IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In Dickinson County, a surge of youthful enthusiasm has swept the community, as the Dickinson County Community Theatre (DCCT) initiated auditions for its latest endeavor—an exclusively youth production of Roald Dahl’s classic, The Big Friendly Giant.
In the second round of this week’s auditions, 16-year-old actor Bella Person gave a demonstration to the younger kids while reading her lines to a stuffed animal:
“Don’t you get it? Today is the day of THE AUDITION,” Person exclaimed in front of her crowd.
Stacy Harrison, the play’s director, and a Board Member of DCCT, expressed excitement about this fresh venture, stating, “This is the first time that DCCT has been doing an exclusively youth production since pre-pandemic. So we’re really excited to have a lot of interest from the community, and a lot of people coming out for auditions.”
With the anticipation of a significant turnout, Harrison shared, “We can tell that it’s needed in our community to bring live theater back after a long break.”
The auditions, drawing kids from ages 8 to 18, have seen a remarkable response, reaching near-hundreds of aspiring young actors. However, with only around 30 available roles, casting decisions promise to be challenging.
Harrison, reflecting on her role, remarked, “I’m a former English teacher, and I’m a mom of three sons, and we read a lot of fantasy. We read a lot of magical fun stories, and Roald Dahl stories have been a favorite of my kids.”
In this theatrical revival, families like the Makis extend their support beyond the stage, with Violet Maki, a student at Woodland Elementary, expressing her interest in working on the stage crew and Arlo Maki encouraging others, saying, “If you’re like, kind of willing to do it, try it out. You don’t have to be scared.”
One curious participant, 11-year-old Pearl Kline from Iron Mountain, shared her fascination with show business, saying, “I’ve always been, like, very fascinated with people on TV. I always wanted to kind of live their life, and what it was like to be an actor.” Kline looked at her mother and added, “And I’m very dramatic. My mom says.”
Kline added that she has seen her share of the spotlight, “I’m trying it out, and I’ve been in a play before. Jack and the beanstalk, and I was either the red or the orange bean, and that was fun. It was through the same program”
This time, Kline’s desired role requires her to challenge herself. “I wanted to be the girl that got taken by the giant, but I’m also very nervous if I get that part because then I have to be the one that talks the most,” she informed, reflecting, “And I’m also like – if I get the part, it’s going to be hard getting used to being the star.”
As the auditions continue, Harrison reassures hesitant kids, saying, “Auditions are really casual and fun. And we love to see young students getting involved with theatre.”
For those still contemplating participation, a final round of auditions will be hosted at the First Covenant Church next Saturday, December 2nd. Registration starts at 9:30 AM Central Time, with auditions beginning at 10 AM.
The spring production of The Big Friendly Giant is slated for April 19th-21st at the Norway-Vulcan Fine Arts Center, promising a magical and enchanting experience for the community.
