Open Auditions For Spotlight Arts Collective's 'Rock Of Ages'

FRANKFORT, IL — Everything about rock in the 1980s was, from the sound to the hair. The genre was so big, in fact, that the Broadway musical based on the era, "Rock of Ages." That hit musical is coming to the Lincoln-Way area, and the public is invited to try out for the show during open auditions from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 6 and Thursday Sept. 8.

Open auditions will take place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 177 Luther Lane in Frankfort. Those interested in auditioning must be 18 or older.

Those interested in auditioning should wear comfortable clothing and shoes to do a brief movement audition, and come prepared to sing 32 measures of a song that displays their range and vocal ability.

People may sing with an accompanist (in that case bring a copy of your sheet music), or with an instrumental backing track, as long as there are no other vocals on the track. A capella auditions will not be considered. Spotlight Arts Collective will provide a speaker in the room to plug into or connect via Bluetooth.

"You don't have to any experience being in a theater production," said "Rock of Ages" Producer Steven Beemsterboer. "If you have any musical ability, if you just like rock music, you should come out and try to do a show because we're here to facilitate a great experience for anyone who wants to be a part of it."

"Rock of Ages" is descried as a "jukebox musical," with such hits from the '80s as "We Built This City," "I Wanna Rock," and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," just to name a few.

"This one features all of the '80s hair bands, like Styx, REO Speedwagon, Poison, Journey and Bon Jovi," Beemsterboer said. "We're excited that we were able to get it here."

"Rock of Ages" will be performed by the Frankfort-based non-profit group Spotlight Arts Collective, which formerly operated under the name Lincoln-Way Theatre Guild. The show will be directed by Nicki Blowers, who served as the director of the theater department at Joliet Junior College for 30 years.

There is no cost to audition; however, for those who are chosen to be part of the cast, there will be a $50 to participate, Beemsterboer said. Or, auditioners can join Spotlight Arts Collective as a member for $35 and the participation fee will be covered.

Members of Spotlight Arts Collective perform in musicals, plays and variety shows, as well as have access to classes and workshops, Beemsterboer said.

Opening night for "Rock of Ages" is scheduled for Nov. 18 at CD&ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort, followed by additional shows Nov. 19 and Nov. 20.

A Portion of ticket sales will go toward providing scholarships for local high school students and donations to a variety of local charities, Beemsterboer said.

Those interested in auditioning for "Rock of Ages" can sign up by following this link.