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101 Dalmations’ auditions set for Jan. 11-12

Posted on December 30, 2015

Published by El Dorado News-Times.

This article was published Wednesday, December 30 at 5:00 a.m.

The South Arkansas Arts Center’s Arts Academy is putting on a show and they want everyone to be a part of it.

The newly formed Kiwanis Youth Theater will hold auditions for their inaugural production of Disney’s "101 Dalmatians” at 6 p.m. on Jan. 11 and 12. Auditions are open to all youth in grades one through 12. The musical will be staged March 28 through April 2.

The audition-only, performing arts youth theater class is under the direction of husband-and-wife team, Shelton and Victoria Harden.

The Hardens have taught youth arts programs in El Dorado for years, according to a news release from the South Arkansas Arts Center.

Shelton Harden said he hopes this musical, based on the classic animated film, will be the first of many productions of this kind.

“If you’re familiar with El Dorado, you know there’s a great deal of interest in the arts in general. There are always people who are looking for opportunities for their children,” Harden said. “We’re hoping that if we can successfully get the word out that we’ll have a good turnout and put together a really nice production.”

The South Arkansas Arts Center’s executive director, Beth James Burns, said the El Dorado Chapter of Kiwanis International awarded a $5,000 grant for helping fund the production. The money will go toward acquiring rights to the musical, building stage sets and making costumes.

No advance preparation is necessary, except filling out an audition form and reviewing the rehearsal schedule, which are available in the SAAC office or can be downloaded at saac-arts.org.

Parents and children should plan to be in the theater for auditions by 6 p.m. on both Jan. 11 and 12.

Directors will provide all instructions and audition materials at that time.

Everyone will be taught a song and some simple dance steps. For the speaking roles, a short reading will be provided.

Those auditioning should wear appropriate footwear and “be prepared to move.”

For more information about SAAC’s Arts Academy Kiwanis Youth Theater auditions, contact the SAAC office at 862-5474 or visit saac-arts.org.