The Waterworks Players next production is Hansel and Gretel, a British pantomime to celebrate the holiday season. Beloved by children and adults alike, pantomimes are as much a part of Christmas throughout the British Isles as singing carols, trim-ming the tree, and exchanging presents. As a popular form of theater, British pantomime combines song, dance, and slapstick comedy that are loosely based on traditional children's stories.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 pm on Sunday and Monday, October 30-31 at the Waterworks Theater. Performers should be comfortable performing for children, interacting with the audience, and singing (though the singing doesn't have to be accom-plished – if you can sing in the shower, you can do this). Players needed for the production include ten adults, with roles for both males and females. The show runs December 9, 10 and 11. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Waterworks Players at 434-392-3452 or info@waterworks.farmville.net.

In case you are unfamiliar with pantomimes, they are theatrical productions predominantly aimed at children that are based on a popular fairy tale or folk legend. Pantomimes have a number of conventions that are unique to this theater form. For ex-ample, the leading male juvenile character is traditionally played by a young woman, while an older woman is usually played by a man. There are lines containing double meaning, often wringing innuendo out of innocent phrases. Audience participation is also encouraged. Everyone joins in singing songs and hissing the villain.