Haverhill YMCA Holding Auditions for ‘Into the Woods’ Youth Performance

Youth from Haverhill and surrounding towns performed “High School Musical, Jr.“ last month. (Courtesy photograph)

Attention, Haverhill actors and actresses: The city’s YMCA wants YOU to star in its next theater production! Director Brittani Napoli of the Northshore Y is casting for its April production of “Into the Woods, Jr.“ and 20 speaking roles and other background parts are available.

Napoli, who just showcased local talent in “High School Musical, Jr.” tells WHAV she’s anxious to see what the community’s young actors have to give, and welcomes all talent ages 10 to 17 to audition in January.

Based on the musical, “Into the Woods, Jr.” tells the story of classic fairy tale characters—with a twist, according to Napoli. The junior version cribs the first act from the musical and—spoiler alert!—there’ll be a happy ending.

“’Into the Woods’ is the story of your classic fairy tale characters and the lengths they will go to to make their wishes come true,” she explains. “It’s a really beautiful story with the amazing accompaniment of Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics.”

Audition dates are Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 8pm and Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Haverhill YMCA on Winter Street. Callbacks take place on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Actors should come prepared, says Napoli.

“They should prepare 30 seconds to a minute of a song in the style of the show or their favorite song to sing. Anything they are comfortable bringing to the audition,” she suggests. “They’ll perform the piece for myself and the music director and then we might ask them to read some segments from the script.”

Rehearsals will take place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in Haverhill.

There is a $5 deposit to hold an audition space and accepted actors are asked to sign onto the Creative Arts Program in order to perform in April. The cost for the program for Y members is $200. Non-members can take part for $250, with all money going toward costumes, set design and music licensing. Scholarships are available.

For more information on “Into the Woods, Jr.” email [email protected].