Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy will be offering events such as auditions, workshops, free classes and family tours in honour of National Youth Week, May 1-8.
The non-profit theatre company said these activities are aimed at connecting young people with arts and culture and supporting the growth of their developmental needs.
The week-long celebration will kick off with youth auditions for Drayton Entertainment’s season production of The Sound of Music on Sunday, May 1 at their new Youth Academy in Waterloo.
The company said it is seeking young performers to play the Von Trapp children in runs of the popular musical at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend from August 17 to September 4.
It will also run at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from November 24 to December 24, with an option to possibly extend to December 31. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to apply.
“Auditions are fun and kids learn so much by just preparing and participating in the process,” said Drayton’s director of education, David Connolly. “We are looking for strong singers who are comfortable with choreography, and kids who just love to be on stage.”
On May 2, First Nation composer Barbara Assiginaak and drumming specialist Richard Moore will lead an Indigenous singing, drumming and stories workshop, which will be open to youth aged eight to 18.
Assiginaak will teach participants about Anishinaabe traditional singing and the pipigwan/bbigon, while Moore will teach about the rich musical cultural traditions of West Africa and the drum.
Drayton will also offer an online academy info night with a virtual tour on Wednesday, May 4 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm for youth and parents interested in learning about upcoming summer and fall programs offered at the academy.
Those who prefer to do this in person have an option to attend an open house with free facility tours and classes on Saturday, May 7 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The academy is also offering free 45-minute classes including improv, musical theatre and scripted acting.
The week’s activities will wrap up with auditions for the Huron Country Playhouse pre-professional program production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. at Dance Extreme in London.
