Hedgehog & Feather Theatre Co., Union County's theatre for kids and families, will hold auditions for aspiring thespians and would-be pirates from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

The theatre company will stage 'How I Became a Pirate' based on the book by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon. The story involves young Jeremy Jacob who encounters Captain Braid Beard and his band of mates while digging in the sand. Recruited to join the crew, Jeremy leaves his family behind to begin an adventure at sea.  

The musical will be performed at 7 p.m on Friday, June 8, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m on Saturday, June 9, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 10. 

The following are the roles available and other guidelines provided by the Hedgehog & Feather Theatre Co.'s website:

CHARACTERS:

Jeremy Jacob
a boy of about ten

Swill
wears glasses, philosophical, intellectual

Sharktooth
forboding, scowling, but a sensitive guy

Max
with a parrot-he doesn't know it's stuffed 

Scurvy Dog
second mate, barks and acts like a dog a lot

Beast
ship gunner, humongous and strong

NOTE: Additional pirates may be considered beyond the characters above, pending audition turnout. 

Actors auditioning for Jeremy need to be 5th grade through 8th. We are auditioning boys who are somewhat similar to the character in the famous children's book, which you can find at your local library or Town Book Store. Ability to play soccer....a plus!

Actors auditioning for Pirates need to be high school and older, but do note we are looking for fellows with height that would tower above the actor cast as Jeremy, so that it is also similar to the children's book. 

All Auditioners should come prepared to sing 16 measures worth of any song of their choice. Auditioners should also be dressed to do simple movement as all characters dance to some degree.

All Auditioners should bring a complete list of schedule conflicts. Rehearsals will primarily be on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:00. Week of the show is Sunday, June 3rd through Thursday, June 7th, and all actors will need to be available for this tech week and of course the perfomances. 

DIRECTOR

Ty Jacobs

MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Sara Hedgepeth

SETS and PROPS
Julie Fetter

COSTUMES
Alisa Korunow

LIGHTING
Rob Cassie

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Steven Collins

For more information, visit the theatre company's website or email info@hedgehogandfeather.org .