Tusculum University Press Release
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is coming to Tusculum University, and Tusculum Arts Outreach invites anyone in the region who wants to be in the cast to audition.
Arts Outreach will hold auditions for the musical Sunday, Sept. 1, through Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 6-9 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. If necessary, call-backs will occur Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the same time. Steve Schultz, director of Arts Outreach and the production, is seeking to cast 25-35 people who are 14 and older and 10-20 children who are 8-13 years old.
“We have tremendous theatrical talent in this region and encourage everyone who loves to perform to join us for the auditions,” Schultz said. “This will be an exciting production, a rewarding experience for the cast and a delightful experience for the audience. Whether you are a veteran of Tusculum shows or you want to begin your theatrical journey with us, we look forward to seeing what you can bring this musical.”
No prior experience in theater is required to audition. Those who are 14 and older will have to perform one of these songs – “Prologue” or “Poor, Poor Joseph” if they have a higher voice or “Close Every Door” or “Canaan Days” if they have a lower voice. Children 8-13 will perform “Close Every Door.” Everyone who auditions will also learn a short dance combination from the production’s choreographer.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will take the stage in the Behan Nov. 14, Nov. 15, Nov. 16, Nov. 21, Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16, Nov. 17, Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Schultz said Arts Outreach is holding 10 shows because it anticipates sellouts for this beloved musical, which comes on the heels of the wildly successful performances of “Newsies” in the spring.
Told entirely through song with the help of a main character, Narrator, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty, but troubled, Elvis-inspired Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.
“’Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ has been performed in the United States, including on Broadway, as well as globally.
“This wonderful show offers a timeless story, which everyone knows to one degree or another,” Schultz said. “It’s a fun escape from everyday life. We don’t have any deep or hidden meanings in the play. It’s a chance for everyone to get together, watch the actors showcase their impressive skills and have a really enjoyable time.”
To sign up for auditions, please visit bit.ly/46yN9fd. For more details about the auditions, please visit bit.ly/3YF8uBP. Questions can be directed to Schultz at [email protected] or stage manager Dodger Kirkland at [email protected].
Arts Outreach is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Additional information about that program is available at https://arts.tusculum.edu/.
