Kahilu Theatre to host open auditions for ‘West Side Story’

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The Kahilu Theatre Youth Troupe will have auditions for this year’s production of the musical “West Side Story” from noon-8 p.m. Feb. 24 at the theatre in Waimea.

This Shakespeare-inspired Broadway musical was nominated for six Tony Awards in 1957, and the 1961 film received 10 Academy Awards, making it one of the most well-known musicals in American history.

Director Beth Dunnington is looking for male and female actor/singer/dancers, ages 13-25, to play teenagers and young adults (principals, supporting roles and ensemble) and four adult males (mid-30s and older) to play supporting roles.

The adult roles are non-singing, non-dancing parts. Actors auditioning for the adult roles should not attend the vocal/dance portion of the auditions.

Singing auditions are scheduled from noon-2:30 or 3 p.m.; dance auditions from 2:30-5 p.m.; acting auditions from 5:30-8 p.m. There will be a half-hour dinner break from 5-5:30 p.m.

Those interested in auditioning are asked to bring a theatrical resume and come prepared vocally and physically. Part of the audition will require participants to learn and perform choreography. No monologue preparation is necessary as performers will be provided with script materials and asked to read sides.

Materials will be posted under “Arts Ed” on the Kahilu Theatre website by Feb. 18.

Participants will be asked to sing a song from the “West Side Story” score, or another classical musical theatre song of their choice. Sheet music will be provided for those who want to sing songs from “West Side Story.”

For those who want to audition with a piece from another musical of the same period, sheet music should be provided for the accompanist, in the correct key, or an instrumental recording on a phone that will be played on the speaker.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear; no open-toe shoes.

Callbacks are noon-8 p.m. March 3 at the theatre. Performers will be notified Feb 25-26 as to callback status.

Part-time music rehearsals begin in May at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy village campus, with vocal coach Val Underwood; full-time rehearsals with the entire creative team begin June 3 at the Kahilu Theatre.

The show is set for June 21-23.

For audition materials, visit www.kahilutheatre.org. For more information, email director Beth Dunnington at bethbornsteindunnington@gmail.com.

Kahilu Theatre is located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Waimea.