Local youths will have the opportunity to star as chorus members alongside professional performers in Drayton Entertainment’s production of Disney’s High School Musical, which runs from April 21 to May 15 at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity again to give aspiring young performers the chance to appear on stage and work side by side with professional actors in this energetic and family-friendly musical,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
Open auditions will be held on Feb. 20 at John F. Ross CVI, at 21 Meyer Drive in Guelph, from 10am to 1pm, for students of the Upper Grand District School Board only; and from 2 to 5pm for students of the Wellington Catholic District School Board only.
Auditions are open exclusively to students in grades 9 though 12. Students do not need to prepare any material for the audition; they should bring a recent photo and comfortable clothes and shoes for the movement audition. Additional information is available at draytonentertainment.com.
In order to involve as many local students as possible, 48 area high school students will be cast in the ensemble alongside Drayton Entertainment’s acting company.
To accommodate the rigorous schedule of the full-scale professional production, the student performers will be divided into groups of 12, with each group taking the stage for eight performances.
High School Musical is a stage version of the record-breaking Disney Channel original movie that tells the story of two teenagers: Troy, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella, a shy, academically gifted newcomer, who discover they share a secret passion for singing.
When the two decide to audition for the lead roles in the school musical it threatens East High’s social order and sends their peers into uproar.
In a desperate attempt to maintain the status quo, the “jocks,” the “brainiacs,” and even the “drama kids” are soon hatching elaborate plots to separate the pair.
However, by defying expectations and taking a chance on their dreams, the couple inspire other students to reveal their own hidden talents.
“High School Musical presents an incredible opportunity for a new generation to discover live theatre,” said Mustakas. “It’s wonderful to see the vast interest that this Disney musical has sparked.”
This stage adaptation features a book by David Simpatico (adapted from the original movie script by Peter Barsocchini) and a score including all the songs from the original chart-topping soundtrack, including the hit singles Breaking Free and We’re All In This Together, plus two new numbers.
Canadian pop singer Melissa O’Neil, who reached stardom as the third season winner of Canadian Idol (2005), will reprise her role as Gabriella.
Tickets are on sale now through the Drayton Entertainment Box Office at 1-888-449-4463.
To download an audition form, please visit draytonentertainment.com.
