Calling All Performers: Get on Stage 1

Move over Glee! Stage 1 Community Theatre is preparing for its last show of the season and its summer workshop for children.

The non-profit community organization based out of Newark will be holding auditions for both shows this weekend and performing artists from throughout the region are invited to try out.

The last round of auditions for Stage 1’s summer theatre workshop will be held Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at ’s theatre.

Performers have come from all over the Bay Area.

All children and teenagers between ages 5 and 18 are invited to audition for the summer workshop that will lead to six performances of “The Wizard of Oz” in August.

The workshops will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursdays from June 28 to August 9, with the first performance being held August 10.

While there is a cost of $250 for each child who participates, Stage 1 Board President Debbie Otterstetter said payments could be worked out and that the organization does seek sponsorships from local businesses and community members in order to issue a few scholarships.

Families who have multiple children who participate pay $150 for additional participants from the same family.

Those who audition are asked to be prepared to sing a song that he or she has prepared, learn a short dance and read a scene. Sheet music or a CD must be brought to the audition. Click here for more details.

The casting crew hopes to have between 40 and 50 children participate and Otterstetter said it gives adolescents build good character, gain confidence and build friendships all while having fun throughout the summer.

And that’s what Stage 1 – an organization formed 23 years ago – strives to do as a non-profit theater group.

“It’s an opportunity for local actors and actresses to perform and contribute to the arts in the community,” Otterstetter said.

Auditions for Stage 1’s final 2011-12 season “Aida” will be held Sunday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the high school’s theater with rehearsals scheduled Monday through Thursdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 4 to July 12.

Callbacks will be held on Saturday, April 28 starting at 11 a.m. at Newark Memorial, 39375 Cedar Blvd.

Opening night for the show, which will run for eight shows, will be July 13.

Individuals ages 16 and up are invited to audition for the Broadway show that was created by Elton John and Tim Rice and participating is free of charge.

Stage 1 is hoping to cast up to 30 individuals and is looking for diversity in its cast members, Otterstetter said.

Those who audition are asked to sing 16 bars of an up-tempo, rock-style song or ballad that is not from “Aida” and must bring sheet music they will sing to. An accompanist will be present for auditions. Click here for more information and to download the audition packet.

Stage 1 productions are possible through the efforts of volunteers, Otterstetter said. For more information about Stage 1 Community Theatre, visit http://www.stage1theatre.org.