Normal, IL – April 4, 2023 – Normal’s High School Summer Theatre Program returns to the Connie Link Amphitheatre with a production of “Disney’s High School Musical” June 15-25. Auditions are set for April 13 - 15 with callbacks on April 15. The program is open to students in grades 8-12 at the time of auditions, and there is no cost to participate.
For complete details and audition paperwork, visit the High School Summer Theater website. This is for anyone interested in auditioning, being a part of the prep and/or show crews or musicians looking to join the band.
Town of Normal Civic Arts Manager Adam Fox says dropping participation fees is one of several initiatives by the Town of Normal’s Cultural Arts Department to expand access to the program.
“High School Summer Theatre has a proud legacy in our community. Eliminating fees expands program access so more young people have the opportunity to participate,” Fox adds.
Expanding access through partnership
To further broaden and diversify the reach of the High School Summer Theatre program, the Town of Normal partnered with Coalescence Theatre Project to host auditions jointly for youth roles in its production of “Once on This Island,” playing Connie Link Amphitheatre in August. (Adult roles will be auditioned at a later date.)
“This partnership benefits both the Town’s program and ours,” says Don Shandrow, executive artistic director for Coalescence. “Our mission is one of inclusion. We focus on unheard stories and offer a place where the silent and underrepresented have a voice. This partnership expands audiences for both programs and provides more offerings for those interested in theatre.”
Auditions and callbacks
Auditioners may choose to be considered for either or both productions. Joint auditions will be held April 13-15. See below for audition and call back times and location.
Students of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to audition for both productions. Students interested in joining the band or production crews are also encouraged to sign up at the High School Summer Theater website.
Auditions for both shows:
- 6-9 p.m., April 13 and 14, Community Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St ., Normal
- 9-11 a.m. April 15, Community Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St ., Normal
High School Musical Callbacks:
Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, April 15, Community Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St ., Normal
Once on This Island Callbacks:
To be scheduled at a later date
Tickets and Performances
Performances take place at the Connie Link Amphitheatre:
- Disney’s High School Musical: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, June 15-25
- Once on This Island: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, August 10-20.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and free for children ages five and younger. Season passes are available for $40. Proceeds from ticket sales and concessions help support the program and offset participation costs.
For the full performance schedule and other program details, visit:
“Disney’s High School Musical” and “Once on This Island” are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
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Websites:
High School Summer Theater: www.normalil.gov/summertheatre
Coalescence Theatre Project: www.coalescencetheatre.org
MTI: www.mtishows.com