If you love to sing, dance, act, or any combination of the three, the College of the Canyons theatre and music departments have the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your talents.  Cowboys, cowgirls, country crooners, dancers and actors of all ages and abilities are invited to audition for the fall production of the foot-stomping musical “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Written by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is a happy-go-lucky romp centering on the infamous Chicken Ranch brothel — so named, because during the Great Depression, poultry was accepted as a form of payment.

“Some audiences may be familiar with the 1982 film of the same title starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds, but the stage version of this musical is much funnier, faster-paced and enjoyable for audiences,” said Paul Wickline, COC theatre department chair and director of the production.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” will run on the main stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, October 15-17 and 22-24.

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Auditions will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, August 21, and 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 23, in the PAC Block Box Theatre.    Actors are asked to arrive 15 minutes early in order to complete paperwork and sign up for an audition time slot.  Participants only need to attend one of the preliminary audition dates, but should be prepared to attend a callback audition at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 26.

All performers are asked to prepare 16 to 32 bars from a musical theatre or country and western song.  Those auditioning for the role of Jewel might choose to audition with a blues song.  Audition material should be no more than two to three minutes in length, and should be accompanied by sheet music in the correct key.  Music in CD form will not be accepted.

Auditions are open to both COC students and community members.  Actors of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities are needed.  The directors need between 20 and 25 performers.

Rehearsals will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Friday, August 27.

Cast members must enroll in Theatre 190C: Theatre Production and/or Music 116: Performance Ensembles for Music Theatre and should not have a regular evening class.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” script is available on reserve in the COC library, located on the Valencia campus.

For more information, visit www.canyons.edu/departments/theatre or contact Paul Wickline at paul.wickline@canyons.edu.