Children’s Theater Festival deadline nears

Interactive children’s theater Cwerks is in preparation for its May theater festival. For teachers and students alike, this is an opportunity to create and perform a unique production for the local community. January 9 is the deadline for entries into the competition.

“Light's Up” Children's Theater Festival seeks participants from kindergarten through fifth grade in area elementary schools, including home school and private school groups.

Each 30-40 minute production should feature the talents of not only child thespians but singers and musicians as well. However, the play should not be a musical.

The theme of this year’s competition is “Historically Speaking,” so entries should comply accordingly. Each school’s cast should be 20 students large. The entry fee for each group is $5.

For more information about requirements or the event, contact Cwerks at (503) 999-1196 or info@cwerks.com.

Auditions in Albany for "Cabaret"

While a plethora of shows on Broadway may be ending due to economic setbacks, local theaters push forward in their upcoming season. Albany Civic Theater seeks those looking to fill the high-heeled shoes of Sally Bowles and the rest of the cast of “Cabaret.”

Directed by Leah Burgy, the theater says “Wilkommen” to the Kit Kat Klub which members and guests fight to keep up appearances. This play brings to the stage the dark and decadent world of Berlin in the 1930s nearing the rise of Hitler.

The leads include the emcee, who is the master of ceremonies at the sleazy club. This part requires a German accent and good dance ability. Sally Bowles, a British nightclub singer, is another. This part requires an alto with a British accent and dancing ability. Cliff Bradshaw rounds out the lead cast as an idealistic American novelist in Berlin who seeks inspiration. Four other parts are up for audition as well as an additional four men and four women needed to play the Kit Kat girls and boys. Most of these parts do not require dancing.

January 12 is the vocals and dance audition followed by readings on the January 13. Both auditions begin at 7 p.m. The play, which will begin performances in March, has mature themes and sexual content, so thus suited for adult audiences. Actors must be at least 18 years of age. All who audition should plan to attend the first two nights and be available if called back for the third.