Northern Lakes Arts Association is inviting the community to step into one of Broadway’s most enduring stories as auditions open for Annie, the beloved musical about resilience, hope, and chosen family.
Auditions will be held Jan. 18 and 19, from 6-9 p.m., at the Northern Lakes Arts Association building on East Camp Street in Ely. Performers of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend, whether they have spent years onstage or are considering their first production.
Annie is known for its soaring music, big-hearted storytelling, and iconic young heroine, but this production is also designed as an entry point. Northern Lakes Arts Association is casting youth and adults across a wide range of roles and welcomes performers with different strengths, including singing, movement, acting, and ensemble work.
Youth roles include Annie herself and the orphans, a dynamic group that reflects a wide range of personalities and identities. Adult roles include principal characters and ensemble opportunities that support the show’s vibrant world. The creative team emphasizes that storytelling and collaboration matter as much as vocal range or formal training.
Auditions for most roles will use material provided at the audition. Young performers auditioning for the role of Annie will be asked to prepare “Tomorrow,” one of the most recognizable songs in musical theater, with a focus on character and presence rather than imitation.
Rehearsals will run Sunday through Thursday evenings, with schedules built around roles and, when possible, individual conflicts. The goal, according to the organization, is not just to mount a polished production, but to create a process where people feel supported, challenged, and welcomed into the work.
Those who prefer to stay offstage are also encouraged to participate. The production is seeking volunteers interested in scenic construction, prop work, backstage support, and technical theater. No prior experience is required, only curiosity and a willingness to show up.
Annie remains a story that resonates across generations, offering humor, heart, and a reminder that community can change lives. Northern Lakes Arts Association sees this production as both a celebration of that message and an invitation to the region to take part.
Audition details, preparation materials, and volunteer information are available at www.northernlakesarts.org.
Questions may be directed to contact@northernlakesarts. org.
