers will be heard in small groups and will be scheduled in twenty minute blocks.

One verse of a song with piano accompaniment is all that is required.  Pieces must be memorized.  

A capella (voice only without piano) excerpts will be accepted if you are not sure how to obtain sheet music in advance of the auditions.  The theatre company will have printed music for all of the songs from the stage version if singers wish to use the materials available from the production.  

Auditionees will also be asked to read lines from the show and may be called back to read with other potential cast members at a later date.   

All kids 12 and under are invited to attend a group audition on Friday, January 20 from 6pm – 8pm. Those interested in being in the chorus only from this age group will audition as a group from 6pm-7pm.  This is a good idea for first timers or those who prefer to sing with other singers.  

Additional leads may be chosen from the group auditions from the 12 and under group.

Kids 12 and under who do wish to try for a solo part or a featured chorus role will be asked to stay for the additional hour from 7pm-8pm.  During this time the kids may sing a prepared solo or sing an excerpt from the group session.  

Callbacks will take place if necessary on Saturday, January 21 time TBA.  

The STARS YOUTH THEATRE program was created at the Soo Theatre to provide kids from ages 8-18 an opportunity to star in their very own production with the youth from the Soo Theatre programs taking the lead in performing and producing their own show.  

Director Karen Hughes Beacom first had the idea to do an all kids version of “Annie” for the students in her private voice studio.  Initially the thought was to do highlights and possibly act out some parts of the full stage production.  To open it up to others, they decided to go ahead and hold an audition just to see if there was interest out there.  

And STARS Youth Theatre was born.  What began as a thought of a small studio showcase, became a 50 plus cast version of “Annie Jr.” with enough kids to double cast the leads, sharing performance nights and receiving large audiences for a four night run on the stage, complete with costumes, lights and sound!  

“Beauty and the Beast Jr.” followed suit, taking the stage for the second SYT production in 2016 with yet another turnout of over 72 auditionees for the parts.  Seasoned high school voice students played many of the lead roles, while many up and coming junior high school kids were rounded out by an adorable and capable cast of elementary students.  

“This year with “The Little Mermaid Jr.” we are excited to see who will turn out.  The age of the cast will depend on who comes out for the auditions.  We really look forward to seeking new talent and to the return of our kids in the company,” said Hughes Beacom.  “It is really a treat to see the kids come back and grow with each production!”

The spring ‘all kids’ musical has now become the official opener of the Soo Theatre mainstage season.  

All auditions will take place at the Soo Theatre Project located at 534 Ashmun Street in Sault, Michigan in Studio C off of the main lobby.  

Call 906-632-1930 if you would like to sign up for a specific time slot on Monday night.   Singers who do not schedule an audition in advance will gladly be heard and will be put into the next available group.  A sign-in sheet will be in the lobby to get your spot on the evening of January 16.  

If you are unable to attend the any of the scheduled auditions, please contact Karen at sootheatre@gmail.com to see about an alternative time.  

And as always, we are very interested in those who wish to work behind the scenes on sets, costumes, props and tech.  Please come to any of the scheduled auditions to sign up to work in any capacity on the show.  Workshops are being planned in conjunction with show rehearsals for anyone who wishes to sew, glue or build in any way or help supervise the cast.   

All programs of the Soo Theatre and STARS program are sponsored in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA)  and the National Endowment for the Arts.

And don’t forget, a new round of MUSIC TOGETHER, the early childhood music course for ages 0-5 just started back up.  Jump in on the current session on Thursdays at 10am or 11am by calling or stopping by the theatre during regular business hours Monday – Thursday from 10am – 6pm.