Ding, dong the witch is alive, and she needs some munchkins to terrorize.
Dr. John Hawkins, Potomac State College’s renowned director, is putting out a casting call for the school’s spring performance of the musical The Wizard of Oz. As in years past, residents throughout the area, young and old, are invited to audition.
“We’ve had a lot of participation in the past,” Hawkins said. “I want as much public involvement as possible.”
The general cast auditions will take place in the Church-McKee Arts Center on Sept. 15, 16 and 17,  beginning at 7 p.m. Aspiring actors and dancers need only attend one audition.
In addition to the casting call for prominent parts like Dorothy, her three companions and the wizard, Hawkins is looking for height-challenged individuals to try out for the munchkin rabble.
Munchkin auditions will take place in the Arts Center on Sunday, Sept.14,  beginning at 2 p.m.  Those trying out will be asked to fill out some paper work and sing “Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead.”
Hawkins said children are welcome to try out, as well as adults of relatively short stature. “Age is not an issue, size of body is the issue,” he said, laughing. “I don’t want any 6-foot munchkins.”
Those trying out for non-munchkin parts are asked to come “prepared to dance.” They should prepare a two-minute song that “shows you at your best,” with either a score for Hawkins to play, one’s own piano accompanist, or a tape or CD.
Finally, the director advised, “Bring a positive attitude, and have fun.”
The first cast rehearsal is slated to be held Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Those auditioning will be notified by Sept. 19 if they have made the cast.
Hawkins has been directing annual plays at Potomac State for 10 years. Previous productions include the first-ever amateur production of Cats in 2006, Chicago in 2007 and Pippin last year. In all of those performances, students from other schools and members of the community at large have filled vital roles in the productions.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to get people not only from this college, but from other colleges and high schools as well as community people,” he said.
For more information on trying out for The Wizard of Oz, call Hawkins at 304-788-6965 or by email at JAHawkins@mail.wvu.edu. Also available to answer questions about the play is Tom Valentine at 301-729-3281.
The Wizard of Oz will take the stage in a number of performances held from March 5-15, 2009.