Applications have closed, performers are rehearsing and judges are readying themselves for making some tough decisions at regional auditions for the Otago Daily Times and Dunedin City Council's Big Night In.
The mammoth free concert on November 12 - to which everyone in Otago and Southland is invited - will celebrate the ODT's 150th anniversary and the official opening of the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Artistic producer Doug Kamo said judges would be seeing just over 100 people who had been short-listed after applications were reviewed. Places on stage were limited.
The show would require at least 10 regional solo artists, at least 16 ensemble cast members, for such things as backing vocals, at least 10 dancers and at least 20 secondary school pupils for the OD Glee cast. Dancers and OD Glee cast had to be Dunedin-based due to the rehearsal schedule.
The standard of those who had made the shortlist was "fantastic", Mr Kamo said.
"Honestly, I'm actually quite blown away.
"I've been in this part of the world [for a long time]. I thought I knew what was out there, but I didn't.
"There has been so much that's come out of the woodwork and so many gems, it's going to be tough."
One of the most unusual audition applications came from a "9-year-old singing corgi", which had not made the shortlist, he said.
"While we'd like to put everyone on the stage, it's just not going to happen.
"We've always pictured this [becoming] an ongoing event ... if you don't get in this year, come back next year."
Regional auditions begin in Oamaru today at the Oamaru Opera House in the ODT Ink Box from noon.
The judges then head to Invercargill for auditions at the Invercargill Musical Theatre rooms on Don St from noon tomorrow, before beginning auditions in Queenstown at the QPACT rooms on Ballarat St from 5.30pm.
Dunedin auditions begin next Friday at the University of Otago's Union Hall, starting with OD Glee auditions from 9am to 5pm.
The following day judges will look for dancers during auditions from 9.30am to noon. Auditions for soloists will be held on July 31 from 9am to 8pm. Call-backs will be held on August 1, if required.
