AUDITIONS FOR HAIRSPRAY

High school learners needed for Rainbow Young Performers Project 2010.

High school learners who can sing, dance and act, are invited to audition for Hairspray – this year’s Rainbow Young Performers’ Project. This will be the tenth annual Young Performers Project supported by Rainbow and will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 2 to 18.

Hairspray was a cult classic 1988 comedy film which showcased outrageous drag artiste Divine and which was revived in 2007 with a new film version starring John Travolta; Zac Ephron; Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken. It was adapted into a stage musical in 2002 which won eight Tony awards including Best Musical in 2003. Set in the early sixties, it tells the story of Tracy Turnblad in Maryland USA and her dreams of stardom and her challenges against racial segregation.

The creative team on Hairspray includes Themi Venturas and Charon Williams Ros. It is supported by Rainbow and co-presented by Performing Arts Network of SA (PANSA) the civic umbrella body for performing artists nationally.

Hairspray follows the last nine successful Young Performers musicals, Curtain Up, One Voice, Grease, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Annie, School of Rock SA and Big River last year.

Auditions will take place on May 1 at 10h00 prompt at the Durban High School hall, Essenwood Road. Registration from 10h00 to 12h00. Auditionees should take water and refreshments as there will a long wait. Also wear comfortable clothes / gym gear and either dance shoes or pumps. Auditions will take up much of the day, so please be patient!! (parents - bring fold-up chair and book!)

The criteria is as follows: Auditionees must be between 12 and 18 years old / Grade 8 – 12 and be at high school. They must be able to sing, dance and act and have a passion for performing. They must prepare a short acting / singing / performance piece to present and must be available to attend weekend rehearsals till the show opens on July 2, thereafter available to do the show every evening and weekend from July 2 to 18.

Auditionees must be able to speak English. Those who have additional skills / talents – such as specialist dancing (tap, ballroom etc) or can play an instrument, should let the audition team know.

More information from Coordinator Ashleigh Bricknell (nee Pienaar), Project manager Young Performers Project, on youngperformersproject@gmail.com