Open Call

The Racine Theatre Guild will hold open auditions on January 31 and February 1 at 7 p.m. for the Racine Children’s Theatre production of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, based on the popular book by Judy Blume.

The story focuses on a fourth-grader named Peter Hatcher and his annoying little brother Farley, also known as “Fudge,” a two-year-old terror who gets away with everything. Whether Fudge is throwing a temper tantrum in a shoe store, smearing potatoes on the walls of Hamburger Heaven, or scribbling all over Peter’s homework, he always seems to be causing trouble. But when Fudge starts messing with Peter’s pet turtle, he goes too far.

In the large ensemble cast there are many roles for males and females, ages 12-65. All roles are open and previous experience is not required. Scripts are available in advance to peruse in the lobby or to check out of the building with payment of a refundable deposit. Performances take place at the Racine Theatre Guild on March 18, 19 and 20.

Those interested in auditioning should enter through the Guild’s front doors by 7 p.m. on the audition dates listed above. Appointments are not being taken. The Racine Theatre Guild is a nonprofit, volunteer-based community theatre located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue in Racine.

For more information, call 262-633-4218, visit www.racinetheatre.org, or stop by any weekday between 12 and 6 p.m.

Marcus Center holds auditions for Church Basement Ladies

The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts announces auditions for the musical comedy Church Basement Ladies, planned for summer 2011. The show will be directed by Curt Wollan and produced by The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts with Troupe America,Inc. Those planning to audition are asked to prepare an up-tempo song, a ballad, a short comic monologue and to bring a resume with photo. An accompanist will be provided so auditionees should bring sheet music in the correct key. Auditions will take place on January 24 beginning at 6 p.m. and January 25 at 10 a.m. in Rehearsal Hall A on the 4th floor of the Marcus Center. Parts are available for four female adults of various ages and one male role of The Pastor.

A celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, Church Basement Ladies is a musical comedy featuring four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and solve the problems of a rural Minnesota church about to undergo changes in 1965. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, we see them handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, an Easter fundraiser, and of course, a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying, (and tolerating) each other as the true “steel magnolias” of the church.

Funny and down to earth, audiences will recognize these ladies as they witness the church year unfold from below the house of God.

For more information, please contact John Hassig at jhassig@marcuscenter.org