Butler Summer Dramatics returns to stage after 3-year hiatus
Butler Summer Dramatics Project is returning from a three-year hiatus and bringing Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to the stage this summer.
Gordon Cavalero, director, is hopeful as the group prepares to return after the difficult decisions of canceling the project since 2020.
Auditions are being held on May 30 and June 1 at Highfield Hall in Butler. The audition is open to musicians, singers, dancers and actors, ages 10 to 25.
Orchestra auditions will be at 5:30 p.m. Youths auditioning are asked to take their instrument and a piece of music that showcases their talent with them to the audition.
Cast auditions follow orchestra auditions and will begin at approximately 6 p.m.
“You only need to audition one day. We want to make sure that anyone considering auditioning knows that it’s a free program to participate in, and there’s no experience necessary. We will find a place for everyone and make everyone as comfortable as possible,” Cavalero said.
Butler Summer Dramatics Project was started by Bill Lehnerd in the late 1960s. The project was brought back approximately 20 years ago with the hope of making the community of Butler a better place by contributing to the arts community.
“The organization is focused on creating a positive experience. We want to show kids that working together and being committed to the project, and how these performances come from all of that work,” said Cavalero. “They’re always surprised about how It turned out and how much they’ve grown as individuals.”
With approximately $8,000 to $10,000 in production costs, “we’re hoping ‘The Little Mermaid’ will be popular and that we sell out for every performance, so we can keep the program going,” Cavalero said.
Costs associated with the production are offset by the ticket sales and newer initiatives for advertising and corporate sponsorships.
Butler Summer Dramatics “The Little Mermaid” is 100% volunteer. Producers are Kathy Campbell, Jean Stafford and Courtnery Baehr. Samantha Roth is choreographer and Cassie Zimmerman is musical director.
“Parents, organizations, the Musical Theatre Guild (who allows us to build our scenery at their place), and other volunteers help make the show by supporting us and filling needs,” Cavalero said.
They are currently looking for volunteers to fill the roles of stage manager, lightboard manager and fly crew, as well as other roles.
“We know people are busy in the summer. There’s a lot going on with vacations and activities, and we understand that participants may have to miss rehearsals occasionally,” said Cavalero, addressing inquiries.
The curtain will go up at 7:30 p.m. July 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. July 30 at Highfield Hall. The cost for a regular ticket in premium seats will be $17.
Visit www.facebook.com/summerdramaticsproject for additional information and updates.
