WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     WALNUT GROVE —  Saturday morning about 16 young and older thespians showed up for the first auditions for the Wilder pageant. Four more former cast members called to let them know they could not make it Saturday but would be a part  of it again.

    Director Bill Richards said, “the first call is usually smaller, couple that with Easter and it was a pretty good turn out. Despite being Easter weekend we did get some new people to try out.”



    “Usually it is easier to get younger girls for parts because of the Laura, Mary and Nellie parts. Finding adults is more tricky, with more commitments sometimes being an issue. Some times it works better if a family can do it together.” said Richards.

    Having only two performances rather than three each weekend makes it easier to recover on Monday.

    Richards said he would like to work a little more singing and dancing into the performance depending on the talent he gets. Singing and dancing will only be used if it reflects the period or  helps move the story along.

    Richards hinted that Mrs. Oleson might end up with pie on her face in the Oleson’s store scene.

    Richards will probably make some minor scene changes depending on the characters he gets. He felt it is sometimes more difficult for the veterans to make small changes than making a big change.

    With different people playing different parts they have to be careful to coordinate the scenes so people without mikes are close to those that are miked. It is important that it is conveyed who is speaking by their motions, so they connect with what is going on.

    Richards commented they try to find a part for everyone that tries out. Sometimes they have to cast two people, mainly children, for the same part to accommodate peoples schedules. “There have been years when we have had two sets of Ingalls girls performing,” said Richards.

    With the economy the way it is they really don’t know how it will effect attendance. Some people may stay closer to home and people from farther away might not come.

    “I have to refamiliarize myself with the process, but I am fortunate my daughter, Erin, has worked with the pageant for the past few years. It will be nice to work with her on the pageant,” he said.

    Richards said, “we are always looking for people to work behind the scenes as set workers, makeup, costumes, as well as concession workers, car parkers and ticket sales, etc.”