Casting Call for Feb. 3, 2012

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Updated: March 4, 2012 8:06AM

Here is a look at open auditions in the Southland and beyond.

MIDWEST MOTET SOCIETY: The group billed as the chamber choir for Chicago’s Southland is hosting auditions through March 13 for its spring concert cycle.

All voice parts are welcome and encouraged to audition. However, the group is especially seeking altos and low basses.

Rehearsals will begin March 13 and will take place on Tuesday evenings in Flossmoor.

The group will be preparing for “From Venice to Vienna: Music from the Salon,” a concert set for 4 p.m. June 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Ave., Park Forest.

The repertoire to be sung includes Italian madrigals by Orazio Vecchi, Carlo Gesualdo, Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi and Orlando di Lasso and German part-songs by Franz Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Franz Schubert.

The Midwest Motet Society is led by Marie Grass Amenta, founder and music director of the group.

“Marie Amenta has a rich knowledge of the composers who truly love the choral instrument. She programs gems of pieces that are as fun to sing as they are to listen to,” MMS mezzo-soprano Ruth Hansen said.

MMS soprano Kari Coventry Smith added, “Rep is key. Many groups repeat much of the repertoire from year to year, but I look forward to each MMS season and being presented with new music to challenge and thrill me.”

“I haven’t sung music at this level, with this attention to detail and professionalism, since college,” MMS baritone Russell Hansen said. “Everyone on the South Side, and beyond, should get out and hear it because it’s an incredible treat when it’s performed at this level, and it simply isn’t done very often at all these days.”

Information: (708) 206-0380; midwestmotet.org.

APOSTLE CHRISTIAN THEATRE: This small dinner theater will conduct auditions for the contemporary and comedic interpretation of the medieval poem “The Death and Life of Everyman” by Patrick Rainville Dorn.

In this allegorical story, the Grim Reaper gives the startling news to Mr. Everyman that he will soon no longer live. As his doom approaches, Everyman tries to persuade family and friends to accompany him so he will not have to go alone.

Several roles will be doubled or tripled. The challenge for the actors will be to make each role as separate as possible. More than 10 roles are available for men and women, as well as one role each for a boy and girl around ages 7-10.

Auditions will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11. No monologues are required. Cold readings will be from the script. Those planning to audition can bring resumes and headshots if they are available.

Auditions, rehearsals and performances will be at Olympia Gardens firehouse, 2250 205th St., Chicago Heights.

Performances will be April 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29. There is no pay. However, actors will be fed on performance nights. Information: Andrea L. Fleming at (708) 267-4409 or ACTonstage.org.

GRANDE PRAIRIE SINGERS: This group has been making beautiful choral music available in the Southland for more than a quarter of a century. Beginning in 1977 as the Park Forest Singers, the Grande Prairie Singers have grown to include the finest voices from 28 suburbs and villages.

Members come from all walks of life and range in age from 16 to 80. The group is always looking for new talent to fill the risers.

Vocalists who are age 16 and older need to be comfortable reading music and should prepare a solo selection to sing for the group’s director, Jo Rodenburg.

Appointments: (708) 481-8684.

SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE PLAYHOUSE: Auditions for the long-running Broadway musical hit “Grease” will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Kindig Performing Arts Center at SSC, 15800 S. State St., South Holland.

The SSC Playhouse is seeking natural performers of all ages and types who can dance and sing. Each person auditioning should come prepared to sing a song of his or her choice.

Those auditioning do not need to be associated with SSC to participate, and all are welcome to audition. Up to 35 performers may be selected for this musical.

The first read-through will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 18. Rehearsals will start on Feb. 20 and will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

The show will run from April 24-29 with evening and matinee performances.

Direction and staging will be by Bobbie Saltzman, of SSC. Musical direction will be by Mike Cierski.

Information: (708) 596-2000, Ext. 2286 or bsaltzman@ssc.edu.

THE CHANSONETTES: This singing group of south suburban women seeks new members as the Chansonettes begin a new season. Interested individuals who love to sing can contact Mary Anderson at (708) 748-1438 or Yetta Elder at (708) 799-1474.

THE DRAMA GROUP: Nonpaid, non-equity shows with upcoming auditions for the community theater’s 2011-12 season include “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (a musical) on Feb. 15 and 17 (adult auditions) and Feb. 18 (children’s auditions) and “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” on May 15-16.

The casting calls will take place at the Drama Group Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St. (off Ashland Avenue and one block north of Marian Catholic High School), Chicago Heights.

Those auditioning should be prepared to read from the script. They also should each bring a photo that the production can keep.

Attendees will be asked to each fill out a theater resume with any prior experience, though none is required.

If the show is a drama or comedy, those auditioning should be prepared to read from the script.

If the show is a musical, those auditioning should be prepared to sing something from the show. If the piece is not from the show, then he or she will need to bring sheet music (in his or her key) for the Drama Group’s accompanist.

Also, those auditioning should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a dance or movement audition conducted by the choreographer.

“Come on over. We’d love to teach you the theatrical ropes,” officials said. “Start a new hobby with a lot of fun people. Become a part of the Drama Group family.”

Those who prefer to work backstage can offer to serve as set builders, painters, makeup and hair people, seamstresses, lighting people, sound people, stage crew, prop people, decor people, photographers and more.

Loaner scripts are available at the box office.

Information: (708) 755-3444, dramagroup.org.