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AUDITION NOTICE: Les Misérables

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AUDITION NOTICE: Les Misérables

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Springfield Little Theatre announces auditions for its upcoming production of LES MISÉRABLES, the opening production of the 2026–2027 Mainstage Season at the historic Landers Theatre.

AUDITION WORKSHOPS

Springfield Little Theatre will offer audition workshops for performers interested in auditioning for LES MISÉRABLES. Participation in an audition workshop is not required to audition.

Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Child Audition Workshop: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Adult Audition Workshop: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

The Landers Theatre — Fourth Floor Rehearsal Studio
311 East Walnut Street
Springfield, Missouri

REGISTER NOW

AUDITION DATES

Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14, 2026

6:00 PM
Children auditioning for Gavroche, Young Cosette, and Young Eponine

7:00 PM
Adult performers

Auditioners only need to attend one evening.

The Landers Theatre — Fourth Floor Rehearsal Studio
311 East Walnut Street
Springfield, Missouri

CALLBACKS

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM

Callbacks will be held by invitation. Additional information and materials will be provided to those requested to attend.

The Landers Theatre — Fourth Floor Rehearsal Studio
311 East Walnut Street
Springfield, Missouri

CREATIVE TEAM

LES MISÉRABLES will be directed by Rick Dines, choreographed by Gretchen Teague, and music directed by Danielle Hardin.

WHAT TO PREPARE

Please prepare a one-minute vocal selection in a style appropriate to the production. Bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key for the provided accompanist.

Additional vocal selections, readings, or movement may be requested during auditions or callbacks.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals begin Sunday, July 19, 2026, and will generally be held Sunday through Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Minimal conflicts may be accommodated, but availability for the majority of the rehearsal process is required. All performers must be available for all technical rehearsals and performances. A complete list of conflicts must be provided at auditions.

PERFORMANCES

  • Thursday, September 10, 2026; 7:30 PM — Preview Performance
  • Friday, September 11, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 13, 2026; 2:00 PM
  • Thursday, September 17, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Friday, September 18, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 19, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 20, 2026; 2:00 PM
  • Thursday, September 24, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Friday, September 25, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 26, 2026; 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 27, 2026; 2:00 PM

CASTING

All roles are available. Springfield Little Theatre welcomes performers of all ethnicities, identities, backgrounds, and body types to audition.

Unless otherwise noted, listed ages describe the approximate age of the character and not necessarily the age of the performer.

AVAILABLE ROLES

JEAN VALJEAN

Character age: 35–50
Vocal range: High lyric baritenor, G♯2–B4

A poor peasant who rises from imprisonment to a life of affluence and generosity. Valjean possesses great strength, nobility, compassion, and dignity.

JAVERT

Character age: 35–50
Vocal range: Baritone, F2–G4

An imposing police inspector who relentlessly pursues Valjean. Javert must possess natural gravitas with the ability to be expressive, commanding, and dynamic.

FANTINE

Character age: 20–30
Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano, F3–E♭5

A poor but beautiful factory worker struggling to support her young daughter. Although ultimately defeated by her circumstances, Fantine is strong, determined, and a survivor.

THÉNARDIER

Character age: 40–60
Vocal range: Baritone, C2–G4

A strong character role. A crooked innkeeper who later becomes a petty, amoral thief. Greedy, irreverent, boorish, vulgar, and entirely out for himself.

MADAME THÉNARDIER

Character age: 30–50
Vocal range: Mezzo-belter, G♯3–D5

A tough, coarse, and vulgar woman determined to con her way out of poverty. She is a doting mother to Eponine but neglectful of her other children.

COSETTE

Character age: 18–25
Vocal range: Lyric soprano, B♭3–C6

Fantine’s daughter, raised by Valjean. Beautiful, elegant, compassionate, and vulnerable, with an understanding of the world’s darkness shaped by her difficult childhood.

EPONINE

Character age: 18–25
Vocal range: Mezzo-belter, F3–E5

The daughter of the Thénardiers, though she shares none of their cruelty or selfishness. Brave, resourceful, and emotionally open, she wears her heart on her sleeve.

ENJOLRAS

Character age: 20–30
Vocal range: High baritenor, A2–G4

A very strong singer. Handsome, charismatic, and commanding, Enjolras is the leader of the student revolutionary movement.

MARIUS

Character age: 18–25
Vocal range: High baritenor, A2–A♭4

A member of the revolutionary student movement. Raised in an affluent household but disowned because of his political convictions, Marius is attractive, romantic, sensitive, and idealistic.

