NBC to Hold Open Audition for Dorothy in Its Live Television Production of The Wiz

If you've ever dreamed of following the yellow brick road straight to Oz, this could be your chance. NBC is holding an open casting call for the role of Dorothy in its upcoming live television production of The Wiz. Auditions will be held June 6 at the Telsey Company offices.

NBC's The Wiz, the latest in its line of holiday season live musicals, will air December 3. Tony winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) will stage the live television production, which is based on Charlie Smalls' and William F. Brown's award-winning stage version. Four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots) will contribute new material to Brown's book. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron serve as executive producers, with Universal Television producing.

The live television broadcast of The Wiz serves as the precursor to a Broadway revival, coproduced by Cirque du Soleil's new stage theatrical division, in the 2016-2017 Broadway season.

Stephanie Mills, who received a 1975 Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance as Dorothy in The Wiz, will return to the material as Aunt Em for the NBC broadcast. Full casting will be revealed in the coming months.

For the role of Dorothy, NBC is seeking a performer described as follows: "Female, African American, must be 18 years of age or older. Must have extraordinary voice that can still tell a story, and maturity with a youthful energy." Those attending the audition should come prepared to sing a short portion of "Home," "Ease on Down the Road," or "Be a Lion" a cappella.