Auditions for "KECT on the Air" Jan. 22, 23

Dec. 27—BRISTOL — Elkhart Civic Theatre will host auditions for the radio play "KECT on the Air", Jan. 22-23 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol.

An original play written and directed by Dave Dufour, the show will premiere at the Bristol Opera House April 5 through 13, a news release stated. Karen Huff is providing music direction and accompaniment.

"KECT On the Air" is underwritten by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Auditions are earlier than usual because actors will have an opportunity to "workshop" the play and refine characterizations, etc. All auditioners should provide a list of conflicts through April 13.

"KECT on the Air" is performed as a live radio play with a studio audience. Similar to other radio plays ECT has produced, actors will read the script as they would have in a 1940s radio studio, complete with piano, announcer, and live sound effects produced on stage.

The play is actually two radio "shows" in one.

"Act I is a dark detective story, with our hero, Dash Duffy, tracking down a missing art treasure following the murder of a shady nightclub owner in 1940s Los Angeles," the release stated. "Act II is a western adventure with Ray Ridgely and Ronnie Blake hot on the trail of a bank robber and his gang, trying to return stolen valuables to an orphanage in old California. Each story contains its fair share of camp humor and heroic exploits."

Most actors will play more than one character. Some actors will assist with sound effects. Some singing will be required.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script (no scripts will be available prior to auditions). Elkhart Civic Theatre auditions are open to all, and no fees are charged for participation in any ECT production, the release added.

Elkhart Civic Theatre's full Mainstage season is underwritten by Laura and Jack B. Smith, Jr., and Gaska Tape. ECT youth productions are part of the Michael Cripe Studio, underwritten by Jeff Cripe and Label Logic, Inc. Additional major support comes from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the Indiana Arts Commission, and WNIT PBS Michiana.