Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

January 25, 2007 issue

Auditions To Be Held for Horn in the West in February and March

Cherie Elledge-Grapes is back for her second season as director of Horn in the West. Auditions for this summer’s show are scheduled for two Saturdays, February 3 and March 3. Photo courtesy of Horn in the West

A long-time High Country tradition, the outdoor drama Horn in the West will hold open local auditions for its upcoming 56th season on Saturday, February 3, at 10:00 a.m. at Watauga High School and on Saturday, March 3, at 9:00 a.m. in Banner Elk at Lees-McRae’s Hayes Auditorium. Participants are asked to bring a headshot photograph and resume to the auditions.

Horn in the West is set in Colonial North Carolina, and incorporates historical events and characters from the area, including the famous Dan’l Boone.

“We are auditioning for a wide variety of roles,” said director Cherie Elledge-Grapes. “In addition to acting parts, there are also parts available for dancers and singers.”

Those with an interest in lighting, sound, costuming, stage combat, and props are also invited to auditions.

The Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA) produces the drama and is also accepting applications for part-time and temporary positions for the upcoming season. Positions are available in the ticket booth, concessions, maintenance, grounds and sewing. Beginning February 5, candidates should apply in person at the main office on the Horn in the West grounds in Boone.

The 56th season of Horn in the West is slated to open June 15. The drama will run through August 11, showing nightly at 8:00 p.m. except Mondays.

 

Cherie Elledge-Grapes To Direct Outdoor Drama Horn in the West

Now in its 56th consecutive season, outdoor drama Horn in the West welcomes a friend from seasons past to the director’s chair. Cherie Elledge-Grapes, an 11-year veteran of the role of Cherokee Nancy Ward, returns for her sophomore season as director.

Elledge-Grapes is the daughter of Charles “Charlie” Elledge who was with Horn in the West from the beginning and was one of its most beloved participants. As a toddler, she shared the stage with her popular father and mother in the drama’s very first season and also portrayed various roles in the production over a 29-year span.

The board of directors of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, which produces the drama, enthusiastically selected Elledge-Grapes for the 2007 season. In her first turn, Elledge-Grapes brought a creative directorial touch, along with a sense of tradition, and cast members overwhelmingly declared her effort the best in many years. The audience response was similar, with praises stating that last season’s production was one of the Horn’s best performances in several years.

“I’m thrilled and grateful to be back, and look forward to building on last year’s terrific season,” said Elledge-Grapes.

In addition to Horn in the West, Elledge-Grapes has shown her talents to the world on other stages (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar), television (All My Children, Search for Tomorrow) and even the big screen (Talladega Nights). One of her favorite experiences was working with Johnny Cash in The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James.

“Cherie is a tremendous asset to Horn in the West, and having her as director is a great honor,” said Freda Greene, chairman of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association.

 

 

From the Director’s Chair: The Horn Blows in the West Again

I am writing to make sure that all within the sound of the “Horn” answer its call. The 2007 Horn in the West auditions will be held Saturday, February 3, in the Watauga High School Auditorium. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m., with auditions starting shortly afterwards.

I am excited to be directing this 56th season and specifically want the first local auditions to be held within the Horn’s place of birth. This is a gesture of thanks towards the many talented local artists of the community. This show belongs to you, the people of these treasured mountain communities. You were here when this drama began in 1952 and rightly you deserve the first shot at stardom within the Horn’s embrace. If it were not for the good folk of Watauga, Wilkes, Avery, Ashe, there may never had been a Horn in the West. I want to see you, the talents of our hometown, turn out in droves at this our first auditions of the 56th season.

Please note that this upcoming audition is not limited to local residents only; everyone is welcomed. I am in search for actors, singers, dancers, technical, wardrobe and extras. Please bring with you a headshot or recent photo and a resume….and your best outdoor voice.

I am looking forward to meeting you all and enjoying the talents within these mountains.

—Cherie Elledge-Grapes

 

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, February 3

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Watauga High School

Cost: Free

 

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, March 3

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: Hayes Auditorium, Lees-McRae

Cost: Free