Ocala Civic Theatre to Hold OPEN AUDITIONS FOR “TRIBUTE TO THE USO”January 11-12, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Open auditions for the benefit concert Tribute to the USO will be held on Sunday, January 11 and Monday, January 12 at 6:00 p.m. each night at Ocala Civic Theatre. 

Tribute to the USO is a variety concert to benefit Ocala Civic Theatre. It will feature solo and ensemble numbers of many different styles, performed by eight vocalists backed by a small combo. The music is primarily from the post-WWII to the Vietnam era, although not exclusive to this time period.

Singing/acting roles are available for four men and four women: two sopranos, two altos, two tenors, two basses. There also will be a non-singing emcee, preferably in the style of Bob Hope.

It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome and encouraged to audition. Those auditioning for a singing role should prepare 32 bars of a song they would like to sing in the concert. Bring sheet music in your key, as an accompanist will be provided, or bring an accompaniment CD without vocals. While emphasis is placed on singing, other talents which could be part of the concert (i.e., dancing, playing an instrument, comedic skits, etc.) will be considered as well. Those interested in auditioning for the emcee should prepare a comedic monologue.

If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, please contact the Theatre to make a separate appointment. The rehearsal schedule will be determined based on the cast’s availability. Performances ofTribute to the USO will be held April 25-26, 2015.

Tribute to the USO is co-directed by Ryan Pagels and Patrick Stanley, who created the successful Night and Day: A Tribute to Gershwin and Porter concert to benefit Ocala Civic Theatre in January 2014.

Performing live on stage is a unique experience. Open auditions offer a great opportunity to join a grand tradition!

Ocala Civic Theatre, located at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40) in the Appleton Cultural Center, produces more than 12 fully staged, professional-quality live performances each season and also hosts touring companies. The Theatre is volunteer-based and is one of the largest community theatres in the state, serving more than 70,000 Marion, Citrus and Lake County residents each season and reaching more than 1,000 students ages 4-18 year-round through the Education Department. Ocala Civic Theatre is designated as a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.