Youtheatre

The mission of Youtheatre is to create an inclusive environment in which to inspire and enrich the lives of all youth, regardless of income or ability, by providing educational opportunities and promoting appreciation of the arts. Youtheatre is open to all area youth in grades 1-12.

Youtheatre's Production of The Music Man for Grades 6-12

The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

The Music Man is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Auditions

Register for Auditions

Conflict Form

Register for the FREE Audition Workshop

Auditions for the on-stage cast will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6 at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts located at 200 W. Main Cross Street in Findlay.  Check-in will begin 20 mins before auditions begin. 

All students in grades 6-12 who wish to audition or apply for the technical crew must register and complete the required forms above.

Students only need to attend one day of auditions. Those auditioning for the on-stage cast need to prepare one of the songs below, as well as be prepared for acting and movement.

Students interested in technical crew will only need to register online.

All students participating in the production (as an on-stage cast member or technical crew member) and their parents must attend a mandatory meeting on Monday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.  Informational packets will be handed out and questions will be answered. All on-stage cast members will be measured for costumes.  A read-through of the script will continue for the on-stage cast members until 8 p.m.

Youtheatre strives to teach the importance of commitment, therefore, attendance and punctuality are documented and may affect future Youtheatre participation.

Audition Music (Please click the icon to the left of the song to download the sheet music).

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are 6 – 8 pm Monday - Thursday beginning Monday, August 12. We will also practice on the following Sunday afternoons: August 18, September 8, 15, 22 and 29.  Dress rehearsals will be held nightly during the week of the show and are mandatory for all cast/crew members. Students may not be needed at every rehearsal. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be released after casting which will attempt to comply with any listed conflicts.

Conflicts

Attendance by each participant is expected at the rehearsals when they are scheduled. Please fill out the necessary form, regardless of if you have any conflicts.

Please list all school functions, music lessons, sports, church, and community activities, family vacations, etc. After the list has been approved, additional conflicts may not be added. Any unexcused absence may result in a change in the participant's role in the production.

Be honest and upfront with us, and if cast we will do our best to work around expected absences.

Please note that all on-stage cast members MUST attend ALL rehearsals during the last 2 weeks of rehearsals. NO CONFLICTS will be accepted from September 22-October 5.

If you miss more than three (3) rehearsals that are unexcused, you will be released from the cast.

Participation Fees

All students participating in the production must pay the following participation fee according to their role in the production: $75 for on-stage cast members and $45 for technical crew members.

Parent Commitment 

Youtheatre is a family affair! At the parent meeting on Monday, August 12 at 6pm, parents will be asked to volunteer on pre-show and show-week parent committees. Committees cover every aspect of producing a show, including building and painting sets, costumes, backstage supervisors, dressing room supervisors, cast party and many more. Our shows would not be possible without the dedication and investment of each family!

Cast of Characters

• Charlie Cowell: A traveling salesman who is on to Harold Hill's schemes. Tirelessy attempts to prove to everyone the true con man behind Harold Hill.
• Harold Hill: Our story's unsuspecting protagonist. A con man, traveling under the auspices of a salesman, he eventually falls in love with Marian Paroo. Charismatic and charming.
• Mayor Shinn: A blustery politician who is all too "self-important." Begrudgingly married to Eulalie, he is skeptical of the town rumor mill.
• Ewart Dunlop: A citizen of River City and member of the quartet formed by Harold Hill.
• Oliver Hix: A citizen of River City and member of the quartet formed by Harold Hill.
• Jacey Squires: A citizen of River City and member of the quartet formed by Harold Hill.
• Olin Britt: A citizen of River City and member of the quartet formed by Harold Hill.
• Marcellus Washburn: Harold's chummy old friend and former con man, he now lives in River City and is trying to settle down.
• Tommy Djilas: A young man from the wrong side of town. He is secretly courting Zaneeta.
• Marian Paroo: The town librarian and music teacher. She is a young lady who eventually falls for Harold Hill. Stuck up. Curious.
• Mrs. Paroo: Cheerful and always plotting. An Irish widow and mother to Marian and Winthrop.
• Amaryllis: A slightly bratty piano student of Marion Paroo.
• Winthrop Paroo: Marian's baby brother, he is very shy because of a noticeable lisp. Embraces Harold Hill and the marching band.
• Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn: Mayor Shinn's wife. A serial gossiper and snob, she has trouble keeping her opinions to herself.
• Zaneeta Shinn: The mayor’s daughter, who is in love with Tommy. Sweet and outgoing.
• Alma Hix: A citizen of River City and a "Pick-a-Little Lady"
• Maud Dunlop: A citizen of River City and a "Pick-a-Little Lady"
• Ethel Toffelmier: A comical citizen of River City and a "Pick-a-Little Lady," as well as Marcellus Washburn's girlfriend.
• Mrs. Squires: A citizen of River City and a "Pick-a-Little Lady"
• Ensemble: Constable Locke, Newspaper Readers, River City Townspeople, Traveling Salesmen

Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

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