A studio full of stage mothers got the straight scoop on how to help their child actors land roles in local shows during a recent lecture at the N.C. Conservatory for the Performing Arts. "How should my daughter prepare for her audition?"

"How important are professional photographs and head shots?

"How can I help my son deal with rejection if he doesn't get the part?"

The questions were directed at Casey Hushion, a rising young star on Broadway. Hushion is in Raleigh to direct the North Carolina Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz.

She appeared at the conservatory in North Raleigh as a part of a Broadway Connections program linking stars of the big stage with the local acting community.

"It's really not as complicated as it seems," Hushion responded to the question about auditions.

"We look for actors who know who they are and who are comfortable in their own skin," Hushion advised.

As for photographs, "just produce pictures that look like your kid. Make sure your child looks clean. Make sure he looks functional," she added, to laughter from her audience of nearly 100 mostly women and girls.

Hushion is no stranger to the North Carolina Theatre. William W. Jones, the theater's executive director and producer, discovered Hushion directing "When the World Goes 'Round" in Fayetteville and invited her to direct children's productions in Raleigh. From there, she went on to direct local mainstage shows, including "The King and I," starring Lou Diamond Phillips.

Hushion got her big break in New York when she became assistant director for an original production, "The Drowsy Chaperone," which won five Tony Awards last month.

Through Broadway Connections, she's sharing her success with local actors.

One of those is Jenny Gulley, who leaves Raleigh next month to test the bright lights of Broadway. At 18, she is a veteran actor on the local stage, and her starring role as Dorothy is her first big break.

"I knew that the chances of casting the lead role locally were small. The directors held auditions in New York, as well as in Raleigh, and I thought they'd be looking for someone famous," she said.

She is "beyond thrilled" to have the part.

"This is a role every little girl who loves the Wizard of Oz dreams of playing," she said. "The N.C. Theatre is so smart," Gulley said. "It gives kids great opportunities and really prepares young adults in a way you can't find anywhere else."

The theater and its Broadway Connections program also gives young actors valuable connections. Not only will she be acting under the direction of a Tony-award winning director, she will be working alongside experienced Broadway performers who play the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion.

Even local performers who have no intention of seeing their names up in lights appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Broadway directors and stars.

"The level of professionalism and quality of product is amazing," said Lynda Clark, a North Raleigh-based actress who plays the Wicked Witch of the West.

Like Gulley, Clark is realizing a dream come true. She wanted the part so badly that she auditioned for it, although as an experienced actress, she has not had to audition for a part in years.

In the audition, she simply let her inner child take over.

"I just opened my mouth, and just like when I was little, I pretended to be the Wicked Witch," she said, demonstrating a famous line from the play with a loud, cackling "I'll get you my pretty!"

"I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz," she said. "It is ingrained into my consciousness."

De Ann S. Jones founded the N.C. Theatre in 1984 to blend regional performers with Broadway and national stars. Having two local actors in major roles in "The Wizard of Oz" is a testimony to the level of talent in Raleigh.

The theater and its connections to the New York stage have been essential to Gulley's growth as an actor.

"If I had not joined this program, I would not be where I am now professionally," she said. "When I'm gone, a lot of other kids will come along and take my place, and they'll get their chance."