LOCAL YOUNGSTERS TO STAR IN DCCA MUSICAL PRODUCTION

Darke County Center for the Arts is once again presenting a week-long Missoula Children’s Theatre residency which begins with auditions offering the opportunity for all interested youngsters to try out for a role in a full-scale musical theatre production and concludes with performances starring local youth. Tryouts for MCT’s The Frog Prince will be held Monday, August 2 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon; performances are scheduled for Saturday, August 7, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. All activities take place at St. Clair Memorial Hall, 215 West Fourth Street, Greenville.

Approximately 60 roles are available for local youngsters; all students entering grades 1 through 12 are encouraged to audition. Youngsters wishing to try out should arrive by the scheduled starting time, and plan to remain for the entire session. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for the first rehearsal which begins approximately 30 minutes following auditions; rehearsals continue daily from 10 a.m. until 12 noon and 12:30 until 2:30 throughout the week. Although not all cast members are needed at every session, those auditioning should have a clear schedule for the entire week.

In addition to the lonely Frog of the title, available roles include Ollie the Aspen Tree, the well-read Alligator, the busy Fly, and three Princesses - Princess Prim, Princess Proper, and Princess Peppy. Other characters are the bumbling Knights, the slimy, kindly Swamp Things, the flashy Flamingo, the Venus Fly Traps, and the helpful Ducks. Additionally, Assistant Directors will be cast to assist with technical aspects of the production.

According to DCCA Executive Director Julie Strait, local youngsters participating in this unique project not only experience the thrill of performing, but also develop social and communication skills, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic. “This experience with the Arts also teaches how to accept responsibility while cooperatively working with others to contribute something of value to the community,” said Mrs. Strait. “And it’s also a whole lot of fun,” she concluded.

The residency by Missoula Children’s Theatre is made possible by a grant from Darke County Endowment for the Arts. Darke County Center for the Arts also receives funding from local businesses, foundations, and the Ohio Arts Council. For further details regarding auditions and the production, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net.