GAVROCHE

Character age: 12–14; ideally under five feet tall
Vocal range: Unchanged voice, B3–G5

A young street urchin left to survive by his intelligence and wit on the streets of Paris. The son of the Thénardiers, he resents his parents and lives independently.

THE BISHOP OF DIGNE

Character age: 60+
Vocal range: Baritone, A2–E4

A compassionate religious leader who sees beyond Valjean’s past and recognizes the great man he could become. In this production, the Bishop will not play additional roles but will appear throughout the story as a guiding presence for Valjean.

YOUNG COSETTE

Character age: 8–12; under five feet tall
Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano, A3–C5

Fantine’s daughter, who has endured hardship and child labor at the hands of the Thénardiers. Sympathetic, innocent, and resilient.

Two young actresses will be cast to alternate nightly between Young Cosette and Young Eponine.

YOUNG EPONINE

Character age: 8–12; under five feet tall
Non-singing and non-speaking role

The pampered and spoiled daughter of the Thénardiers who bullies Young Cosette.

Two young actresses will be cast to alternate nightly between Young Cosette and Young Eponine.

MEMBERS OF THE ABC SOCIETY

Courfeyrac, Combeferre, Feuilly, Joly, Grantaire, Lesgles, and Jean Prouvaire
Character ages: 16–30

Members of a secret society of students and workers who become leaders of the revolution under Enjolras. These performers will also portray a variety of additional roles throughout the production.

THÉNARDIER’S GANG

Montparnasse, Babet, Brujon, and Claquesous
Character ages: 30–60

Dangerous and threatening members of Thénardier’s gang of thieves. These performers will also portray additional characters throughout the production, including the Foreman, Bamatbois, and Fauchelevant.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE

Character ages: 18–55

Performers will portray a variety of roles throughout the production, including factory workers, women of the streets, a wigmaker, an innkeeper’s wife, nuns, wedding guests, and others.

Additional ensemble performers will portray the people of Montreuil-sur-Mer and Paris, students, workers, inn patrons, wedding guests, revolutionaries, and other featured roles throughout the production.

Springfield Little Theatre Announces 92nd Mainstage Season

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For 92 SEASONS, Springfield Little Theatre’s stages have welcomed dreamers, volunteers, artists, and audiences from every corner of our community. Now, Springfield Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2026–2027 Mainstage Season — a remarkable year of live theatre presented at the beautiful, historic Landers Theatre.

This year at The Landers, we invite you to be found.
Because SLT isn’t just great theatre in our community. It is extraordinary theatre created by our community for our community.

Springfield Little Theatre 2026-2027 Season is presented in part by
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company.

PATRON MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS BEGIN FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
Patron Memberships offer the earliest access to Springfield Little Theatre’s 92nd SEASON, along with added flexibility, parking, recognition, and benefits for Springfield Little Theatre’s closest supporters.

SEASON SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS BEGIN MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026

NEW SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS BEGIN MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026

GROUP RESERVATIONS BEGIN MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026
Groups of 10 or more can enjoy priority planning for the 92nd SEASON!

SINGLE TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026

LEARN MORE

2026-2027 Mainstage Season

SLT Associate Board Applications Now Open!

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Springfield Little Theatre (SLT) is seeking applicants to join the SLT Associate Board as it celebrates over 15 years of dedicated service. Comprised of 417’s finest young professionals (ages 22 – 40), the Associate Board passionately champions the theatre’s mission through active networking, volunteering, and fundraising initiatives. As enthusiastic liaisons to the young professional community, they foster meaningful connections and lead special events, enhancing support for Springfield Little Theatre’s efforts and ensuring its continued success in serving the local community.

Applications due by Friday, July 17, 2026.

APPLY NOW

SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE ASSOCIATE BOARD

THE MISSION:
The Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board is committed to developing community leaders to serve as ambassadors and liaisons for Springfield Little Theatre to the young professional community and to support the organization through volunteer, “friend-raising,” and fundraising efforts.

THE PURPOSE:
Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board strives to support and advocate for the mission of Springfield Little Theatre throughout the greater Ozarks community.

THE FOCUS:
The Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board members are dedicated to volunteering, fundraising, socializing, learning, networking, and “friendraising” for Springfield Little Theatre. They support the organization by sharing its mission, creating new ways to engage the community, coordinate, plan, and implement annual events, and have fun during the process.

