MUNCIE, Ind. - Did sssomebody sssay, "Sssnake auditionsss?"

Yes, it's true. Ball State University needs a python for its November production of "Sideshow." So, for those reptiles with a flair for drama, here's their chance: Lights! Camera! Slither!

Snake auditions will be held Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at University Theatre. Ideal candidates should be large, old, passive, non-venomous males. In addition, suitable snakes must be comfortable around bright lights and people and must not eat any of the actors (at least none of the lead actors), said Don LaCasse, chairman of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Likewise, ideal reptile owners should be available for the audition and the shows, and should be certified in extracting actors who have been victims of accidental digestion, LaCasse added.

"The python will appear 30 seconds during the opening number," said Judy Yordon, director. "The actress will wear him like a stole while she's being charmed by the snake charmer."

It's not yet known whether the snake will have his own dressing room, if his salary will be comparable to other union reptile scales, or if rats will be a part of the cast's catered meals. For answers to these questions and to register for the audition, contact LaCasse at (765) 285-8740.

"We'll work out all of the details once we've found the right snake," LaCasse said. "The last thing we want is having him throw a hissy fit about it."

"Sideshow" will be performed Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 14-16 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m. at University Theatre.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact LaCasse at (765) 285-8740 or dlacasse@bsu.edu or Yordon at (765) 285-3521 or jyordon@bsu.edu.)