Dvorak Concert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center will be opening the doors for its first musical performance.

John Oertling, chair for the department of theatre arts, believes it is only fitting to perform the classic “Fiddler on the Roof.”

“We have sought to perform ‘Fiddler [on the Roof]’ for a long time now,” Oertling said. “The faculty selected this play because first, it is such a well known play and second, because we felt it was fitting because this is the first time Dvorak [Concert Hall] has had the opportunity to put on a musical.”

Casting for the play began Monday and callbacks were Thursday. Oertling expects to cast 20 to 25 actors for the production.

“Jean Wolski and I will be doing all the casting for this production,” Oertling said. “We are doing the castings because we know all [the actors] so well.”

“Fiddler on the Roof” will be performed at 7 p.m. on March 5, 6, 8 and 9. On March 7 the play will begin at 2 p.m.

“We are holding auditions early so the cast has a chance to learn the music over the break,” Oertling said.

The guest director for the production will be Traylen Doler. Doler is one of six directors to apply for this position in this play. Doler is based out of New York City, but he has worked as artistic director at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan in the past.

“We are very lucky to get him,” Oertling said. “One reason we got him is because I think he is trying to set up home in Sullivan. Working with us gives him a chance to get more acquainted with his future home.”

This is the second time the theatre department has reached out past the local community for a director this year.

The first of which was Bill Kincaid, professor of theatre and head of acting at Western Illinois University, as guest director for “The Tempest.”

“Hiring guest directors gives the students different views on the craft,” Oertling said. “It gives the students a wider view and a chance to work with professionals. This then gives the students more potential success whenever they leave Eastern. We are hoping ‘[Fiddler on the Roof]’ raises the bar for us. It did with ‘The Tempest’ and we hope it does the same with ‘Fiddler [on the Roof].'”

Brad York can be reached at 581-7942 or bayork@eiu.edu