As pandemic restrictions continue to keep audiences from enjoying live performances at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge, Drayton Entertainment is doing its best to reconnect with fans.
A new digital series to support the ailing theatre industry called Backstage Pass offers 10 weeks of virtual entertainment starting Jan. 30 and running through April 3.
“We wish we could welcome audiences into our venues in person, but health and safety must be the top priority right now,” says Alex Mustakas, Drayton Entertainment's artistic director. “We hope this fun virtual series brings theatre-lovers some much-needed joy and entertainment as they stay home to stay safe."
"They’ll also be providing important support in the midst of these latest restrictions, which have once again shuttered our operations.”
Hosted by Mustakas, the series features performances and interviews with over 40 Canadian theatre artists and follows the success of Drayton Entertainment’s first digital offering We’ll Meet Again, a variety show that was only available to a limited audience in 2020.
The professional theatre company filmed the 10-episode series during the initial pandemic shut down and made them available as a means to stay connected to current patrons while the theatres were closed to in-person performances.
The series includes personal interviews with the artists – audiences get to learn more about them as people, and hear some fun behind-the-scenes stage
stories.
Backstage Pass also features a Smile of the Day segment from entertainer Neil Aitchison's alter-ego Constable Archibald F. Inkster, and a recurring visit from funnyman Wade Lynch who recently appeared as Little Big Man in A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline in St. Jacobs over the holiday season.
Audiences will also get to meet the nine finalists in The Great Community Talent Search over the course of the series.
Each week, a contestant will share their talent, and on the final episode, audiences will be given instructions on how to vote for the grand prize winner.
Among the nine finalists are Faridhusen Mansuri, of Guelph, Simon Zenker, of Elmira, and the Rezonation Quartet from Kitchener-Waterloo.
“We’re excited about the unique way that this series highlights homegrown talent, both established and up-and-coming,” said Mustakas.
The series was filmed by 519 Films and Drayton Entertainment has partnered with TheaterMania to stream Backstage Pass.
Tickets are purchased from Drayton Entertainment directly and patrons are then sent a secure link to watch the series on the TheaterMania platform as each episode is released.
Audiences can choose the complete series for a package price or select individual episodes for purchase.
More information is available online or by calling the box office at 1-855-372-9866.
Plans are still underway for in-person programming at Drayton Entertainment’s seven stages across the province.
The 2022 Season is expected to be announced later this winter.