Anyone who has ever been on stage as a child or teenager knows the excitement of opening night. Friends and family in the audience, new friends on stage and behind the scenes. This year the musical chosen by the Iberian Performing Arts League, to be directed by Kate Gulotta, will be “Annie,” to be presented July 12 through 22.

“Getting young people involved in theater is one of IPAL’s goals. It provides unique experiences, builds great friendships and gives an appreciation of the arts and in particular theater which is invaluable,” said Kim Monroe, former IPAL president.

Director Kate Gulotta has set auditions from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29. Auditions are open for students ages 6 to 19 and will involve singing, reading from the script and dancing. Auditions will be held at the Essanee Theater, 126 Iberia St. in downtown New Iberia.

Youth coming to try out may bring musical accompaniment or backing track on a mobile device, or a cd with a CD player if they wish. Then they will learn a small part of one of the chorus dances and if asked, read a scene. Students do not need to attend both audition dates and the cast announcement will happen via email.

Rehearsals will begin May 3 and will be held Mondays through Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. until school lets out, at which point the time of rehearsals will run from 1 to 4 p.m. every week until performances begin. A few Saturday or Sunday rehearsals may be required as the opening of the show draws near, notice will be given in advance.

The 3 to 6 p.m. rehearsals will be mostly music rehearsals, so not everyone will need to attend every rehearsal.

The fee is $75 but scholarships are available for anyone unable to pay the fee. Contact the director via email at katelyngulotta@icloud.com or telephone her at 492-3478.

Summer Camp Starts in July

IPAL’s Summer Theater Camp will be held July 9 through 13 for ages 6 to 9 from 9 a.m. to noon and July 16 through 20 for ages 10 to 12. Students will have an opportunity to learn about theater, costumes, makeup, acting, singing and dancing, as well as some technical aspects of theater.

This year’s themes are “Camp Rock!” for the 6 to 9 year olds, and “Broadway Bound” for the 10 to 12 year olds.

Registration is $100 per child with a limited number of spaces available. The form is available on IPAL’s Facebook page, or by contacting Hollie Guidry via email at hollieguidry97@yahoo.com. Inquiries can be sent to ipal@cox.net.

A child’s registration will only be guaranteed once payment and registration are received. A confirmation call or email will be sent once registration has been received. No registration will be accepted after July 1.