Auditions for ‘SpongeBob Musical’ set

The Highland Stage Youth Troupe is auditioning for its 24th production: “The SpongeBob Musical.”

Auditions are open to actors ages 10-20 and will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 4 and Monday, June 5 at Holy Counselor Lutheran Church, 68 Sand Hill Road, Sussex.

There is a $100 participation fee. No experience necessary.

Performances will be July 28 and 29 and Aug. 3, 4 and 5 at Vernon Township High School.

All who audition are cast.

The “SpongeBob SquarePants” cartoon series has been entertaining audiences since its inception in 1999, which was the first year of the Highland Stage Youth Troupe’s musical.

In 2017, the musical made its debut on Broadway with a book by Kyle Jarrow and music by multiple well-known artists from David Bowie to Sara Bareilles.

“We’re up for anything after the many traditional musicals and classic Broadway pleasers we’ve put together to this point,” said Faith Anderson, who runs the Highland Stage alongside colleagues.

“This musical has surprised many theatre-goers who didn’t know what to expect from this title after having only known it for the TV popularity it created.”

The Highland Stage team will recruit cast members from Sussex County and neighboring communities.

Production directors are Heather Burns and Faith Anderson. Choreography is by Renee Ziegler of Ziegler Dance Centre, and design is by Penn State University professor Matt Mitra.

Jon Hartlage will conduct a full pit orchestra with some of the area’s finest high school and college musicians.

For information, go online to www.thehighlandstage.org