Syracuse Stage to hold youth auditions June 8

Syracuse Stage will be holding youth auditions for boys ages 8-13 for three roles in the upcoming production of “Caroline, or Change,” the acclaimed musical by Tony Kushner (“Angels in America”) and Jeanine Tesori (“Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Shrek: The Musical”). Auditions will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8. Those who would like to audition should call Chris Botek at 315-443-4008 to schedule an appointment. After an appointment is scheduled, a short excerpt of music will be sent to those auditioning. Syracuse Stage will provide a piano accompanist.

Set in 1963, “Caroline” takes place in Louisiana, where a young boy named Noah Gellman struggles with the loss of his mother and the arrival of a new stepmother. One constant in his life are the small daily rituals he shares with Caroline, the family’s African American maid. Acclaimed on Broadway and winner of London’s prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Musical, with a score ranging from blues to gospel to traditional Jewish melodies, “Caroline” is a musical of startling creativity and refreshing originality (don’t be surprised when the washing machine starts to sing).

The three roles to be cast are:

• Noah Gellman – son of Stuart Gellman, Caucasian boy, 8-12 years old. This is a lead role. Role requires great acting and great singing.
• Jackie Thibodeaux – Caroline’s son, African American boy, 9-13 years old. Role requires a great singing voice and good movement skills.
• Joe Thibodeaux – Caroline’s youngest son, African American boy, 8-12 years old. Role requires a great singing voice and good movement skills.

Those who would like to be considered for roles must be available December 27, 2011 to start rehearsals, and Feb 1-26 for the run of the show at Syracuse Stage.

Syracuse Stage is Central New York’s premier professional theatre. Founded in 1974, Stage has produced more than 235 plays in 38 seasons including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season 90,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays and bold interpretations of classics and musicals featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves over 30,000 students from 24 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Syracuse Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York. Additional support comes from the government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.