Venice Little Theatre has announced additional auditions for its Summer Stock production of Oklahoma. The auditions will be by appointment only on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 beginning at 7:00 p.m. To get a time slot, actors should call the Education Department at the theatre at 941-486-8679.

The Summer Stock program begins on June 30, 2008 and runs through August 8, 2008, with the production of Oklahoma running on VLT’s MainStage from July 31 through August 8, 2008.

Applicants should be prepared to sing a number from one of the classic American musicals (such as those by Rodgers & Hammerstein or Lerner & Loewe) and should bring their own sheet music. They should also prepare a 30-second monologue. They are advised to wear comfortable clothing.

The five week program - described by VLT as a high energy 'theatre boot camp' - is open to teens (entering junior and senior year) and college age students who are serious about pursuing careers in theatre. This is a tuition-based program.

VLT's Brad Wages will direct and choreograph the production of Oklahoma. Instructors for the overall program will include a number of area professionals.

The theatre has also created an advisory council to lend professional strength to the educational component of Summer Stock; it includes Scott Keys and Candace Artim from Booker High School, Miles Mowry from Riverview, Sharon Ferguson from Venice High and Dena Henderson from North Port High.

For further information, call the Education and Outreach Dept at 941-486-8679.

Tickets for the August shows are $20 and are on sale now at the theatre's box office, by phone at 941-488-1115 or online at venicestage.com.

Venice Little Theatre is located at 140 West Tampa Avenue, on the island in Venice. The box office is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday. It also opens for walk-up business one hour before all performances.