The Academy of the Arts at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith will conduct auditions for its theatre performance groups, orchestras and choirs during August and September, with registration beginning July 1.

Some programs are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell of Fort Smith, executive director of the Academy, which makes it important to register early.

“We have a tremendous group of talented faculty,” Russell said, “and they are eager to work with the students who register for our programs. We’re all excited about the year ahead, and we know the students will be, too.”

Russell said the Academy has a curriculum of activities geared to children and teens, with the Youth Honor Symphony Orchestra also extended to college students up through age 25. The Academy currently offers a preschool program, instrumental ensembles, choral and theatre programs, private music lessons and an art program. The Academy also offers private and group lessons for instrumental, vocal, dance and acting skills.

The schedule includes:

Theatre performance (no previous experience required):

• Xtreme Teenz, grades 6-12, is by registration, and the Academy accepts the first 30 students who register. Xtreme Teenz will perform “Annie Get Your Gun.” Casting of registered students for parts will be 6-8 p.m. Aug. 20 and 22 in the Echols Conference Center. Rehearsals are 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and other days as needed.

• Academy Kidz, grades 1-2, is by registration, and the Academy accepts the first 20 students who register. Academy Kidz will perform Disney’s “Aladdin Kids.” Casting of registered students will be 4-5 p.m. beginning Aug. 28 in the Echols Conference Center, with casting continuing through Sept. 4. Rehearsals are 4 -5 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2-3 p.m. on Saturdays.

• Academy Playerz, grades 3-6, is by registration, and the Academy accepts the first 30 students who register. Academy Playerz will perform Disney’s “The Little Mermaid JR.” Casting for parts will be 4-6 p.m. Sept. 10 and 12 for the performance that rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays and 4-6 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14 for the performance that rehearses Fridays and Saturdays. Casting will be held in the Echols Conference Center.

Orchestras:

• Academy Orchestra, grades 4-8, and the Youth Honor Symphony Orchestra, grades 9-age 25, will audition 6-8 p.m. Aug. 26 and Sept. 5 in the Echols Conference Center. Strings who participated last spring do not need to re-audition. Members simply register for the coming year. Students should play a prepared solo or all-region materials and scales that show their level.

• Flute Choir, grades 6-12, will audition 6-8 p.m. Sept. 9 and 16 in Room 117 of the Echols Building. Students should play a prepared piece or all-region material and scales.

• World Drum Circle, grades 4-7, is by registration. The Academy accepts the first 20 students who register. Drum Circle meets from 4-5 p.m. and begins Sept. 10.

Choirs:

• Children’s Choir, grades 3-6, auditions 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 in Room 117, Echols Building. This is a simple audition of singing a patriotic song and matching pitches. Students must audition for Children’s Choir to be eligible for Show Choir Kidz. The Academy will also audition students at many area elementary schools, with schools distributing information.

For more information or to schedule a private audition, contact administrative specialist Sarah Taylor by telephone at 479-788-7253 or by email at sarah.taylor@uafs.edu.