Auditions will be held at Third Street Dance in L.A.

The description for the role of Dorothy reads: "Female, African American, must be 18 years-of-age or older. Must have an extraordinary voice that can still tell a story, and maturity with a youthful energy."

Those auditioning should come prepared to sing a short portion of "Home," "Ease on Down the Road" or "Be a Lion" a cappella. Also, bring a picture/resume with full contact information.

William F. Brown wrote the book for the soulful contemporary retelling of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The Wiz also features music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The original 1974 production, directed by Geoffrey Holder and choreographed by George Faison, won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. The premiere Broadway company featured Hinton Battle, Tiger Haynes, Stephanie Mills, Ted Ross, Dee Dee Bridgewater, André De Shields and Mabel King. Diana Ross and Michael Jackson starred in the film version.

Mills, who played Dorothy in the original production, will play Auntie Em in the TV adaptation.

The musical, according to NBC, is described as such: "Dorothy, a young woman from Kansas, is swept up in a tornado and relocated to a fantasy world that is inhabited by munchkins, good and bad witches, and, of course, flying monkeys. She eventually takes a path down a yellow brick road to find a wizard who can help her go home and along the way meets a scarecrow, tin man and cowardly lion, who all learn to help one another."

Kenny Leon is directing, with Harvey Fierstein adapting the book for TV.

The live broadcast is scheduled for Dec. 3. NBC reportedly wants to have the role cast by the end of the summer.