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Stage Left prepares to audition for Spring Awakening

Billy Rafael, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Stage Left, Miami University's student-run theater organization, is preparing for auditions for their first musical of the year, Spring Awakening.

According to senior Shane Davis, director of the show, Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of a German play by Frank Wedekind. It is known for dealing with controversial topics such as abortion, suicide, homosexuality, rape and child abuse.

"The show is about these kids growing up in Germany in a time when their parents kept the facts of life from them," Davis said. "They're forced to deal with growing up and raging hormones on their own because no one tells them what is going on."

Davis said he is excited to bring the show to life, and feels it will be one of the most difficult productions Stage Left has ever tackled. Stage Left normally performs at least one show a semester, yet due to issues securing a venue, Spring Awakening will not be put on until January.

"It is one of my favorite shows, and I've been obsessing over it for a while," Davis said. "However, it's definitely one of the more challenging shows we've attempted. Getting the whole semester to prepare will play in our favor."

Students interested in auditioning should prepare roughly 32 bars or 1 minute of a piece that showcases their voice. Audition pieces need not be musical theater. There will also be a cold reading. An audition workshop will also take place 6 p.m. Sept. 3 in the Center for the Performing Arts 101 for anyone wishing to get feedback on his or her selection.

Show members do not have to be theater majors, and anyone with an interest in musical theater is encouraged to audition. Senior Sheldon White has been a part of Stage Left since the beginning of his college experience, and said he would recommend it to anyone.

"I enjoy the mix of people that we have and the family that gets created through performing together," White said. "We put on great shows, and it's pretty incredible that it is entirely student run."

Stage Left will be hosting its first organizational meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday in Benton 102, where anyone interested in auditioning for Spring Awakening can get more information and sign up for time slot. Auditions will take place 6 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5 in the Center for the Performing Arts 101.


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