The theatre and cinema program at Missouri Western State University will hold open auditions for its Christmas musical spectacular “Annie” on Saturday, Oct. 6 for youth ages 6 to 18 and on Monday, Oct. 8 for college students and community members over 18 years old. All auditions will be held in the Potter Hall Theater on Missouri Western’s campus. Register for an audition time slot at www.missouriwestern.edu/Annie. Anyone who auditions must be available for a possible callback on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Rehearsals will start Oct. 14, with performances Nov. 29 through Dec. 9. The production will be directed by Dallas Henry, assistant professor of theatre and cinema.

Girls ages 6 to 14 are invited to audition starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Boys and girls ages 14 to 18 will audition at 3 p.m. that day. No preparation is needed, but knowledge of the show is a plus. Youth should come prepared to sing and dance. They should also bring schedules so the director is aware of any conflicts.

Adults will audition from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8. Actors should come prepared to sing one minute of music and do a short reading from the script. Accompanist will be provided. Scenes will be provided the day of auditions or online at www.missouriwestern.edu/Annie.

“Annie,” with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charmin, based on the Tribune Media Service comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” won numerous Tony Awards after it debuted on Broadway in 1977, including Best Musical. “Annie” will be the second show in Missouri Western’s 2012-2013 Theatre Season, “A Year of the Tony.”

For additional information, contact Henry at dhenry2@missouriwestern.edu or 816-271-4442.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.