Kaleidoscope Theatre thinks it’s about time to laugh again.
The community theatre group is holding auditions on Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for its spring production. After a series of drama productions, they are looking at focusing on the lighter side.
“We haven’t had any comedies for the last little while,” chuckles Deanne Zariski, secretary for Kaleidoscope Theatre. “After Hello Dolly we did The Vagina Monologues and then Cabaret, Bees to Honey and The Sound of Music.”
No firm dates have been set for the spring performance, and they are planning to present three-one act plays for the show. Becky Neuman will be directing two of the one-act plays, while Warren Nichols is directing one. Zariski said the shows are oriented towards an adult audience.
In preparation for the show, Kaleidoscope Theatre is looking for male and female adults to audition for the performance.
“Great comedic timing is very important,” said Zariski. “We are also looking for people to help with the backstage stuff as well, so if anyone is interested in helping out, but not onstage, they can definitely contact us.”
This spring’s performance follows on a successful return to Kaleidoscope Theatre.
Zariski said The Sound of Music was 93 per cent sold out and received strong reviews. This was the first performance at the theatre since DVSS reopened.
The theatre is looking better than ever. The first stage of its renovation, which included a freshening up and new seats, is complete. Zariski said there are more improvements coming.
“We did receive some grant money to look at fixing up the pit for the orchestras, getting sound and video equipment put in there,” said Zariski. “We are looking at getting new curtains as well, and maybe adding a few to better flesh out the backstage areas.”
She said the improvements to the pit would improve communication with the actors onstage and backstage.
“It was a bit hard for seeing and hearing things like cues in musicals,” said Zariski. “We are looking at getting equipment so the musicians have not just audio but video connection to backstage and what is going on onstage.”
Auditions for the spring performance are on Saturday January 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 22, from 5-8 p.m. Those coming out to audition need not prepare anything, as this will be a “cold read” from selected scripts.
Zariski encourages anyone with experience or not to come out if they are interested.
“A lot of people don’t realize how funny they are, so we encourage everyone to come and try out, it should be really fun,” she said.
For more information, contact Zariski at deanne.zariski @yahoo.com.
