Maltz Jupiter Theatre Offers FIRST STEP TO STARDOM Audition Workshop Today

Free optional audition workshops to prepare for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's annual free First Step to Stardom audition day will be offered today, April 12, and Saturday, April 19, at the Theatre's Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts.

The auditions will help prepare local young people for the Theatre's fifth annual First Step to Stardom audition day on Saturday, April 26, with roles for dozens of students (ages 6 - 21). The day will feature casting for the Theatre's professional productions of the classic musicals Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz and LES MISERABLES, the comedy The Foreigner, the new musical Through the Looking Glass and a classic drama produced through the Theatre's high school mentorship program: The Crucible.

"This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kids to work with theatre professionals and to be a part of the audition process," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director. "We are delighted to be inviting local families to our theatre to take part in six of our shows during the 2014/15 season."

The Theatre's First Step to Stardom audition day will take place at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Participants will learn a dance routine, receive acting tips and learn a song as part of the audition. Students are asked to wear dance clothing and dance shoes or sneakers (no sandals or open-toed shoes).

The event comes at the heels of the success of the Theatre's large-scale "First Step to Stardom" events during the past four seasons, which drew hundreds of children to the Theatre for auditions. Several dozen children and teens who auditioned last year performed in December's production of the musical Annie, Through the Looking Glass and Hamlet, and others performed in the Theatre's production of The King and I in March and April.

"We're looking forward to a fun-filled day where students will experience the process of auditioning for a show," said Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, the Theatre's director of marketing. "Hundreds of children have performed in our professional productions because of First Step to Stardom, and we welcome any new children to audition. We look forward to another successful year!"

Auditions will take place at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, located at 1001 East Indiantown Road in Jupiter. For additional information about the workshops and audition day, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/fsts. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.

Here is a bit more about each of the shows students may audition for:

The Crucible (presented by high school students as part of the Theatre's Youth Artists' Chair program) takes place in Salem, Massechusetts, where dark magic, jealousy and superstition take hold. As witchcraft hysteria reaches a fever pitch, choices have to be made: conform to survive or uphold your beliefs whatever the consequence. Presented by local high school students as part of the Theatre's Youth Artists' Chair program. A performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16. Roles available for ages 14-18; please prepare a one-minute monologue in the style of the author.

Through the Looking Glass (presented through the Theatre's Emerging Artist Series) offers a contemporary retelling of the children's classic Alice in Wonderland. Through the Looking Glass comes to life with eye-popping sets, costumes, magic and puppetry. In a colorful land where animals talk and characters amuse, 12-year-old Alice learns to "look in the mirror" and see the truly special person she is. Don't miss the final performance of this hit musical. A performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 17. Roles available for ages 8-20.

The Foreigner (part of the Theatre's season subscription) is an uproariously funny adventure set at a rural Georgia fishing lodge in which a pathologically shy man adopts a persona as a non-English-speaking foreigner in an attempt to avoid conversation. Before long, hilarity ensues as an outrageous group of characters reveals all and he finds himself privy to their secrets and scandals. This comedy has become an American classic filled with twists and turns and heart-warming revelations. Performances will take place October 26 - November 9. Roles available for ages 13-20 and students who are at least 5'8" tall.

Fiddler on the Roof (part of the Theatre's season subscription) takes place in the village of Anatevka, where tradition is everything and change is sweeping the land in Tsarist, Russia, in 1905. This Tony Award-winning classic musical follows dairyman Tevye as he fights to maintain his family and heritage. Featuring timeless dancing and songs such as "Sunrise Sunset," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "If I Were a Rich Man," this beloved musical will capture your heart for the holiday season. Sponsored by Priscilla Heublein, Joe and Kathy Savarese and Homecare America. Performances will take place December 2 - 21. Roles available for girls ages 15-20.

The Wiz (part of the Theatre's season subscription) invites theatergoers to ease on down the road with the spirited rock gospel and soul musical based on the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Dorothy and her lovable friends embark on an adventure to Oz looking for her way home, but discover so much more in this imaginative production. This Tony Award-winning family friendly musical features the hits "Home" and "A Brand New Day." If you like The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, you'll love this family hit of the New Year! Sponsored by the John McDonald Company. Performances will take place January 13 - February 1. Roles available for ages 12-21.

LES MISERABLES (part of the Theatre's season subscription) takes place in the grip of the French revolution, where escaped convict Jean Valjean spends decades on the run from relentless policeman Javert. Survival of the human spirit prevails in this epic tale of compassion and destruction. This Tony Award-winning musical features unforgettable songs, including "I Dreamed a Dream," "One Day More" and "On My Own." Undisputedly one of greatest musicals of all time, this inspiring production is not to be missed. Sponsored by Roe Green and The Roe Green Foundation. Performances will take place March 10 - April 5, 2015. Roles available for ages 6-12.