The Ohnward Fine Arts Center, Maquoketa, IA Presents Auditions for the 2026 Summer Kids Show The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition

Auditions: Thursday June 18 at 10 AM and 1 PM.                                     

Rehearsal dates – June 22

Performance Dates – July 25 at 7:00 PM and July 26 at 2:00 PM

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is will be holding auditions for The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition, Thursday June 18 at 10 AM and again at 1 PM, at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center.  Students from ages 8 (or going into 2^nd grade) – 18 can audition for this show.  Both male and females are invited to audition.  The cost for kids to participate is $50.  For families with more than one child the cost will be $50 for first child, $25 for second and $15 for child number 3 and more. A limited number of no cost scholarships are available. No one will be turned away.  Everyone that auditions will be in the show. Please contact the Ohnward Fine Arts Center for more information on the scholarship program.  Backstage and tech help is also needed!  This covers all Scripts, scenery, props, and a Wizard of Oz T-shirt.  All performers are allowed t keep all rehearsal materials.

The Wizard of Oz

Youth Edition

L. Frank Baum’s beloved story of a young girl’s adventure in a magical land has been entertaining audiences for over a century. Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

Click your heels three times and follow the yellow brick road to the Ohnward Fine Arts Center!

Parts include:                                                                                             Dorothy
Aunt Em
Uncle Henry
Farmhand
Hickory (Tin Man)
Zeke (Lion)
Hunk (Scarecrow)
Miss Gulch
Professor Marvel
Rowboat Man #1
Rowboat Man #2
Toto (Dog)
Glinda
Munchkins
Mayor
Barrister
Coroner
Wicked Witch
Apple Trees
Jitterbugs
Emerald City Chorus
Nikko, leader of the winged monkeys
Winkie Guards
Oz People

*Auditions will also be held for Toto the Dog during the audition times.

Rehearsals will begin on Monday June 22 at 10 AM.  The rehearsal times will be from 10:00 AM through Noon Monday through Fridays.

This show will be directed by Ohnward Fine Arts Centers executive director Richard Hall.  Music direction by Linda Polk, Julie Weirup and Shannon Soenksen.  Piano accompanist will be Jenna Williams and choreography by Shannon Soenksen.

For questions, please call the Ohnward Fine Arts Center at 563-652-9815 or email Richard Hall at Di******@*******************er.com.

The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition will have two public performances on Saturday July 25 at 7 PM and Sunday July 26 at 2 PM. Tickets for the public performances will be $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students.  If purchased at the door on the day of the performance tickets will be $18 for adults and $13.00 for students. Tickets can also be purchased at The Ohnward Fine Arts Center (from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm call 563-652-9815)

Tickets can also be purchased at Osterhaus Pharmacy, both Maquoketa State Banks in Maquoketa, Hartig Drug in Preston and Bellevue.

Tickets are also available online at www.ohnwardfineartscenter.com

The shows approximate runtime is one hour.