Child Actors Needed for Lionheart Production

Local young actors can audition this weekend to be in a summer production of Disney's "The Jungle Book."

will cast 22 performers ages 5 to 15 in beloved roles such as Baloo the bear, Mowgli the man cub and jungle critters.

"This is a great opportunity for kids to get involved in community theater and have an enriching summer experience," said Tanya Caldwell, Lionheart's producing artistic director. "The auditions will be fun and easy, and there's no experience necessary. We just want to see what personality each child might bring to the show."

Auditions will take place at Lionheart, located at 10 College Street, on Friday, April 13, starting at 7 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

Actors will sing and dance a few bars of a simple song, and they will also be asked to act a short scene. The show will be performed July 20 through July 22. For details about the audition, check out www.lionhearttheatre.org.

Here are some tips for children auditioning for community theater:

• Read audition notices carefully. Some auditions require a prepared song or monologue, a photo or an appointment.
• Bring your family calendar so you can note any date conflicts. A date conflict doesn't necessarily mean your child will be disqualified.
• Note any special talents such as playing musical instruments, gymnastics, accents or dance. But don't exaggerate or "fluff up" your child's experience.
• Parents and children should be pleasant and polite. If the director thinks the child or parent will be difficult, the child will probably not be cast no matter how talented.
• Emphasize to your children that they are auditioning for the fun experience of auditioning. If they get the part--even better.
• Prepare for disappointment. Not everyone can get cast.
• Trade secret: Directors want to see personality and chemistry with other actors more than a polished monologue, slick head shot or the perfect audition dress.
• If the audition doesn't yield a part, look for other ways to get involved in the theater. Sign up to volunteer or send your child to drama camps.