ARTS & EDUCATION
Disney comes to Greer w ritten by SHERIL BE NN ET T TURN ER pho to g raphed by BRIAN ERKE NS
This is the story of kids
auditioning for a play about kids auditioning for a play. Confused? Don’t be. The Greer Children’s Theatre, sponsored by the Greer Cultural Arts Council (GCAC) is gearing up for their 2007 season starting with Disney’s high energy play, as well as popular movie, High School Musical. In this tale, the fictional East High’s basketball superstar, Troy Bolton, and newcomer Gabriella Montez, a scholastic superstar, set out on a joint quest to break out of their social molds by auditioning for the
After the two-day, open-call auditions, the directors
ages 10 and up were invited to perform for Direc-
decide who they’re interested in calling back to audition
tor Kevin Treu, a seasoned actor as well as direc-
for the lead parts. Call-back auditions are a chance to
tor, and Music Director Priscilla Harris, whose family
take a look at different people in various roles and how
has been involved in theatre for years. Participants came
they work together. I observed this evening a few days af-
prepared to sing a song of their choice, interpret simple
terward. “We’re going to have fun tonight,” Kevin tells the
dance moves, and read from the script. As Kevin explains,
kids. “We’re going to do some more singing, dancing, and
“For a musical production like this, we need to know that
acting. All of this is designed to refine our ideas of what
the kids can act, dance, and especially sing.”
the final combination of the cast is going to be.”
As people arrive with audition forms and photos they
themselves to each other while practicing more songs and
crowd waits for their turn to meet the directors. Saman-
lines. They have already started to bond and it is clear
tha deBrouwer and Blake Ulmer, students at Riverside
that this performance will be full of fun, laughs, and like
Middle School, are excited for their chance to portray
the director wanted, enthusiasm. When the call-backs
their favorite characters from the play. “I’ve been practic-
are complete and the cast list has been posted the real
ing my singing for a while now,” Samantha says. “I’d like
work begins with a flurry of rehearsals, set building, and
to be Gabriella because I know most her songs, especially
costume sewing. Parents of the cast members as well as
her solo.” Blake, who identifies with the movie character
other community members, like Tonja Harrison, who is
Troy, says, “a lot of people say I not only look like him but
also Treasurer for GCAC, play a major role in the success
I sing like him, too.”
of any production by providing the volunteer help needed
What strikes me most as I watch the ever-increasing activity is that the kids look more relaxed than the
“This should be an exciting season for the Greer Children’s Theatre,” says Andrea Payment, Executive
study the sample dialogue sheets, or “sides,” of different
Director of GCAC. “The 2007 season also includes Peter
scenes and characters selected from the play. Others learn
Pan and Doctor Dolittle. We are also proud to announce
the audition’s dance routine and gather around the room
the start of the Greer Community Theatre with our first
to practice. The physical activities seem to act as a stress
production in November of The King and I. The Com-
reliever as the kids dance, practice their lines, and giggle
munity Theatre will be geared more toward the adult
with enthusiasm. “This show is roundly energetic,” Kevin
performers in the community who may have acted as a
remarks. “We’re looking for that enthusiasm!”
child or who act in other theaters around the area.”
In groups of eight, the kids are called into a separate
Interested in the arts and want to become involved
room to show the directors their stuff. “First we want to
in the Greer Cultural Arts Council? Check out their Web
hear if they can sing, if their voice sounds right for any
site at www.greerculturalarts.com where you’ll find op-
of the parts,” explains Kevin. “We’re definitely looking
portunities to take classes, become a supporter, or even
for strong singers,” Priscilla agrees, “those who perform
audition for that next performance. Who knows? You
and sing out, have lots of expression in their voices.” The
could be Greer’s next theatre star. d
dance routine is next and is performed as a group. “The actual steps will be choreographed later by Kimberlee
this in mind, I thought it might be
learn steps quickly and move with fluidity.” The kids are
auditions process is all about...
for the myriad behind-the-scenes activities.
parents, who look on anxiously. Groups have split off to
Ferreira,” Kevin remarks, “but we want to see if they can
Theatre open-call to see what the
The mood is high-spirited as the kids introduce
are assigned a number. The room fills up quickly as the
— yep — high school musical. With interesting to observe the Children’s
52 GreerNow MARCH 2007
F
or the first stage of the audition process, children
then asked to read from one of the sides. “The random reading process allows me to see their adaptability and
Disney’s High School Musical will be performed March 16-25 at the J. Harley Bonds Career Center. Call 848-5383 for tickets.
creativity of expression,” he says.
GreerNow MARCH 2007
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