OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Hundreds of Kansas City hopefuls laced up their dancing’ shoes and warmed up their voices for Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park auditions on Saturday.
About 600 people tried out for 200 available roles. The producer says if you can sing a little and move to the beat, you might have a shot at wowing crowds at the nation’s biggest outdoor community theatre.
Hundreds of people walked through the doors, with stars in their eyes and a dream in their hearts. They say all it takes is a little bit of musical talent, and a lot of guts.
“Anyone who can smile and shake their stuff on stage rally be out there and be outgoing can have a chance at being in whatever show they want,” said dance teacher Michaela Jamison.
The chance starts here with 16 measures of a song of your choice in front of a panel of directors from the five shows that theatre in the park will put on this summer.
“Every single role in every show is open. So everybody has a chance,” said producer Tim Bair.
The line forms in the hall and a good portion of the competition is pretty stiff.
One hopeful, Andrea Hobley, brought the bold with her hat to her shoes, but she was surprisingly untrained as a singer and dancer. She was inspiring to Karen Warez, who just decided earlier that morning to give show biz a try.
“I saw it on the news this morning so I thought it would be fun to come out,” said Karen Warez, about her first theatre tryout.
So if you are at least seven years old, are willing to do your thing and you don’t mind sashaying before thousands of people. You may just get lucky and lock in a coveted part at Theatre in the Park this summer.
Call backs will take place starting on Sunday. The list of those who made the first cut will be posted at theatreinthepark.org.