Over the years, area residents have turned out by the hundreds to attend the annual spring Broadway musical performances by the Catasauqua Area Showcase Theatre. CAST organizers are hoping that some of those community members will be willing to support the production efforts by stepping behind the curtain into the backstage areas to assist with this season's performance of the musical "Annie."

Director Bill Nothstein says there is an urgent need for volunteers to cover numerous behind-the-scenes tasks necessary for staging a major musical production.

"We need individuals with skills in construction, sewing, prop making and painting, as well as volunteers for stage crew, ushers and front-of-the-house sales people," Nothstein says. "You can volunteer as little or as much time as you have available. We can accommodate all schedules and areas of interest."

Work begins in January and concludes with the performances the end of April.

"Becoming a member of this family-oriented theatre company will be a decision you will not regret," he says.

CAST rehearses and works on their behind-the-scenes projects at both Sheckler Elementary School and Catasauqua High School. Performances are held at the high school.

Anyone interested in getting involved or who would like to find out more information should contact Nothstein by calling 610-266-9512 or emailing him at nothsteinw@hotmail.com.

A membership meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Sheckler Elementary School cafeteria, at 251 North 14th St., Catasauqua, where volunteer opportunities will also be presented.

Although the organization is based in Catasauqua, membership is also open to individuals from neighboring communities.

"Through the generosity of the Catasauqua Area School District we are able to use school district facilities for rehearsal, preparation and performance," Nothstein says. "However the total cost of bringing a major musical production to the stage is between $25,000 and $30,000. Ticket sales and program ads provide a little over half of the needed funding. The other funding comes from four fundraisers: a September homemade pierogie sale, an October apple dumpling sale, a February hoagie sale and a March hoagie sale.

To support the fundraising effort, residents can patronize any of these sales by calling the CAST Box Office (610-841-3747) or by visiting the website where there is an online order form.

Individuals interested in performing should also contact the director or attend the Sept. 6 meeting.

This year's production is the family musical "Annie." There are many major and minor roles available for both adults and children (in second grade or older) of all ability levels.

"Toss aside those winter blues and get in touch with your creative side," Nothstein says. "You will find out what so many others over the past 20 years have, that being part of live theatre is exciting and rewarding and a great thing to do as a family."