Andrew Lafrance

Capers auditions are this weekend, and Kim Graff is more than ready for them to get here.

“There is such a variety this year,” said the junior English education major from Sioux Falls “There is much more of a diversity in music styles and funny skits. We are bringing in new dance styles that I’ve never seen in Capers before.”

This is Graff’s third year participating and during auditions, she is in charge of keeping morale high.

“A big push this year is to bring students of all majors into the cast,” she said.

Heather Slunecka, a senior communication studies and theatre major who is also from Sioux Falls, agreed.

“I’m really excited to meet all the new people this year. It will be so much fun to have a variety of students in the show.”

Capers, which will run Jan. 26 to 30, 2010, is composed of skits, dances and songs. The theme this year is Capers Powers Up and will consist of skits, songs and dances revolving around a superhero theme. All skits are original and written by members of Alpha Psi Omega, the honorary theater fraternity at SDSU. Slunecka and Graff are members of APO.

Allison Wieland is both the 2009-2010 president of APO and the director of Capers. The senior communication studies and theatre major from Madison, S.D., said that she is very excited for auditions to arrive.

“I love meeting like 170 new people who are just as crazy as the theater people are,” she said. “Getting to explore their talents is really neat.”

Although Wieland is in charge of everything Capers, every APO member oversees some part of the process.

“I am the music director,” Slunecka said. “We have so many styles of music this year: Broadway hits that have become popular, classic ’80s rock and contemporary songs, as well.”

The dances are choreographed by members of APO. The choreographers have the option of choosing to work on a dance alone or working with another member of the fraternity. Graff plans to buddy up with another choreographer since there are 27 members of APO this year, more than ever before.

This year, the judges at auditions will be looking to cast the roles of famous people from pop culture, both from today’s society as well as yesterday’s entertainment world.

“We would like to see some crazy characters that are popular,” Graff said.

Students that audition for Capers have the option of choosing whether to be in skits or dances or both. They can also audition to sing a solo if they would like to perform a song during the show. This year’s audition piece for men is “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Women will be expected to perform “I Will Survive.”

New students should come prepared for fun when they attend auditions this weekend.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of singing, dancing and reading of scenes,” Graff said. “Everyone will be learning the audition dance there as a group, so all the students will be on the same page.”

Wieland said she wants new students to know how fun Capers is.

“Capers is what college is all about,” she said. “You get to have fun, have some crazy times, make memories that will last and push your talents. Plus, you get to meet a ton of crazy people just like you.”

Auditions for the show are Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon in the Performing Arts Center lobby. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing.