THE WIZARD OF OZ, R.I. Calls Kids For 'Munchkins' Auditions

The National Tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ, touching down in Providence, R.I. from February 27 - March 1, 2009 is sounding the alarm and calling for a group of 12 local children to perform the roles of "Munchkins" as part of their performing arts education program, while this beloved classic is live on stage in their hometown! The auditions will take place at the Providence Performing Arts Center on January 17, 2009 at 10A.

THE WIZARD OF OZ will be at PPAC from February 27 - March 1, 2009. THE WIZARD OF OZ performance schedule is as follows: Friday, February 27 at 8P; Saturday, February 28 at 2P & 8P; and Sunday, March 1 at 1P & 6:30P. Ticket prices for THE WIZARD OF OZ are $60, $55, $53, $48, $43, $38, and $33; all ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge. Patrons may purchase tickets at the PPAC Box Office at 220 Weybosset St. in downtown Providence, or by calling (401) 421-ARTS, Monday - Friday from 10A - 5P, and Saturday from 10A - 2P. Patrons may also purchase tickets at www.ppacri.org any time. Discounted admission for THE WIZARD OF OZ is available for groups of 20 or more; for more information, please contact Paul Hiatt at (401) 574-3162, or via email at phiatt@ppacri.org.

THE WIZARD OF OZ is looking for a group of 12 skilled dancers and singers engaged in an ongoing study of acting, music and/or dance to perform timeless classics such as "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," and help bring this national treasure to the Providence stage. The selected children will be from an existing group and the selection will be based on the best overall group talent. The registration form is available at www.wizardofozontour.com, under the Munchkinland tab. The deadline to register for auditions is Thursday, January 15th, 2009 at 5P.

This opportunity will provide the children with real-life touring theatre experience. They will discover what it's like to be part of a professional company, learn choreography by Leigh Constantine and be outfitted in the costume designs of Tim McQuillen-Wright. It's truly a unique experience and incredible opportunity for aspiring actors/actresses to follow their yellow brick road!

CASTING CALL INFORMATION
AUDITION DATE: Saturday, January 17, 2009
CHECK- IN BEGINS AT: 9:30a.m.
AUDITIONS BEGIN AT: 10a.m.
LOCATION: The Providence Performing Arts Center 220 Weybosset St. Providence, RI 02903
For registration forms, requirements and restrictions please visit www.wizardofozontour.com and select the Munchkinland tab.

AUDITION HIGHLIGHTS:

· Groups MUST be pre-registered to participate. There will be no registration the day of the audition, and the deadline to register is Thursday January 15th, 2009 at 5P. No individual children and/or any group of fewer than 12 will be allowed to audition.

· The winning group will be announced at the end of the audition day.

· Press is encouraged to attend and photograph/film the event.

· Children MUST be eight to 13 years of age, can be no taller than five feet and weigh no more than 100 pounds.

· The audition will consist of singing and dancing.

o Singing: Each group should prepare "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" prior to the audition. The music is available for download at www.wizardofozontour.com .

o Dancing: The groups will learn a section of "Munchkinland" together the day of the audition and then will perform in their individual groups in front of the judges.

To pre-register your group, please visit www.wizardofozontour.com. For more information, contact Betty Benedetti at (401) 574-3119 or via email at bbenedetti@ppacri.org.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is a historic theatre building, opened in October 1928 and now celebrating its 80th Anniversary. It was originally a Loew's movie palace and over the years, it has had various name changes until it was renamed the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in 1982. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, PPAC currently presents top-flight touring Broadway productions, family shows, concerts, and more.

Log on to www.ppacri.org for more information about the 2008/2009 season.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus