Heading into the first weekend of Missouri State’s Tent Theatre open auditions, interest has soared to more than 200 applicants, presenting a promising—and record-breaking—start to the season, said theatre and dance managing director Mark Templeton.

Templeton said the turnout is a testament that the summer stock’s success has come into full focus.

“The transition from an academic company to a professional one allows students to work side-by-side with professionals while gaining credit toward the Equity Membership Candidate program—often their first footsteps into the professional world. Not many opportunities exist for students to work with successful alumni and sold-out houses.”

Auditions will be held throughout February and March. All audition spots are full for the local auditions.

Tent Theatre draws attention from schools across country

Interest has come from all over the region, Templeton said, with applicants from as far away as University of Cincinnati, Drake University (Iowa) and University of Nebraska-Kearney, to local high schools and colleges.

“When students outside MSU come and have this experience—from the housing, dining services and rehearsal spaces—they go back and tell their classmates about it. We’re throwing out a wide net and catching more and more people each year. This bodes well for the overall image of the theatre and dance department and Missouri State.”

MSU students also regularly find work on the Tent Theatre set and stage in addition to other campus performance opportunities throughout the year.

2015 will be a compelling season

The talent bound to come out of this year’s auditions, Templeton said, will only lend to the excellence this season’s production lineup promises. Three iconic characters will emerge on the stage in a couple of high-energy, feel-good musicals, rounded out by a dramatic mystery featuring the ever-popular detective, Sherlock Holmes.

“Start planning your calendars now because this level of audition interest will heighten the quality of performance. It will be an excellent experience for performers and patrons alike.”

2015 Schedule

Leap of Faith
June 10-13 and June 15-20 at 8 p.m.
A con-artist reverend travels with his ministry, yet romance brings new meaning to his life.

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure
June 25-July 3 at 8 p.m.
The world’s greatest detective has seemingly reached the end of his remarkable career when a case presents itself that is too tempting to ignore.

Hairspray
July 8-11 and July 13-19 at 8 p.m.
A girl achieves her dream of performing on a TV dance show in 1960s Baltimore and works to integrate the show in the process.

Box office information

For additional box office and ticket information, please visit the Tent Theatre website.