Auditions for Itawamba Agricultural High School’s latest musical production, “Annie,” are set for Sept. 17-18 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the former Fulton Grammar School.

According to Victoria Blake, head of the school’s drama department, the popular story of the little orphan girl who dreamed about “tomorrow, tomorrow,” has many open roles, allowing upwards of 65 to 70 castmembers to fill the production.

“There are a lot of roles — lots of orphans and lots of servants, which allows us to be really flexible with our casting,” Blake said. “It’s a great family show and should be very popular with the community.”

Anyone and everyone, young or old, from any Itawamba County school, is invited and encouraged to audition for the show, which will open next February. Those vying for a spot as one of the production’s major roles will be required to sing one of his or her character’s songs during the audition.

Blake speculates the auditioning process for this production will be especially challenging, particularly in finding the perfect person to play the title character.

“She has to be able to sing and handle the part. There’s a lot to be taken into consideration,” Blake said. “We need somebody who’s very vivacious, lively with a big personality. But, her character’s also in an orphanage, which creates a lot of depth for the character. She longs to find her parents. Whoever plays her needs to be able to empathize with the character’s situation. It’s going to be a big role.”

Blake says she’s looking at either casting a younger actor, possibly from one of the county’s grammar or junior high schools, or a high school student who’s a little on the short side.

“I think there’s several students here at the high school who can play the part, but I think it might also bring out some talent from the junior high. It’ll give us a chance to see who else is out there,” Blake said.

For the role of Daddy Warbucks, Blake is looking in the opposite direction, hoping to cast someone a little older for the production’s main father-figure, a big, clean-shaven, stern man with a bleeding heart.

“That’s a really, really hard character,” she said. Although the school has produced some very challenging shows in the past, Blake said “Annie” should be a little less complex.

“I don’t think it will be as challenging as some of the productions we’ve done in the past, but there are a lot of solo songs, so finding the right Annie and the right lead roles are very important,” she said. “They carry the show.”

Despite repeated claims each and every year that “this year is the last big musical,” Blake continues to push her students and the program itself to new heights. A fervent fan of the theatre, Blake believes producing such large and complex musicals allows more people to share in her passion.

“My program has grown considerably over the last few years because I’m reaching these kids in grammar and junior high schools,” she explained. “There are really no drama programs available for kids until they get to high school. If a student gets to high school and has never been exposed to drama, it’s hard to get him or her involved. But, if you can reach them early, they’ll be gung-ho about the program when they get in high school.

“It’s like learning a language — it’s easier to do when you start young,” she continued. “When you expose kids at a younger age to theatre, they’re more likely to continue it as they get older; when you introduce something in high school for the first time, it’s harder to adjust. This play gives me an opportunity to have kids from all ages. The more people who are on stage, the more the program’s going to grow.”

For more information on the IAHS production of “Annie,” call 862-3104 or email vblake@itawamba.k12.ms.us or lecayson01@iccms.edu.

Adam Armour can be reached at 862-3141, by e-mailing adam.armour@itawamba360.com or by visiting his blog at itawamba360.com.