THE MEMBERSHIP:
Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board Members are passionate, professional, successful young people who work to support the mission of Springfield Little Theatre and are passionate about sharing the benefits of the arts throughout the greater Springfield community.

ASSOCIATE BOARD EXPECTATIONS

  • Potential Associate Board members must submit an application for review and approval.
  • Each Associate Board member pays a $150 membership fee each year. This fee entitles members to two complimentary tickets to Springfield Little Theatre (SLT) mainstage productions, exclusive invitations to SLT events, discounted tickets, an Associate Board t-shirt, and an SLT name tag.
  • Associate Board members are asked to attend scheduled Associate Board meetings (the first Monday of each month at 5:30 PM) as frequently as possible.
  • Associate Board members may serve up to two three-year terms.
  • Associate Board members are asked to assist in the promoting of SLT shows and events, and work towards meeting sponsorship and donation goals as set forth each season.
  • Associate Board members are expected to invite young professionals to participate in Associate Board events as scheduled (ie. annual fundraising events, young professional “YoPro” events, etc.) (Full events schedule to be announced prior to August 1, 2026.)
  • Associate Board members are expected to be in attendance at Associate Board designated special events. (Full events schedule to be announced prior to August 1, 2026.)

APPLY NOW

For additional information, please contact Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board Staff Liaison, Alex Scranton, at [email protected].

417 Day Deal — Seussical The Musical

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Celebrate 417 Day with Springfield Little Theatre!

In the 417, we believe in sharing the fun and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a little SEUSSICAL magic. For one day only, Springfield Little Theatre is offering a special BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE ticket deal for SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL.

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, bringing the family, or introducing someone new to the joy of live theatre, this is the perfect opportunity to experience a world filled with color, music, and imagination at the historic The Landers Theatre.

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL brings to life beloved characters and stories in a vibrant, high-energy production that celebrates creativity, connection, and the power of thinking big. It’s a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages—and now, it’s even easier to share.

BUY TICKETS

To take advantage of this limited-time 417 Day offer, simply use code 417DAY at checkout and enjoy twice the fun. But don’t wait—this special promotion is only available for today. Grab a friend, bring a Who, and let the thinks begin!

Visit our friends at 417 MAGAZINE for additional special offers today!

Valid on new purchases only. Not valid on existing orders. No cash value or cash back. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Remembering Springfield Little Theatre Icon Fay Ollis

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One of the brightest lights of the historic Landers Theatre has dimmed. Fay Ollis—beloved patron, preservationist, and champion of Springfield Little Theatre—has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that will be felt for generations.

The daughter of Springfield Little Theatre’s original matriarch, Frances Vandivort, Fay was born into a life of the arts. Her devotion to SLT was lifelong and deeply personal. In 1970, alongside her husband Larry and close friend Virgil Anderson, Fay helped lead the pivotal effort to secure a permanent home for the theatre—a decision that would shape Springfield’s cultural landscape forever.

“They looked at the Gillioz and they looked at the Fox, and then they decided to buy The Landers,” SLT Executive Director Beth Domann explained. “The others were built as movie theaters. The Landers was the only legitimate theatre left. It was on the Orpheum Circuit.”

To make that vision a reality, the Ollis and Anderson families personally secured a $100,000 loan to purchase the building. That bold act of faith ensured the survival of the Landers Theatre, which has since hosted hundreds of productions and served as a creative home for countless artists, volunteers, and audiences. Beyond the stage, the building’s upper floors have housed offices, costume shops, rehearsal spaces – the quiet, essential work that keeps theatre alive.

Fay’s love for the Landers history was unmistakable. One of her most cherished contributions still greets patrons in the Landers lobby today, a portrait of John Landers that she and Larry purchased at auction specifically for the theatre. It remains a memento of their thoughtful generosity.

Although never a performer, Fay played an indispensable role in preserving Springfield Little Theatre’s story. Domann fondly remembers hours spent poring over old photographs with Fay, carefully identifying the volunteers who risked being forgotten.

“She and Margaret Blackwood would come up to the office, and we’d get all of these pictures and stuff out and we would go through because she knew everybody. I don’t think there’s anybody in this town she didn’t know,” Domann marveled. “She would help label all of those pictures because they were old and we didn’t know who a lot of those people were.”

Fay herself was unforgettable. Domann recalls that Fay was ‘always put together’, elegant, and witty. “Funny, dry sense of humor. She had a great laugh.”

