Putting on Ritz auditions to be held today

Published 4:55 pm Friday, January 30, 2015

Allison Dixon can’t wait to see Greenville’s acting talent this morning at Ritz Theatre as she will be holding auditions for the arts council’s spring production of Putting on the Ritz.

The Brewton native and actor with the Springer Opera House out of Columbus, Ga., is currently on tour performing in the musical comedy “Della’s Diner,” which will be brought to the Ritz on Feb. 24.

Dixon said the best way to hold today’s auditions is through “industry standards, which are private auditions rather than having them in front of everyone.”

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“The person auditioning would feel more comfortable,” she said. “In my experience, it’s easier to perform in front of people I don’t know.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the young children and seeing the talent in Greenville,” she said.

This year’s theme for the spring production is Broadway.

Dixon said she’ll be looking for good stage presence and what sort of personalities the actors will portray.

To help make those auditioning feel more comfortable today, Dixon said she plans on talking to them about the auditions and what will take place.

“I love a good performance,” she said. “You can’t tell a good story if you’re not a good actor.”

Dixon said with stage presence, she’ll be eyeing what potential the actors have, adding that she’ll try to bring it out.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “It’s a relief to be on the other side of the table.”

The auditions will last from 10 a.m. until noon today.

Dixon encourages those auditioning to arrive early to sign up.

As far as the ages of those who can audition, Dixon said it’s for young kids to adults.

“From what I’ve learned, demand has grown over the years,” she said. “They really wanted to bring somebody out of town to make the decision. They’re already planning numbers from ‘Annie,’ and I wouldn’t be surprised if they had some from ‘Frozen.’”

Dixon graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in musical theater. She is on a three-month tour with the Springer Opera House performing “Della’s Diner.”

One last piece of advice Dixon gave to those audition is to “have fun.”

“Come ready to have fun, and let their personalities shine,” she said.