ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach After School Arts Program (ASAP) Children’s Theatre Troupe is planning an outstanding third season. From The Jungle Book’s Mowgli to The Aristocat’s Thomas O’Malley, the ASAP Children’s Theatre Troupe has provided education in the dramatic arts for participants, as well as community entertainment for families since its inception in 2010.

The Theatre Troupe is excited to announce the fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza SEUSSICAL JR. Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayze, and a little boy with a big imagination: Jojo. The colorful characters of SEUSSICAL JR. transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Theatre Troupe is now in search of “SEUSSICIANS” to play a part in this amazing new adventure.

A group audition will be Saturday, August 18th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and will be open to third through eighth graders. No preparation is required. Participants should bring lunch and a drink, and come ready to sing, dance, and act.

Young actors who are interested in participating in SEUSSICAL JR. can call the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach at 251-981-2787, or send a message to Children’s Programs Administrator Belinda Butler at artedobac@gmail.com to sign up for the audition. The child’s name, parent’s name, parent phone and email information are required to sign up for the group audition.

The Aug. 18 audition will be the only audition for the Fall 2012/Spring 2013 ASAP Theatre Troupe.

The SEUSSICAL JR. cast will rehearse each Friday afternoon from 3:30 – 5:30, beginning August 24th. Rehearsals are mandatory, and there will be a mandatory meeting for parents at the arts center at 5:30 on August 31. There will be several performances in the month of March, with the primary performances being at the 2013 Orange Beach Festival of Arts on March 9 and 10.

The After School Arts Program is a limited enrollment program designed to supplement children's education with the best arts education possible.

Individual attention is a hallmark of ASAP as children are guided through a broad spectrum of artistic educational experiences. Qualified instructors recognize and value the natural creative talents of each child, taking them beyond the limited offerings of public education. ASAP is supported in part by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Friends of the Arts.

Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach’s ASAP is offered to first through sixth graders each school day Monday through Thursday, and to third through eighth graders on Friday from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Transportation from Gulf Shores Elementary and Orange Beach Elementary is available. For more information call the Arts Center at 251-981-4119