Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance are holding auditions for their winter musical, Elf the Musical. All NMU community members are welcome to audition and NMU students are given preference in casting.

Auditions will be held in Forest Roberts Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Dance call will be at 8 p.m. on Tuesday with callbacks being at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Those who are auditioning need to have the audition form filled out prior to their audition time. In preparation for their audition, the theatre and dance department said to have a short monologue and cutting of a song in a musical theatre style. Those auditioning will have 90 seconds.

“For dance call, please be sure to dress for movement and wear/bring appropriate footwear,” said the auditions webpage.

The show’s webpage said Elf the Musical is a hilarious holiday heartwarmer. The book was written by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin.

“As a child, Buddy Hobbs mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys and is transported to the North Pole, where he is raised as an elf. Years later, he discovers he is actually a human being, and at Santa’s prompting, sets off to NYC to find his father, Walter Hobbs,” said the Elf the Musical webpage. “Bye, Buddy! Hope you find your dad!”

Elf the Musical will feature guest director, Hunter Foster. Foster is a director, actor and librettist who has worked on Broadway and throughout the country.

“We are so excited for our audiences to return to the Forest Roberts Theatre and our NMU students to be able to showcase all of their efforts to them,” said Bill Digneit, department head of theatre and dance.

To keep everyone safe while still putting on shows, the theatre and dance department will follow all university guidelines and safety protocols. This includes wearing a mask properly, covering the nose and mouth, social distancing and monitoring health.

While theatre and dance majors will be auditioning, shows are open for all students no matter the major. Digneit said that students will have many opportunities and gain experience when participating in productions.

“Students who participate in NMU Theatre and Dance productions have the opportunity to work within an exciting and collaborative environment, producing world class entertainment experiences for our campus and Marquette community,” Digneit said. “Students will work together on meaningful artistic projects, create lasting friendships, gain industry knowledge and have a ton of fun as well.”

For those who prefer to be off the stage in productions, Digneit said there are still plenty of other opportunities for students to participate.

“We often get asked in the Theatre and Dance department what can I do if I do not act and the answer is anything and everything,” Digneit said. “We have exciting opportunities for students to work on the set, lights, sound, video, box office, costumes, makeup, props and much much more.”

Any questions regarding auditions can be directed to the department by email at [email protected].