On three separate evenings, students representing more than 20 schools filled Playhouse Square’s rehearsal hall, waiting anxiously to hear their numbers called to sing, dance and act. Auditions were open to all students in eighth through 12th grades and were initially held on Jan. 27 and 29. After a large turnout, All-City Arts conducted additional auditions earlier this week.

“We start with a professional level experience right here with the audition,” All-City Arts managing director Kimberly Sias said. “Because in May, when these young people take the stage, those who are cast, they will have spent 3 1/2 months working with professional directors, stage managers, costume designers who have worked all around the world.”

Callbacks to narrow down the cast list are scheduled for Feb. 12, and rehearsals will begin in late February. The Tony-award winning musical is set in Memphis, Tenn., during the 1950s and was inspired by actual events from the era’s music scene.

“Memphis” will open Memorial Day weekend at Playhouse Square.