Artpark announces auditions and call for Artists

Artpark announces opportunities for young performers and professional artists

Video auditions now open for actors / musicians ages 10-18 for roles in Artpark Theatre Academy’s summer production of “School of Rock: The Musical” and Artist proposals now being accepted for large-scale mural project

(Lewiston, NY) --  During this period of time when the impact of COVID-19 on future public events is still uncertain, Artpark is approaching its non-profit mission of creating, nurturing and presenting the arts for the community with renewed focus and energy. New initiatives announced for the 2020 season offer learning and performance opportunities for young local singers / musicians, plus a paid contract for a Lead Artist on a special collaborative large-scale mural project with the Artpark Bridges program. More information on both initiatives follows below.

Video auditions for students ages 10-18 for Artpark Theatre Academy’s production of School of Rock: The Musical

Artpark Theatre Academy will run July 6-August 2 (dates may be subject to change), culminating with two fully-staged public performances of School of Rock: The Musical produced, performed and designed by students in Artpark’s Mainstage Theater. The Academy is led by co-directors Paschal Frisina III & Toni Dentico, plus music director Patrick Towey.

In adherence with current safety guidelines, the first round of auditions will be conducted via online video submissions. These five roles will require proficiency with the following instruments: Dewey (guitar, vocals); Zack (guitar, vocals); Lawrence (keyboard, vocals); Katie (bass, vocals); and Freddie (drums). All five lead roles are subject to scholarships, and will be given financial aid assistance based on the applicant's need. 

Roles for students who do not fit these specific proficiencies are also available. Further details on auditions for the five roles (submissions due by May 1), plus general Artpark Theatre Academy registration is available at www.artpark.net.

ABOUT THE SHOW: School of Rock is a musical based on the Paramount movie written by Mike White, with book by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. The stage musical on Broadway was produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has composed 14 new songs to create a score, which also features all of the original songs from the movie. School of Rock, with its sensational live kids' rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.

Request for Proposals: Artpark seeks Western New York-based Lead Artist for large-scale mural project

Artpark’s lower parking lot (near South 4th Street entrance) will be transformed into an expansive canvas of up to 400’ x 400’ of colorful playfulness that expresses universal connections of shared humanity.

Artpark is seeking a Lead Artist to execute a cohesive theme-based design derived from collaboratively working with Artpark Bridges participants, with the timeframe to be confirmed in tune with current events. Once open back to their regular operations, our community partners will support this endeavor with hands-on art production assistance.

As the 2020 capstone project, Artpark Bridges participants from People Inc., Empower, Buffalo Public School Adult Learning Center, Artisan’s Edge and Parkinson’s Foundation will generously and courageously extend their intrepid spirit through this outward-reaching venture. Under the direction of the Lead Artist, this collaborative art project will showcase the beauty of our community.

Artpark Bridges is a year-round community engagement program dedicated to providing people of diverse backgrounds and abilities with empowerment, integration, healing and creative expression tools through drama, dance, visual art, music and interactive initiatives. People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, is a key partner on this project.

The deadline for proposals is May 4. Project development and workshops are expected to be conducted throughout the summer, with parking lot painting in July and August, subject to change according to current guidance from public health authorities. A final celebration will be held at a date to be determined.

Please visit www.artpark.net/parking-lot-mural for project, compensation, qualification requirements, and application details. More information on the Artpark Bridges program is available here: www.artpark.net/artpark-bridges.