UPCOMING AUDITIONS AT  OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP  Opening Night Arts Group is pleased to announce auditions for their December production of “A Christmas Carol:  Scrooge and Marley”.  Led by successful local director and choreographer Cassie Dawe, the ONAG production will be an educational experience for students of the theatre and an opportunity to work with professional actors placed in the adult roles.  As always, Opening Night Arts Group will be raising money through this production to support local area charities.  Auditions are open to all ages and are described below.   ABOUT THE PRODUCTION: The program for children grades 4-8 will include weekly masterclasses and rehearsals with Ms. Dawe and the professional cast.  Topics will include professional theatre terms, blocking, staging, acting technique, character development, dance and musical instruction, to name a few.  We are also looking to fill teen and college age roles as well.  High School age students will be asked occasionally to attend masterclasses and rehearsals with the younger students, as well as hold their own rehearsals and rehearsals with the adult actors. The full cast will adhere to a set rehearsal schedule to be handed out after casting.  Rehearsals will generally be held on alternating Sunday (6-9) and Tuesday (7-10) evenings.  Additional rehearsals will be added in the month of November.  No rehearsal on Thanksgiving or Sunday, November 29.  Technical rehearsals are mandatory and will be held Saturday, November 28, Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1. Rehearsals will be held at the ONAG Rehearsal Facility, 19046 Henry Drive in Mokena,  located near 191st Street and LaGrange Roads, just off the I-80 LaGrange Road exit.  Tech rehearsals and performances will be in the round at the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL . SHOW DATES:                  Wednesday, December 2, 2009           7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009               7:30 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2009                   7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2009               3:00 and 7:30 p.m. AUDITIONS:  Tuesday, September 22  Adults ages 21 and up by appointment Teens (gr. 9-12) and College students (age 18-22) General Call  6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.  Sunday, September 27     Children (gr. 4-8) General Call  6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Plan to stay the entire time. Children auditions:  Come prepared to sing an a capella Christmas carol.  Please wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for dancing (Gym shoes are acceptable).  Tuition fees of $120 ONAG members/$140 non-members will be due at the first rehearsal after casting.   Teen and College auditions:  Come prepared to read from the script and perform an a capella Christmas carol.  Teens will be required to sell 2 tickets per performance and pay the standard ONAG production fee of $35 member/$50 non-member.  College students will be required to sell two tickets per performance.   Adult auditions:  We are looking to hire 10-12 adult actors, age 21 and over to receive a modest stipend to be determined after casting.  Come prepared to read from the script.  Sides available upon request.  Adults will audition by appointment only on Tuesday, September 22nd from 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  E-mail Jennifer Miller to schedule an appointment. THE STORY: Famous the world over, the often bizarre and ultimately heart-warming story of Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the others needs no detailing here. Mr. Horovitz's adaptation follows the Dickens original scrupulously but, in bringing it to life on the stage, adds elements of inventiveness and brilliant theatricality which enhance and strengthen its timeless virtues. The end result is a theatre piece of unique eloquence, which will delight audiences of all ages, and draw forth the best efforts of all engaged in its presentation.   THE STAFF:  CASSIE DAWE  (Director/Choreographer): Cassie Dawe, veteran Chicago director & choreographer, has been teaching students of all ages the fine art of theatre. She was raised in the Chicagoland area where she studied in the many famous studios of Chicago such as; Lou Conte and Gus Giordano Dance Studios,  then went on to New York City where she studied acting at the world renowned American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Upon her return Cassie performed professionally in musical theatre and film for many years before settling down to start a family. She began teaching children’s theatre over 20 years ago and shortly thereafter she started directing and choreographing full time in the various theatre groups located in and around Chicago . She has worked in both professional and amateur venues. At Light Opera Works she won an award for her choreography of Fiddler on the Roof. At the Cahn Auditorium she choreographed with Lara Teeter a salute to the choreographer, Ernie Flatt, in Flatt Out, produced by Dominic Missimi.  Presently Cassie teaches at The Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, and has begun to bring her classes to the surrounding areas of Chicago .  Her latest ONAG endeavor was as choreographer for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” this past July.  Opening Night Arts Group is pleased to ring in the holidays by adding Ms. Dawe’s production of “A Christmas Carol” to their season. KATHY MILLER (Music Director):  Kathy Miller is a veteran of the stage and the classroom.  In addition to a successful 25 year career teaching music, Ms. Miller performs in local musical theatre productions and performs in several vocal musical ensembles.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Illinois State University and has taught all ages both in classroom and production setting.   JENNIFER MILLER  (Producer):  Ms. Miller is pleased to be producing another ONAG production.  She has produced, directed, music directed and/or choreographed music and theatre productions throughout the Chicago area.  Ms. Miller serves as president and is a founding member of Opening Night Arts Group.  Past ONAG projects include “An Evening of Variety” (Director/Choreographer), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Producer/Director), and “Annie jr.” (Producer/Music Director).  A performer at heart, Ms. Miller studied voice, piano and dance at Illinois State and St. Xavier Universities and is completing her master’s degree at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago .  She is looking forward to a fantastic holiday production, raising money and helping provide resources for yet another worthy cause!