The Holly Theater in Dahlonega is holding an open audition on Saturday for its children's theater program.

"We want anyone who has ever even thought about being on stage to try out. Experience isn't necessarily required," Holly Theater executive director Geoffrey Kridel said.

Kridel said that he feels it is important to get the community involved and to give back through such events.

"The most important part of community theater is to repatriate the talent back into the community, "Kridel said. "You never know what talented people you have until you help them unlock."

The Holly Theater is looking for children and young adults between the ages of 3 and 25 to fill roles for the November production of "Babes in Toyland."

Additionally, auditions will take place for the Junior Theater Festival. Members of the Junior Theater will travel to Atlanta in January to compete in the annual musical theater competition.

The Holly has traditionally done well in the competition. Competing against nearly 2,000 groups from all over the U.S. last year, the Dahlonega group brought back two of the top five awards, according to Kridel.

"We take homegrown talent," Kridel said. "You're watching your child, or your friends and neighbors."

Kridel said it is important to keep the concept of theater, particularly community theater, thriving. Citing the rise in popularity social media and programs like, Kridel said that theater has to compete against technology.

Auditions for both the November production and the Junior Theater Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Holly Theater. Auditions are free and open to the public.

Anyone wishing to take part in the auditions should come prepared with a song to sing, as well as be comfortable with cold reading from a script.

The Holly Theater is located at 69 West Main St. in Dahlonega. For more information, call the theater at 706-864-3759, or visit them online.