HATTIESBURG – Due to the overwhelming response to The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music’s call for auditions for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera,” another block of times to try out has been opened on the same day, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.

All applicants must register online at www.usm.edu/music/phantom. Complete audition details are available there. Call-backs will be April 25 and 26 for selected roles. Licensing restrictions allow only Southern Miss students to be a part of the show, meaning anyone selected to the cast, including faculty and staff, must be registered for the opera and musical theatre class in the fall.

“This has been the most incredible turnout I’ve ever experienced for an audition process,” said Dr. Mike Lopinto, the show’s director. “You can sense the excitement people have to be a part of this incredible opportunity.”

Because the show is primarily sung, auditions will be by voice part, not for roles — soprano, alto (mezzo), tenor, baritone/bass. Also, specific cuts from the show will be provided for download.

The production still seeks dancers with ballet experience – male and female. Interested performers should also fill out the online application for more instructions about a separate call for dancers.

With music direction by Dr. Jay Dean and Dr. Michael Miles, the production will feature the venerable USM Symphony Orchestra. Tickets will initially be part of the 2017-18 USM Symphony season, with individual tickets on sale shortly after.

Performance dates and the rest of the creative team will be announced soon for the elaborate production that takes the stage of the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium this fall.

Produced through special arrangement with Rodger and Hammerstein Theatricals, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command. Its sensational score includes “Think of Me,” “Angel of Music,” “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Masquerade” and the title song.

For more information, visit www.usm.edu/music/phantom.