CAMBRIDGE – After multiple interviews, auditions and callbacks, the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy has announced the cast of youth assembled for its inaugural high school musical, both on and off stage.
The popular musical Legally Blonde will be on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Feb. 15 to 26, starring 50 high school students from the Waterloo Region.
This new High School Musical Production Program allows students across the Waterloo Region to learn valuable life skills gained by participating in a fully-staged Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Production.
The award-winning not-for-profit theatre company has been steadily growing its training offerings for young performers over the past several years, including launching its new, state-of-the-art training hub, the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy.
The academy’s mission is to provide performing and technical arts training opportunities “anchored in the Drayton Entertainment brand of live theatre excellence, facilitated by professional industry mentors,” states a press release from the theatre company.
“The program is designed to cultivate community, incite leadership, ignite imagination, and boost confidence in a socially aware, inclusive environment,” officials state.
The High School Musical Production Program will offer 100% barrier-free access, including financial, emotional, and physical, to unite students from different backgrounds, identities, cultures, abilities and interests, completely free of charge.
“Drayton Entertainment is committed to diverse, inclusive casting without regard to disability, ethnocultural identity or gender,” the release states.
Associate artistic director David Connolly will direct and choreograph.
Connolly’s résumé includes numerous Drayton Entertainment productions including Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, Annie, Disney’s Newsies, and the family pantos Wizard of Oz, and Cinderella.
“Arts education enhances creative problem-solving, strengthens critical thinking and communication skills, and helps to develop confidence, collaboration, perseverance, focus, and more,” says Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas.
Students from across the region will be backstage in all departments including lighting, sound, stage management, wardrobe, and the band, along with the respective Drayton Entertainment Department Heads.
The inaugural Drayton Entertainment High School Musical Production is on stage from Feb. 15 to 26 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
For tickets call toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or visit www.draytonentertainment.com.
