Could your dog be the next star to visit the Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
A Co Antrim theatre is currently searching for a furry companion to play the role of Toto in their stage adaptation of the Wizard of Oz in February.
Does your pup have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of one of the most recognisable dogs in history and accompany Dorothy on her journey to the Emerald City - if so, this one is for you.
The Theatre at the Mill 's Youth Theatre in Newtownabbey is looking for a well-behaved dog who can work with children to be cast in their upcoming production.
Their casting notice read: "Could your dog be the next Star of the stage? Theatre at The Mill is searching for its very own Toto to star in our Youth Theatre production of Wizard of Oz which runs from Tuesday 15 February to Sunday 20 February.
"Do you have a dog that is well behaved and good around children? preferably with a dark coat and would resemble the original Toto?
The character Toto was originally a small male terrier drawn by WW Denslow for the first edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). He reappeared in numerous adaptations, such as the 1939 Wizard of Oz, The Wiz in 1978 and the Return to Oz in 1985.
Creator Lyman Frank Baum did not specifically state Toto's breed, but wrote "he was a little black dog with long silky hair and small black eyes that twinkled merrily on either side of his funny, wee nose." From the illustrations in the first book many have concluded that he was a Cairn Terrier while others believe he was Yorkshire Terrier.
"In addition to the performance dates we would also require the dog to be available for a number of rehearsal dates in February."
If you think your dog is suitable for this role, you can email leeann.murray@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk to book an audition which will take place on Saturday 29 January 2022.
Booking for auditions will close on Wednesday 26 January at 5pm.
