Audition call: Makers of ‘Gleeful’ now casting for new film

The makers of “Gleeful” are at it again. 

John Bisceglie, founder of the Gilroy Children’s Musical Theater in 1991, is once again teaming up with Gilroy-based 152 West Productions owners Nils Myers and Mattie Scariot to produce their second feature-length film. Local auditions will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Gilroy Interim Center for the Arts at 7341 Monterey Street.

Bisceglie is now combining his two theater groups – The Gilroy Children’s Musical Theater and the San Francisco Children’s Musical Theater – to produce “ROAR!” 

The film will premiere in March 2013 at the elaborate Castro Theatre, a historic 1,400-seat movie palace built in 1922 and located in San Francisco.

Bisceglie describes his epic 1920s black-and-white movie musical as an “all-singing, all-dancing musical that celebrates the razzle dazzle of Hollywood’s golden era.”

The production will offer a variety of singing, dancing and speaking roles for local youth ages 5 through 25. “ROAR” will also present a few musical numbers starring parents, guardians and younger siblings, providing opportunities for the participating families to take part in the fun.

The 10-week program entails a one-half hour rehearsal per week. The South Bay cast will rehearse on Thursdays in Morgan Hill; the San Francisco cast will rehearse on Saturdays in the city. 

“Each cast member will wear a sparkly, elaborate 1920s style costume, complete with period wigs for the girls,” wrote Bisceglie via press release. “In order to really capture the glitz of the era, we’ll use lots of sequins, rhinestones, feathers, baubles, bangles, and beads…a trademark of my productions.”

Cast members will work on a green screen movie set, as well as on location with with 152 West Productions. Singers will record their vocal tracks in a professional recording studio prior to filming their songs on camera. Vintage homes, cars and props will be used to help set the scene.

“I’m excited to combine the talents of both of my theater groups to create one spectacular movie musical,” wrote Bisceglie. “I’ve always loved the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood and Ziegfeld follies, and look forward to re-creating the style and grace in ‘ROAR!'”

For more information on the upcoming auditions, see the box with this story.

– Gilroy Auditions: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey Street.
– San Francisco Auditions: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8. King George Hotel, 334 Mason Street.
– For more information or to make an appointment to audition, please visit: http://www.sfcmt.com