Westside Theater Foundation announces auditions for first musical of the season

The Westside Theater Foundation is kicking off the summer by holding auditions for its first musical of the season.

In October of 2021, W.T.F. dipped its toes back in the musical water following a long hiatus due to the pandemic. The Strand Theater finally held its doors open for the production of the “Little Shop of Horrors” in July, which starred Brian Sessums as Seymour and Alex Long as Audrey. Following success in “Little Shop,” the Foundation brought back its frequently performed Halloween special of the “Rocky Horror Stage Show” and it was a huge hit.

Now, producer, director and ace of many trades, Jack Burns, who started the Foundation, is holding auditions for another widely known musical, “Into the Woods.” Burns has enlisted the talents of Kate Erickson, who will be the musical and vocal director. Erickson will play an instrumental role in both casting and shepherding the musical direction of the show.

“Into the Woods” was a groundbreaking musical of its time, which first took Broadway by storm on Dec. 4 of 1986 and starred Bernadette Peters. It was written by James Lupine and was later given an award winning musical score by Stephen Sondheim.

The show combines the classic fairytales that have been passed down through generations. It seamlessly tells the stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and more as one. The tales are woven together to act as metaphors for greater life lessons, which depict surprisingly relatable traits of humanity.

The closed auditions will be held at the following times:

• May 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• May 3, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• May 7, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Callbacks (if necessary):

• May 7, after 3 p.m.

The casting team asks that you prepare at least one minute of both an uptempo song and a ballad to audition with. Background tracks and Bluetooth devices with your chosen music on them are encouraged. If you can’t produce your own music track, an acapella audition is acceptable. Songs from the show are allowed but not required.

The show will be held in mid summer. The performance dates will be July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24.  If one can not make the audition dates by would still like to participate, they can contact thestrand-kate@gmail.com.