While Bruiser the chihuahua has been cast, with Violet or Angel, pint-sized stars-in-the-making owned by Kimberly Makrell, of Belconnen, to take the key role, there were openings for Bruiser's friends in the new production.

The dog-friendly Yarralumla Gallery and The Oaks Brasserie was the scene of the cattle call - perhaps better described as the canine call - with the dogs showing no signs of stage fright.

Karen Hobson, of Gundaroo, brought her two-year-old border collie Jazz, who seemed to have the right attitude for a young up-and-comer.

''She's smart, she's super-easy to train. She's willing to work and wants to please,'' Ms Hobson said.

Wilson the three-year-old British bulldog is built for character roles. His owner, Amy Griffiths, of Richardson, had no idea how he might perform.

''I didn't know what to expect. We'll see how he goes,'' she said.

Ms Makrell said her chihuahuas, while good performers at home and easily bribed with treats, were still unknown quantities on a stage in front of an audience.

''I just hope they do what they're supposed to do,'' she said.

''They love cuddles. So if they get cuddles, they should be fine.''

Legally Blonde, the story of a ditzy blonde sorority queen who goes to law school, with Bruiser in tow, in an attempt to win back her boyfriend, will be staged at the ANU Arts Centre in July by the Free Rain Theatre Company. It was made famous by the Hollywood movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

The lead role of Elle will be played by 22-year-old Sydney actress Mikayla Williams, who played Maryssa in the ABC-TV series Dance Academy. She also played Penny Pingleton in a Sydney production of Hairspray last year alongside Jon English.

She is looking forward to taking on the larger-than-life role of Elle.

''She's so much fun, just really bubbly,'' she said. ''I loved the movie, love Reese Witherspoon, she's great.''

And with her own Jack Russell at home, Mikayla has not been put off by working with animals. ''I love them, love dogs,'' she said.

Melbourne-based director Derek Walker has returned to Canberra, where he taught at Canberra Grammar, after working as assistant director on the musical King Kong, to direct Legally Blonde. He thinks it will get a good reception in the national capital, the season running from July 4 to July 27.

''It should be a lot of fun. It's big, large-scale, a lot of choreography,'' he said. ''And Canberra has a very strong theatre-going community, a lot of people who will go and see everything, which is great.''

■ Bookings and times for Legally Blonde are through the Canberra Theatre Centre 6275 2700.