Beau Brown

Auditions for the original musical “Tuning In” will be held on Saturday, March 9. Singers, actors and dancers are all sought for the show, which will have its world premiere at E.J. Thomas Hall in August 2013.

This brand-new musical involves the story of a nostalgic radio station in southern Ohio that is owned and operated by a local retirement home. Several residents of the retirement village work at the station and play big band and swing music from the ’30s and ’40s as a way to reminisce about the past and spread their musical influence to a younger generation.

When their way of life is threatened by the owners of the station who wish to play more modern music to attract a broader audience, the residents of the retirement village fight back by putting on a “radiothon” in which they perform live songs composed in their day and age.

A variety of themes, such as ageless love and fighting for what you believe in are tackled in this performance composed of 25 new songs, 26 performers and a pit orchestra full of student musicians and their instructors. Emmy winning, Tony-nominated George Pinney has taken on the position of director and choreographer for the show.

The composer, lyricist, and writer of “Tuning In,” Dr. Lawrence Kass, is looking for fun-loving actors who have a knack for singing old-timey songs from the early 20th century. So, if you have been compared to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Etta James or Judy Garland, step into the spotlight and audition.

“I want the actors and singers to be able to put themselves into the characters they are presenting,” said Kass. “They should get out there and sing their hearts out and show the audience what they are capable of.”

What the audition judges are looking for are students on the UA campus and others in the community with a performing arts background. Roles are available for men and women ages 18 and up, as well as older adults and senior citizens. The judges ask you to prepare a 16 to 32-measure song preferably from the ’30s and ’40s. If you plan to audition, bring a photo and resume with you.

For more information on “Tuning In” and auditions, please contact [email protected] or call (330) 972-8301.