Is your son a character? If so, he may have the chance of a lifetime to nurture his creativity in a professional production this spring at the renowned Drayton Festival Theatre.
Award-winning Drayton Entertainment is looking for a young boy between the ages of 12 and 15, who looks and can play a 13 year old in the role of a Billy Ray, in the production of On Golden Pond.
In that story, retired couple Ethel and Norman Thayer spend every summer at their home on Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter visits, bringing along her 13-year-old son. The relationship between father and daughter, the generation gap between young and old, and the difficulties facing a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage, all combine to give the play a unique insight into the modern family.
“This is a wonderful experience for any child, whether it’s a building block in their career or simply for their personal development,” said the theatre’s artistic director Alex Mustakas.
An open audition will be held at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse on May 3 from 6 to 8pm. Interested performers should prepare a short monologue, and bring along a recent photo.
Previous acting experience is an asset, but will not be required.
Mustakas pointed out that there is a significant time commitment required for the lucky child selected to be a company member. The child will be expected to attend occasional rehearsals from May 24 through June 7.
He will then appear in every performance of On Golden Pond, Tuesday through Saturday, from June 8 to June 26 at the Drayton Festival Theatre. Parents will need to make arrangements with the child’s school to accommodate the performance schedule.
However, Mustakas noted the rewards are plentiful.
Research shows through the performing arts children are able to learn such skills as self-confidence, co-operation, understanding of peers, and above all, a renewed sense of self.
By developing positive skills in children today, they may become the productive adults of tomorrow.
“A study of theatre is a study of ourselves and each other,” says Mustakas. “By introducing our children to theatre we give them the opportunity to develop interactive skills that will last a lifetime.”
“This lucky young performer will have the chance to work with some of the most talented professionals in the industry,” says Mustakas. “It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
On Golden Pond is directed by Adam Furfaro, who has an impressive list of past Drayton Entertainment credits, including The Odd Couple (2009), The Drawer Boy (2008), Funny Money (2007), Corpse (2006), The Buddy Holly Story (2003 and 2006), Lost In Yonkers (2005), and The Cemetery Club (2004). Furfaro will be in attendance at the audition.
The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is located at 40 Benjamin Road East in Waterloo. No appointments are necessary
Mustakas encourages all interested children to attend the audition.
Any other inquiries may be directed to Steve Roth, executive producer of Drayton Entertainment: (519) 638-5511 ext. 245 or stever@draytonentertainment.com.
