Open auditions planned for “Broadway on da Bayou”
Published 12:12 am Wednesday, January 27, 2016
RESERVE — Anyone age 5 to 95 who is interested in being part of a theatrical production is encouraged to audition for “Broadway on da Bayou” this weekend.
Co-director and producer Kate Kuen said auditions are taking place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at St. John Theatre, 115 W. 4th St. in Reserve.
“This production hasn’t been done in St. John before,” she said. “It’s not a normal musical, it’s a community variety show. It’s got a vaudevillian variety show. There are going to be acts that are no more than four minutes apiece, and it’s going to be a song, dance or scene all within the theme of Broadway on da Bayou.”
The auditions are Saturday, with callbacks at 6:30 p.m. Sunday determining the structure of the show.
“We want to showcase more talent instead of having one lead and 50 people in the choirs,” Kuen said. “This way everybody gets to showcase their talents.”
Children as young as 5 years old, families, people with no experience and professionals are all welcome to the open call audition.
“The only thing we are asking is that people keep their material under four minutes and they can only summit themselves to two different acts,” Kuen said. “For example, if you are a singer but you are also an actor and you want to do a solo song by yourself, you can do that. You can also audition with your friend who is an actor and do a scene, as well.”
Those who audition should bring a prepared song, scene, skit monologue, dance, rap or reading with a Broadway theme. There will be a piano at the audition, Kuen said, adding people need to bring their own sheet music.
“I work throughout the New Orleans theater community, and we keep losing venue spaces,” she said. “This theater is a beautiful space, and I can’t wait to fill it with community talent.”
After doing a number of variety shows, Kuen believes this show will be a hit.
“What’s fantastic about it is that it really is kind of a community-organized effort,” she said. “Everybody is excited to see people in the community do well, and so if you have a host of talent from many different age ranges, not only are you able to be family friendly, but you also get the traditional theatergoers that enjoy a really polished entertaining night.”
Rehearsals will begin the second week in February and continue until the actual production dates. “Broadway on da Bayou” hits the stage for audiences March 3-5 at St. John Theatre in Reserve.