Fay and Larry attended high school together at Greenwood Laboratory but didn’t connect romantically until years later. After attending Drury University, Fay studied in Boston and Arkansas and worked in St. Louis. Larry pursued his own studies and served abroad in the U.S. Army. Their love story truly took shape back in Springfield—fittingly, at the Landers Theatre.

“…We met during a project the Little Theatre was putting together,” Ollis recalled in a recent interview. “I was typing in the office at the front desk when he walked in and I recognized him. We began enjoying a casual relationship, dating off and on for the next three years. When we decided we should get married, my mother asked, ‘How long does it take to print invitations?’

“ ‘Five weeks,’ I told her, so that’s how we set the date: July 5, 1969.” The Ollis’ recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

They both found their way home to Springfield, but Fay and Larry maintained a deep love for travel. They once owned an apartment in Europe and, after years of running Ollis and Company Insurance, later acquired Thomas Travel. Still, Springfield always held their hearts. Fay was deeply committed to preservation and progress in the Ozarks and served as President of the Junior League, further cementing her role as a Springfield legend.

“It’s just such the end of an era,” Domann lamented, “These are the people you looked up to. There’s just always more to learn from them. You just respected the hell out of them. I admired them, tremendously.”

Fay Ollis will be remembered for her generosity, her intellect, her humor, and her unwavering devotion to Springfield Little Theatre. Her legacy lives on in the Landers Theatre’s walls, its stories, and the countless lives she helped shape along the way.

“When I got invited to their house for a dinner party, that was it. I had made it. My life was complete,” Domann reflected. “They were just the most kind, generous, fun, smart [people]. She didn’t miss a trick.”

Springfield Little Theatre is forever grateful to the Ollis family for their decades of support. Fay will be deeply missed.

World Theatre Day: Celebrating The Power of Live Storytelling

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Each year, World Theatre Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of live performance and the role theatre plays in shaping communities, inspiring creativity, and bringing people together.

At Springfield Little Theatre, theatre is more than entertainment. It is a place where stories come alive, where generations connect, and where individuals of all ages are invited to imagine, learn, and belong. From the moment the lights dim in the historic Landers Theatre to the first spark of discovery in a classroom or rehearsal studio, live theatre creates experiences that are immediate, memorable, and deeply human.

For more than nine decades, Springfield Little Theatre has been proud to serve as a cultural cornerstone in our community. Through MainStage productions, educational programming, youth performance opportunities, and special events, the organization continues to fulfill its mission to entertain, educate, and involve the community in live theatre.

World Theatre Day is also a moment to recognize the many people who make this work possible. Actors, musicians, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, teaching artists, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and audience members all play a vital role in sustaining the magic of live performance. Theatre is one of the most collaborative art forms in the world, and its success depends on a shared belief in the value of storytelling.

At Springfield Little Theatre, that legacy continues to grow through each performance, each student, each volunteer, and each patron who walks through the doors. The theatre remains a place where memories are made, talents are nurtured, and community is strengthened.

On this World Theatre Day, Springfield Little Theatre celebrates the transformative power of the arts and the people who help carry that tradition forward. Thank you for being part of this living legacy of storytelling in Springfield.

Now Hiring: Education Registrar

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Springfield Little Theatre is looking for a part-time Registrar to join the team at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts.

This vital front desk role helps set the tone for a warm, welcoming, and helpful environment for every student, family, patron, and guest who walks through the doors. From registrations and ticket orders to phone calls, emails, and day-to-day support, this position is perfect for someone who loves people, stays organized, and believes in the power of arts education.

If you’re friendly, detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and passionate about live performance, we’d love to hear from you.

Compensation: $15.00 per hour

JOB DESCRIPTION

APPLY TODAY!

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

For additional questions, please contact Lead Registrar, Trisha Baker, at [email protected] or at 417-413-2287.

Now Hiring: Summer Youth Programs Instructors

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Ready to make theatre magic this summer? Springfield Little Theatre is looking for enthusiastic, creative, and dependable instructors to join our Summer Youth Programs team for Summer 2026.

From June through August, SLT offers one-week and two-week theatre workshops for students ages 4 to 18 in acting, musical theatre, dance, performance, and technical theatre. Summer Youth Programs Instructors play an important role in creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where students can learn, grow, build confidence, and make lasting memories.

Ideal candidates will have previous theatre experience, a passion for arts education and live performance, and the energy to help make summer at SLT exciting, organized, and inspiring for every student.

Compensation: $15.00–$19.00 per hour, based on experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

APPLICATION

APPLY TODAY!

