Comfortable auditions at TriArts

SHARON — Alice Bemand, executive director at TriArts, and TriArts Artistic Director Michael Berkeley want local talent to feel at home when they come to TriArts to audition.

"We want people to have a good experience, we really try to make people feel comfortable so that their best can come out," Berkeley said from the Bok Gallery this past week. "We want everyone’s experience with TriArts to be fun and positive even if it is just an audition."

TriArts still has a variety of parts open for its summer season of shows and will hold auditions March 30, by appointment only.

Bemand noted it was the experience of her son, Luke, who had auditioned for a part in 2001, that first attracted her to TriArts.

"Luke had such a great time auditioning with Michael, he received a callback and learned a new dance step," she said. "Even though he didn’t wind up getting the part it was a very positive learning experience for him. What attracted me to TriArts was how Michael encouraged him and tried to bring out Luke’s best."

Flexibility during the audition process is something Berkeley and Bemand emphasized during the interview.

"We try to let the people who audition do what they want. If they don’t have a song, we will provide one. We once let a person sing ‘Happy Birthday’ during an audition just to help them ease into their comfort level. We give each performer an individual look," Berkeley said. "We try to make it the least intimidating experience they could possibly have."

TriArts is auditioning men between the ages of 16 and 60 for several roles, some of which require singing and/or dancing.

They are looking for an African-American man between the ages of 40 and 60 who can sing and dance to play the role of Horse in the upcoming production of "The Full Monty" slated to run from June 19 to July 6.

They are also looking for a male performer between the ages of 50 and 70 to fill the role of The Pharaoh for their production of "Aida," slated to run from July 31 to Aug. 17.

There are also roles still available for "Camelot," which runs from July 11 to 20. To find out more about the opportunities at TriArts call 860-364-7469 or visit triarts.net.