Youth castings announced for “A Christmas Carol: The Panto”

PRESS RELEASE
DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT
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The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is pleased to announce auditions for the Children’s Choir for A Christmas Story: The Panto, which will take place on Sunday, September 15th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr. W, Waterloo). 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 8 to 15 are encouraged to attend the auditions. Dance, singing and acting experience is an advantage and desired.

Applicants are asked to learn the song provided on the online audition registration page. The young performers are taught a dance combination during the audition, which they then perform in small groups in front of members of the creative team.

For detailed information and to register, visit www.draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com/auditions.

“It is our pleasure to showcase the many young talents in this community,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “We look forward to giving many aspiring young artists the chance to perform on stage and learn from professional artists.”

In order to give as many young people as possible a chance, the selected artists are divided into teams and take turns performing in the children's choir, with professional actors taking on the main roles.

The creative team is led by director and choreographer David Connolly, who last year directed the production of Peter Pan: The Panto.

Connolly is accompanied 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 was written by Caroline Smith.

Samples for A Christmas Story: The Panto begins in mid-October. Production runs from November 28th to December 29th.

Children acting in the production must attend all rehearsals and performances assigned to their team.

In the great British tradition where the audience cheers the hero and boos the villain, A Christmas Story: The Panto offers a compelling combination of incredible musical numbers, slapstick comedy, outlandish costumes, audience participation and, of course, a dash of theatrical magic. So bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews as the beloved tale of redemption unfolds.

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey as he rediscovers the joy of Christmas and the spirit of goodwill. Let this enchanting adventure take you into the heartwarming essence of Christmas!

A Christmas Story: The Panto is proudly sponsored by Joslin Insurance, Domino's Pizza and RWAM Insurance Administrators Inc. 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 schedules and ticket prices, visit draytonentertainment.com/christmascarol.

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