College to open Aug. 23 'Oz' auditions for Munchkins, dancers

SUNY Oswego’s theater department invites community children and adults to audition Tuesday, Aug. 23, in Hewitt Union’s lab theater for roles as Munchkins and dancers in the fall production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Director Jonel Langenfeld of the college’s theater faculty will lead auditions to recruit 10 Munchkins from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children ages 7 to 13, and from 2:30 to 5 p.m. for 10 dancers ages 14 through adult from the community and college. Sign-ins will begin 15 minutes prior to each session.

Children will be taught and need to sing “Munchkin Land” and/or “Lollipop Kids.” Parents are encouraged to have their children listen to the songs ahead of time. Parents also are asked to help their auditioning children memorize a short poem or tell a short story about something that happened to them. Children will be taught a short dance phrase and will be guided through some creative movement; they should bring any dance footwear, such as ballet or tap shoes.

Older children and adults need to come dressed in appropriate dance attire and indoor sneakers (and tap shoes, if they own any), and should bring water and a towel. There may be some choral singing taught at audition. Dance styles may include step, street, hip-hop, tap, Irish step and/or clogging.

Auditioners will be notified for Sept. 4 callbacks, if any, in the lab theater, Room 123 of Hewitt Union. Those not receiving callbacks may still be considered for a role.

Performance dates for “The Wizard of Oz” are Oct. 21 to 23 and Oct. 28 to 30. For more information, contact the theater department at 315-312-2130.