Red Barn Theatre sets auditions for its summer season

Auditions for the 2024 Red Barn summer season will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Fine Arts Building on the UW-Eau Claire — Barron County campus in Rice Lake. Directors will be casting five shows.

• May 29 – June 8, "Deathtrap," a mystery with many plot twists and turns provides comic and sudden shocks to audiences. Cast: three males, two females. Roger Sweeney, director.

• June 19 – June 29, "Be My Baby," a comedy. Two couples become hilariously entangled when the younger couple asks for help from the older couple in adopting a child. Cast: three males, three females. Terry Wiesner, director.

• July 10 – July 20, "Gypsy," a musical. An ambitious stage mother fights for her daughter’s success, while secretly yearning for her own. Cast: two males, eight females, several ensemble roles and several roles for kids. Cathy Jones Wolf, Director; John Dutmer, musical director.

• July 31 – Aug. 10, "The Honky Tonk Angels" a musical. Three gutsy girls decide to follow their honky tonk dreams to Nashville. Cast: three females. Bob Rogers, director; Rachel Elbin, musical director.

• Aug. 21 – 31, "Escanaba in Love" comedy. The hilarious prequel to the legendary “Escanaba in da Moonlight” presents a whole new cast of crazy Yoopers as they gather at their hunting camp. Cast: four males, one female. Rick Snyder, director.

All those wishing to try out for a part are encouraged to print and fill out the audition form in advance. It can be found at redbarntheatre-ricelake.com/_files/ugd/bffa97_b9d2cc3889dc42e695e1fb61a46bbae1.pdf

Another option is to fill out the form at auditions that morning. Those auditioning will have their picture taken so directors have a frame of reference as they make their decisions.

Those auditioning for a straight play will be asked to do a cold reading from the show's script. Those auditioning for a musical will spend a brief time learning a tune from the show with others before singing for the director. There will also be some short cold readings from the script. There is no need to prepare a song.

Those who cannot make the audition on Feb. 17 can call the Red Barn Theatre at 715-234-8301 and leave a message (name, phone number, interest in a particular play) so other arrangements can be made.

There are a variety of roles available this year, even for children.