Drayton Entertainment is calling on all high school students in Waterloo Region to audition for the upcoming production of Legally Blonde the Musical, for the inaugural Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy high school musical production.
Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, the ward-winning musical, based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde the Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.
This new high school musical production program allows high school students 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 Feb. 26, 2023.
Drayton Entertainment, the award-winning and not-for-profit theatre company, is growing with new training opportunities for young performers including the launch of its new training hub, the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy.
Its mission is to provide performing and technical arts training opportunities, facilitated by professional industry mentors. According to Drayton Entertainment, 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 offers barrier-free access to unite students from different backgrounds, identities, cultures, abilities, and interests, free of charge. Drayton Entertainment is committed to diverse, inclusive casting without regard to disability, ethnocultural identity, or gender.
“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,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
Auditions are open to all secondary students in the Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board, both of which have pledged support for the program. In addition to all performing roles, the organization is also hosting interviews for backstage roles within technical departments including lights, props, sets, sound, wardrobe, and stage management.
Associate artistic director, David Connolly, will direct and choreograph the show. Connolly has previous experience with Drayton Entertainment productions including Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, Annie, Hairspray, and Disney’s Newsies.
“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,”Mustakas said.
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 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
These auditions will be for singing only. A mandatory dance call for all auditioning performers will be held Nov. 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Callbacks for speaking roles will take place Nov. 20.
Students interested in mentoring with backstage departments are invited to schedule 10-minute interviews that will take place at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
To schedule audition and interview appointments, and for more information, please visit their website.
