The Palmdale Playhouse will host open auditions for its upcoming production of “The 1940s Radio Hour,” scheduled to take the stage Dec. 13-15 at the playhouse.
Auditions for “The 1940’s Radio Hour” will be held at the Palmdale Playhouse, 38334 10th St. East, on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m.
“The 1940s Radio Hour’ takes the audience back to the thrilling days of yesteryear when live music performed over radio was America’s No. 1 form of entertainment,” said Palmdale Recreation Supervisor Annie M. Pagliaro. “The play presents one night in the lives of a dedicated group of working-class artists who made the radio station their home of imagination and harmony. Intended to take the listener’s mind off ‘our boys over there’ during World War II, audiences will enjoy songs such as “Blue Moon,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
Thirteen cast members are needed including: four females in singing roles, ages 20-45; one female African American role, age 20-45; one female any ethnicity role, age 20-25; two females any ethnicity, ages 25-45; four males in singing roles ages 20 to 60; two male roles that require limited singing, ages 20 to 60+; and three male non-singing roles, ages 20 to 60.
Auditioners should bring with them a current biography and photo.
“The 1940’s Radio Hour” will be directed by M. Steven Felty, a former Palmdale Playhouse employee, whose theatrical work spans decades and has covered nearly every facet of the business—director, set designer, sound designer, stage manager, set painter, technical director, teacher of stagecraft and actor. He was selected as the Playhouse’s first guest director” earlier this year, as part of a new program to reach out and engage local theatrical talent. Felty also has credits in film and television which include features, series, and commercials.
Joining Felty in the production will be musical director Jenny Chaney.
“Steve and the entire Playhouse staff is excited for the opportunity to produce a quality show to present to the public during the holiday season,” said Pagliaro. “This unique partnership (with) the city provides aspiring or experienced directors a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent while producing a city production in a community theatre environment.”
“The 1940’s Radio Hour” is based on a book by Walton Jones, with music by various composers, and presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.
“Filled with comedy and great music, this is a holiday show for the whole family. Big band music lovers won’t want to miss The 1940s Radio Hour!” Pagliaro said.
In addition to actor auditions, the playhouse is also looking for experienced guest directors for the upcoming season.
“If you love theater and would like to put your skills to use and bring your artistic vision to the stage, we encourage you to apply today,” said Pagliaro.
Applications for the volunteer positions are available on the city’s website, the Recreation & Culture office located at 38260 10th Street East, and at the Palmdale Playhouse located at 38334 10th Street East in Palmdale.
The deadline to submit an applications is Jan. 15, 2014. Mail or hand deliver to: Annie Pagliaro, Recreation Supervisor, 38260 10th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93550.
For more information, contact the city of Palmdale Culture and Recreation Department at (661) 267-5611 or the Palmdale playhouse at (661) 267-5684.
