TheatreZone Season Six Auditions

TheatreZone Season Six Auditions Draw Actors from across the country to Naples

Equity & non/equity auditions held Sat/Sun. Sept. 18 & 19 at G&L Theatre

More than 65 professional actors from across the country will audition in Naples this weekend, traveling as far away as New York City and Chicago and as nearby as Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando, seeking one or more of 32 available roles, reports Mark Danni, founder and artistic director of TheatreZone, the non-profit professional theatre company in residence at The Community School of Naples campus. And, the list of hopefuls continues to grow.

"Because Actors Equity Association (AEA) actors can only work in AEA theatres, they must travel more frequently to find work," explains Danni. "TheatreZone provides national exposure through the acting communities' trade magazines and papers as well as in the regional theatre trade magazines that circulate nationwide in key theatre locations in New York City, Los Angeles and in London and Canada to attract actors to Naples," he adds. During Danni's tenure as TheatreZone Artistic Director, he has helmed more than 140 productions including two world premieres.

A few audition spots remain open by appointment in the G&L Theatre from 10 am until 5:30 pm, Saturday, Sept. 18 and Sunday, Sept. 19. The G&L Theatre is located at 13275 Livingston Road in North Naples, one block north of Pine Ridge Road. To schedule an appointment, email markdanni@theatrezone-florida.com or call (239) 449-2323. Equity members without appointments will be seen throughout the audition day as time permits.

"To become a member of Equity, an actor has have been hired by a professional theatre which means that the actor has demonstrated their skills, talent, and training considered to be attractive to a professional theatre," Danni explains.

According to Danni, actors are asked to prepare 32 bars of a song and a contrasting selection ready, if requested. An accompanist will be provided, but actors must bring their own sheet music and be prepared to dance. Sides (copy dialogue that Danni has chosen from the script) will be provided at the audition. A current photo and resume is also required.

The sixth season of TheatreZone available roles include The Fantasticks - the musical story of two fathers who decide they want their children to fall in love. No, No, Nanette is another musical that is a tap-dancing fun and nostalgic Broadway show featuring songs like "Tea for Two."

Liverpool accents are a must as Blood Brothers - the dramatic Willy Russell-scribed musical is set in Liverpool and tells the story of fraternal twins who are separated to birth but reunite in young tragic adulthood.

The season finale Beehive! The 60's musical is looking for three Equity female actors with good vocal and musical skills and an excellent sense of the 1960s pop/rock style. Singing is key as actors all must be able to sing in a close three-part harmony.

"An Equity theatre is an important cultural and economic part of any community," believes Danni. "For generations, small businesses revitalize and flourish around Equity theatres."
 
In 2005, non-profit TheatreZone was born on two concepts: an affinity and nostalgia for the stage, and for the intimacy of live audiences. Co-founders artistic director Mark Danni and his wife, actress/choreographer Karen Molnar shared a vision and a passion to bring equity professional actors, and produce talented and innovative productions of classic "lost treasures of Broadway" and original, commissioned new plays and musicals with an eye towards future Broadway, Off Broadway and regional productions.

TheatreZone 2010-2011 season tickets (four shows) cost $182 and individual seats costs $43 - $48 plus a $2 per ticket fee. A mini series (3 shows) and group rates are also available.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call TheaterZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or purchase online at: www.theatrezone-florida.com. 

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