Open Auditions for Student Production of Cats

A Broadway classic is coming a little closer to home.

The Community School of the Arts at the Independent Day School-Corbett Campus is producing Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical phenomenon Cats.

"We chose to do Cats because it is such an ensemble based show with so many opportunities to showcase talented performers," said Seth Travaglino, who is directing the production. "...the dancing in the show along with the production values are exciting."

The show will hit the stage on Sat. Jan. 7, 2012.

For now, the school is focused on open auditions for the performance and is asking the public's help in finding talent for this show.

Two productions of the popular musical will offer opportunities for students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to perform. There will be two stage productions of the play: one cast will feature students in grades 9-12. A second play will include students in grades 3-8. Children pre-kindergarten through second grade may participate in the Kitten Chorus.

At the auditions, all students except the kitten chorus should be prepared to sing 16 bars in the style of the show, bring CDs or plan to sing a capella, and be familiar with the music from Cats for callback purposes. A dance audition will also be required.

Rehearsals will begin on Jan. 14, 2012 and take place every Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m. Members of the Kitten Chorus will be called for only some of the rehearsals and will have specific sections of music and dance assigned.

"Our hope is that this opportunity to perform in the Kitten Chorus will help spark the interest of young children in being involved with future shows," Travaglino said.

If selected for the performance, the cost is $100 for high school and youth cast performers, and $25 for Kitten Chorus performers. In addition, each cast member will be required to sell or purchase 20 tickets for $10 each. Kitten Chorus members will be asked to sell 10 tickets.

Please contact director Seth Travaglino with any questions at akhocker@msn.com or 813-240-2039.