By Emily Stonehouse

Sometimes a new year is an opportunity to get outside your comfort zone, or to reconnect with something that once brought you joy. 

With the Highlands Summer Festival (HSF) recently announcing their lineup for their 25th season, organizers are actively looking for interested individuals to audition for this summer’s shows. 

“Anyone can audition,” said board member Melissa Stephens, who is organizing this year’s audition process. “Every season we have many new and exciting surprises.”

There are three shows lined up for this summer: Urinetown, the Musical, Salt-Water Moon, and Drinking Habits. The shows offer a variety of roles, themes, and styles, which Stephens is looking forward to exploring with those auditioning. “We are excited about the audition process,” she said, “to reconnect with former cast members and meet potential new cast members.”

The initial audition is approximately ten minutes long, and will start with a photo being snapped to help directors remember when choosing cast members. Stephens encouraged everyone auditioning to have the audition package filled out in advance, which can be found on the Highland Summer Festival website. 

There will be three directors present at each audition. If someone is trying out for a musical role, they will be asked to sing a few verses of musical theatre repertoire. Stephens noted that if someone is intending to sing, they can bring sheet music, and she will accompany them on piano. 

Following the song, auditioners will be asked to read a monologue, which should span approximately two to three minutes in length. “Additionally,  directors may give you another monologue to take away and study for ten to fifteen minutes, and then you will return and read it for them,” shared Stephens. 

All roles the HSF is casting this season are available in the audition package on the website. The majority of rehearsals occur on weekends in order to accommodate those who work through the week. Stephens noted that the time commitment for rehearsals is approximately 100 to 120 hours in total. 

“As well as cast members, we are always on the lookout for stage managers and behind the scenes volunteers,” said Stephens. “Visit the HSF website to acquaint yourself with all of the volunteer opportunities and who to contact.”

Information can be found at www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca.