The season's first all-ages auditions will be for the classic musical "Oliver," to be held July 9th, 10th, and 13th, with rehearsals being on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, and performances running September 12th - 21st. Adults, teens, and children aged 5 and up are strongly encouraged to audition. Following soon after will be "Zombie Prom," open to teens aged 12-19. Auditions will be held August 12th and 14th, with rehearsals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and the performances running October 17th - 26th. Actors and parents are strongly urged to visit www.actingloft.org for more info about these audition opportunities.

    The rest of the season has been planned to allow performers of all ages and levels to be constantly involved at the Acting Loft. Following September's all-ages "Oliver" and October's just-for-teens "Zombie Prom" will be an all-ages production of "Scrooge" in December; a children's production of "The Little Prince" in January; an all-adult production of George M. Cohen's only non-musical, "The Tavern" in February; a just-for-teens production of "Rent: School Edition" in March; the return of the Acting Loft's hit "Cotton Patch Gospel" in April; an all-ages production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in May; and finally, an all-kids production of "House at Pooh Corner" in June! Each show was selected to allow kids, teens, and adults to have year-long involvement at the theatre.

   "It's a really exciting and varied season," said John Sefel, Acting Loft's Producing Artistic Director. "There is truly something for everyone! From shows as mainstream as 'Oliver' and 'Fiddler on the Roof' to lesser known works like 'Zombie Prom' and 'the Tavern,' I think we've struck a great balance between old and new, comfortable and exciting. I think everyone will find something at the Acting Loft to call their own."

   Coupled with the new shows is a lengthy list of new creative talent. This year's directorial staff includes Acting Loft newcomers Jessica Scalese, Kirstin Kennedy, Jude Bascom, Ozan Haksever, and a host of other experienced, often award-winning personnel, as well as a strong push to encourage new faces to come out and audition.

    "It was important to me to see the Loft grow beyond where it had already been," said Sefel, now entering his second season with the company, "and part of that is bringing in new talent with fresh ideas and energy. From directing to acting to design, people are starting to see a lot of new faces around the Acting Loft. What's really special to me hough is that we've been able to introduce the new without alienating the old - we're -reintroducing ourselves to the community, without forgetting our commitment to those who have been loyal to us since the beginning. In the end, we're not simply changing - we're growing!"

    Performers interested in auditioning for "Oliver" or "Zombie Prom" are encouraged to visit www.actingloft.org for audition rules and information. Meanwhile, the theatre is encouraging all potential auditioners and audiences to sign up for their mailing list at the website for information on all their upcoming shows. All auditions, rehearsals and performances are held at the Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts, 516 Pine Street, Manchester, NH 03104. For more information about the theatre, its season, camps, workshops, or its upcoming Fall semester, call 603-666-5999, or email Producing Artistic Director John Sefel at j.sefel@actingloft.org.

 ABOUT THE ACTING LOFT - The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) Education Theatre based in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire. Now entering its 12th season, its mission is to provide quality education and entertainment to the people of the Greater Manchester Area at affordable rates and with a welcoming smile.