The Wye Conservatory of Music announces casting auditions for its annual summer workshop, WOW. Each year the conservatory provides theatrical entertainment for Easton’s Plein Air Festival at the Avalon Theatre. Past performances include The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, and H.M.S. Pinafore. Each production is professionally staged, costumed, and met with a full audience. This year’s production will be Thornton Wilder’s classic drama, Our Town, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The workshop is directed by actress and mezzo-soprano, Bonnie Forgacs, also the director of the Wye Conservatory of Music. This workshop is free to all participants and is open to students in grades 8 through college.

Also available at that time are auditions to the Wye Choral Scholar program. The Wye Choral Scholars are a group of young vocalists, ages 8-12, which pursue vocal performance in a challenging and academic setting. This program, like the workshop, is free. Choral Scholars participate in weekly rehearsals, performances, and voice lessons. In addition to their education, they receive a scholarship fund and stipend for their participation. The scholar’s most recent performance was at The Fashion Show; produced by the Fashion for the Arts of Easton. Other past venues include the Annapolis State House, Four Winds Performing Arts Center, Avalon Theatre, Adkins Arboretum, and other regional locations. This program is ideal for those interested in vocal music and perhaps collegiate studies in music.

Audition dates for Our Town and the Wye Choral Scholars are May 19th, 24th, and 26th. An appointment must be made to audition, and can be done by calling 410-463-1466.

In photo: Bonnie Forgacs with students Timothy Coffelt and Mary Coffelt