Open auditions for the Missouri Western State University production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 in the Potter Hall Theater. Actors and actresses of all age ranges may sign up for an audition time on the online callboard at www.missouriwestern.edu/auditions.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” is directed by Tee Quillin, assistant professor of theatre and cinema, with musical direction by Shaun Agnew, adjunct voice instructor. Rehearsals begin Monday, Oct. 14 with performances Nov. 21-24 and Dec. 5-8, the second show in the Department of Theatre and Cinema’s “Season of Laughter.”

Auditions are open to all members of the St. Joseph and surrounding communities as well as Missouri Western students. Actors and actresses should prepare 16 bars of a traditional, upbeat Broadway show tune, bringing sheet music clearly marked and in the correct key.

Callbacks will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m., and will consist of a dance combination for certain roles, a cold reading from the script and some additional singing pieces from the show.

The show revolves around one musical theatre fan’s obsession with a fictional show from the 1920s, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” As he listens to the recording, the characters come to life in his apartment.

Kathleen Holeman, director of vocal jazz and jazz piano

One key role has already been cast. Kathleen Holeman, noted jazz performer and director of vocal jazz and jazz piano at Missouri Western, will play the Drowsy Chaperone of the title. Holeman has been a working jazz vocalist, pianist and trombonist in the greater Kansas City area and the Ozarks for more than 25 years, performing with great jazz artists such as Gary Foster, Louie Bellson, Kim Park and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. She directs the Ray Alburn Big Band and leads smaller combos in clubs, restaurants and private venues. She holds a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education from Missouri Western and a Master of Music degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City.

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.