Banner Staff Report

Actors and actresses in southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky won't have to travel far to audition for the summer stage plays this year.

The Aracoma Story Inc. is holding auditions for its upcoming shows in three different locations, including Logan, Madison and South Williamson, Ky.

Audition dates and times have been announced by The Aracoma Story, Inc. for the upcoming 2008 summer season.

This summer's productions will include "The Aracoma Story" and "Annie" at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park.

"This will be one of our most memorable seasons ever," The Aracoma Story Inc. President Jim Frye said in a press release.

"With our many quality productions in recent years, this show could stand near the top when it comes to entertainment for everyone in the family and this year's production of 'The Aracoma Story' will continue a tradition of bringing the history of our area to life. We are excited about the upcoming season!"

Auditions for "The Aracoma Story" will be held at three locations including Logan and Madison and South Williamson.

Auditions in Madison will be at the Nazarene Church in Downtown Madison on Friday, April 25 from 4-7 p.m.; auditions in South Williamson will be held at the Southside Mall on Thursday, May 1 from 6-8 p.m.; while auditions in Logan will be at the Logan High School Theater on Friday, May 2 from 5-9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Auditions are open to everyone and no previous acting experience is necessary.

All roles for "The Aracoma Story" are non-singing roles.

Those auditioning should be prepared to read a scene from "The Aracoma Story" which will be provided upon arrival or a 2-3 minute monologue of their choice. There are several roles available for men, women, boys and girls of all ages. Veteran Director Roger Budette will be directing the show. Burdette has directed "The Aracoma Story" many times, as well as performing as the Mountain Man in recent years.

Auditions for "Annie" will be held in Logan at the Logan High School Theater on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.

Friday auditions for children will be from 6-8 p.m., while teens and adults may audition from 8-10 p.m.

Saturday auditions for children will be from 10 a.m. to noon, while teens and adults may audition from noon to 2 p.m. Call-backs will be from 2-6 p.m. Auditions are open to everyone. All roles for this show are singing roles.

Girls wishing to audition for the role of Annie or other orphans should be prepared to sing the first verse of the song "Tomorrow" from the show. Boys, teens and adults should be prepared to sing a 30-second piece from the song of their choice.

Songs from the show are acceptable, but not mandatory. Please bring the sheet music to your song. An accompanist will be provided at the audition. Boys, teens and adults of all ages are encouraged to audition for this show which requires a large supporting cast with many premier roles. Skilled Director, Broadway and National Tour performer Bruce Rous will be serving as guest director and musical director for "Annie" along with Logan native, T.K. Lombardo who will serve as the associate musical director. Show dates for "The Aracoma Story" will be from June 17 through July 5 while show dates for "Annie' will be from July 29 through August 16.

Rehearsals for each show will begin approximately four weeks prior to the show's opening date. All performances are at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park. Shows run Tuesday through Saturday nights with all show times beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Please contact The Aracoma Story Inc.'s office at (304) 752-0253 with questions about auditions. For more information about this summer's productions visit their website at www.thearacomastory.com.