ST. JACOBS – Legally Blonde the Musical will be staged starring local high school students from Waterloo Region in the inaugural Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Musical Production.
Based on the movie of the same name, Legally Blonde the Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, this Girl Power musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
The show allows high school students across the region to learn valuable life skills gained by participating in a fully-staged Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Production at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Feb. 15 to 26, 2023.
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. Its 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. The program is designed to cultivate community, incite leadership, ignite imagination, and boost confidence in a socially aware, inclusive environment.
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.
For 2023, auditions will be open to all secondary students in the Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board, both of which have pledged their support of the program. In addition to all performing roles, the organization will also be hosting interviews for backstage roles in tech departments including lights, props, sets, sound, wardrobe, and stage management.
Associate artistic director David Connolly will direct and choreograph. Connolly’s résumé includes numerous Drayton Entertainment productions including Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, Annie, Hairspray, Disney’s Newsies, and the popular family pantos Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Aladdin, and Snow White.
“As we look to the future, we are committed to providing positive experiences for the next generation of artists onstage and behind-the scenes, which transcend the arts to shape future leaders and community-minded citizens,” says artistic director Alex Mustakas.
“This production will provide an opportunity for us to support a broad generational shift in society by creating a socially aware and inclusive environment where these talented young people can flourish,” Mustakas adds.
Students interested in becoming a performing cast member are invited to schedule singing auditions that will take place at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy on Nov. 12, and Nov. 13 from 9am to 7pm.
These auditions will be for singing only. A mandatory dance call for all auditioning performers will be Nov. 15 from 7 to 9pm. Callbacks for speaking roles will take place on Nov. 20 from 7 to 9pm.
Students interested in mentoring with backstage departments are invited to schedule 10-minute interviews will take place at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 from 5 to 9pm.
To schedule audition and interview appointments, and for more information, visit: https://www.draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com/about/legally-blonde/.
