Backstage Children’s Theatre holding auditions for ‘Two Dumb Dogs’

BRECKENRIDGE — The Backstage Children’s Theatre in Breckenridge (creator of the award-winning “The Hobbit”) is currently seeking children’s theater performers for the world premiere production of Edith Weiss’ “Two Dumb Dogs.”

Weiss is the author of the 2006 Backstage hit, “Hyronomous A. Frog: The Frog Prince,” and was commissioned by the Backstage Children’s Theatre to create a new family show for this season. “Two Dumb Dogs” is a hilariously anarchic comedy about two dim-witted canines and their valiant attempts to live their lives without human interaction.

The story follows Ferdo and Foof who are two not-very-bright dogs — at least not to your average fifth-grader. They are constantly getting into trouble with their owner Roger, and the two dogs decide to run away from home rather than be fenced up in the yard all day long. Bound and determined to make it on their own, the dogs soon find themselves in an enchanted forest where they encounter a cursed prince who has been turned to stone by the evil Queen Malevella. The dogs must rally all their brain power to release the prince from his stone prison and thwart the evil plan of Queen Malevella.

Some roles in “Two Dumb Dogs” have already been cast. The Backstage is still seeking the following roles: Rock Prince — a young prince, brave, dashing, and unfortunately turned to stone; Owl — a sentinel of the enchanted forest who tries to warn our two dogs of impending danger; Odd — Queen Malevella’s servant and cook, a very old man, hard of hearing; Mimi — Queen Malevella’s poodle, dressed in ballet garb, rather prissy, innocent, and easily cowed.

‘Two Dumb Dogs’ is directed by Michael C. Grittner . Auditions will be Wednesday, April 30 from 7-9 p.m. at the Breckenridge Theatre, 121 S. Ridge St. in Breckenridge. Auditionees will read from the script. Scripts are available in PDF format to those who inquire and have a working e-mail address. Auditions are by appointment only.

Rehearsals for “Two Dumb Dogs” will begin in mid-May and will be flexible with the schedules of the actors. The show opens at the Backstage Theatre on July 4 and plays alternating weekends until late August. All positions are paid.

Call (970) 453-0199 to make an appointment for an audition time or for more information.