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter in addition to completing the application, prior to April 10, 2026.

For additional questions, please contact Youth Programs Specialist, Laura Frost, at [email protected] or at 417-413-2287 x120.

A New Parking Option to Make Your Theatre Experience Even Easier

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Beginning with COME FROM AWAY, guests attending a Springfield Little Theatre production will have the option to park in a covered parking garage located just a short, easy walk from The Landers Theatre. Audience members may park for $5 per vehicle in the Community Foundation of the Ozarks Parking Garage, located at the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center at 449 E. McDaniel Street. The garage is approximately a four-minute walk from The Landers Theatre, offering a convenient downtown option close to the heart of the action.

This new parking opportunity is made possible through our partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and their new home at the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration and support, which allows us to enhance the overall patron experience and reduce barriers to attending live theatre downtown.

Parking may be reserved in advance or paid upon entry, pending availability. Please note that the parking attendant will accept card-only payment; no cash will be kept on hand. Upon arrival, guests should look for Springfield Little Theatre parking signage and be prepared to show proof of ticket purchase when entering the garage.

Patron Members & Emerald Subscribers may continue to enjoy complimentary parking provided by the Wheelers Lofts, as part of their ongoing membership benefits.

We know that details like parking can play a big role in how welcoming an evening out feels, and we’re proud to take this step toward making our performances more accessible and stress-free for our community. We look forward to welcoming you downtown, and into the theatre, for COME FROM AWAY.

To add parking to your upcoming visit to The Landers Theatre, visit our ticketing site here.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present: Larry Ollis Visits Springfield Little Theatre

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Springfield Little Theatre was honored to welcome Larry Ollis for a special visit today to both The Landers Theatre and The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts, a visit that served as a powerful reminder of the vision, leadership, and perseverance that helped shape the organization we know today.

Larry Ollis, married to Fay Ollis, daughter of Landers Legend Frances Vandivort, has been a longtime supporter, board member, and advocate for Springfield Little Theatre and the arts community as a whole. He also served as President of the Springfield Little Theatre Board from 1965 to 1967, providing steady leadership during a pivotal period in the organization’s history.

In the late 1960s, Springfield Little Theatre faced an uncertain future. After more than 35 years without a permanent home, the organization learned that its longtime performance space at Drury College would no longer be available. A committee was formed to secure a new home, chaired by Larry Ollis and joined by one of Springfield Little Theatre’s original founders, Virgil Anderson. Larry had “eyed The Landers for years,” trusting his instinct that the historic downtown theatre, long used as a movie house, might soon become available. Despite early resistance and uncertainty, his persistence paid off. In 1970, Springfield Little Theatre secured The Landers Theatre as its permanent home, a decision that would have a profound and lasting impact on the organization, downtown Springfield, and the broader community.

On today’s tour, Larry was accompanied by his nephew, Chris Ollis, and great-nephew, Campbell Ollis, making the visit especially meaningful as stories and memories were shared across generations. Executive Director and close friend Beth Domann led the group through The Landers, sharing details about recent renovations and investments, including a look at Springfield Little Theatre’s new state-of-the-art LED screen.

As Larry reflected on his very first visit to The Landers in 1969, he laughed, recalling that “none of the lights worked and no one could see how dirty it was … but, knowing its history, we knew that this was the place.” When Springfield Little Theatre took possession of the building in the summer of 1970, decades of neglect had left it far from its former glory. Torn seats, worn carpet, faded walls, and debris filled the space. Yet, in just a matter of months, the organization, rallying the support of community donors, raised the funds needed to restore the theatre in time to reopen with The Importance of Being Earnest — a production that Larry himself appeared in.

Standing in the theatre today, Larry took in the transformation. “I can’t believe how beautiful it is,” he said. “I am so proud of this organization and what it has accomplished.” Beth summed up the moment simply and perfectly: “You guys chose well.”

The story didn’t end with the purchase. Eight years later, Larry Ollis and Virgil Anderson stood together on the Landers stage once again, this time to burn the mortgage, celebrating Springfield Little Theatre becoming firmly rooted in its permanent home.

We will be forever grateful to Larry and Fay Ollis for their steadfast support of Springfield Little Theatre over the years. Their belief in the power of the arts, their commitment to preservation, and their willingness to dream boldly continue to resonate through every performance, classroom, and audience member who walks through our doors today.

For additional historical details about Larry Ollis and the remarkable journey of The Landers Theatre, please see The Landers: Biography of a Theater.

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