WATERLOO – The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is pleased to announce Children’s Chorus auditions for A Christmas Carol: The Panto, which will take place at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr. W, Waterloo) on Sept. 15 from 1 to 3pm. Registration begins at 12:30pm.
The show will be on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse this November and December.
Aspiring young performers aged eight to 15 are encouraged to attend the auditions.
Dancing, singing and acting experience are an asset and preferred.
Hopefuls are asked to learn the song indicated on the online audition registration page.
The young performers will be taught a dance combination at the audition and then will perform the dance in small groups for members of the creative team.
For complete details or to register, visit draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com/auditions.
“It is our pleasure to showcase the vast young talent in this community,” states Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas in a press release.
“We look forward to giving many aspiring young performers the chance to be on stage and learn from professional artists.”
To provide opportunities for as many youth as possible, the chosen performers will be divided into teams and will perform in the Children’s Chorus on a rotating schedule, with professional actors in the lead roles.
The creative team is led by director and choreographer David Connolly, who helmed last year’s production of Peter Pan: The Panto.
Connolly is joined by music director Steve Thomas, set designer Brandon Kleiman, costume designer Rachel Berchtold, lighting designer Jeff Johnston-Collins, assistant choreographer Christine Watson, stage manager Amber Archbell, assistant stage Manager Sadie Wannamaker, and apprentice stage manager Anna Whitehead.
A Christmas Carol: The Panto is written by Caroline Smith.
Rehearsals for A Christmas Carol: The Panto will begin mid-October.
The production will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 29.
Children cast in the production must attend all rehearsals and performances assigned to their team.
“In the grand British tradition where audiences cheer the hero and boo the villain, A Christmas Carol: The Panto boasts a winning combination of incredible musical numbers, slapstick comedy, outrageous costumes, audience participation, and, of course, a dash of theatrical magic,” officials state.
“So bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as the beloved tale about redemption unfolds.
“Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey to rediscover the joy of Christmas and the spirit of goodwill. Prepare to be captivated by this enchanting adventure into the heartwarming essence of Christmas!”
A Christmas Carol: The Panto is proudly sponsored by Joslin Insurance, Domino’s Pizza, and RWAM Insurance Administrators Inc. The Design Sponsors are Holiday Inn Express and St. Jacobs Market District. Media Sponsors are 98.5 CKWR, The Wellington Advertiser, and CHYM 96.7. The 2024 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
For performance schedule and ticket prices, visit draytonentertainment.com/christmascarol.
