Local Theatre Ramps Up For Wizard of Oz

This summer's production of The Wizard of Oz by the (RVTC) is beginning with securing production staff and with the scheduling of classes and auditions, according to a press release from the company.

The July production is co-produced by Shakopee residents Daphne Siegert and Scott Swanson.

Many key production staff are returning to work on this latest RVTC musical. Swanson is again the director and is being joined by Megan Mulder, Shakopee, as the children's director. A few positions are still open.

Lighting and sound designers and operators are being sought. An accompanist is needed for the rehearsal period between June 4 and July 12. Of significant importance to a show like The Wizard of Oz is to have a special effects designer to create a tornado, pyro-technics and disappearing tricks.

Job descriptions are on the RVTC web site. Anyone interested in working on the show can e-mail wizrd.rvtc@ymail.com with a brief background and contact information.

RVTC chose to do The Wizard of Oz so that children and more adults could be involved in a local theatre experience.

According to Siegert, “We want to make sure everyone who is interested in community theatre can be a part of this fun and popular production.”

To accommodate the high interest and possible questions, RVTC is hosting two community education classes in April.

A free Family Information Night is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 from 7-8 p.m. at . The directors and other key personnel will be introduced and will explain schedules, auditions, casting and volunteer opportunities. While the parents are getting the details, youth and children (K-12 grades) will do theatre exercises with Mulder.

On Saturday, April 28 a special class for youth in grades K-12 will teach Audition Prep for the Theatre from 1-4 p.m. at Shakopee Junior High School. Directors and experienced theatre artists will work on how attendees can showcase vocalization and dance techniques. These skills can be used to develop audition material to practice at home. The fee for this class is $20 per child or $25 per family.

Registration for both classes is through Shakopee Community Education or by calling (952) 496-5029.

Auditions for The Wizard of Oz are scheduled for Tuesday, May 1 and Thursday May 3 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, May 5 from 1-4 p.m. at Shakopee Junior High School. Details about auditions and to schedule an audition time will be on the RVTC web site after April 15.

Rehearsals begin on June 4 with opening night Friday, July 13. The production will run for three weekends to the end of July.