Local youth will be flying high this fall with Drayton Entertainment’s heavily anticipated production of Peter Pan.
An open audition will be held at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse on Sept. 27 at 6pm to cast several notable roles in the beloved British pantomime.
The theatre company is looking to cast an 8 or 9-year old boy to play Michael, the youngest of the three Darling children, and a 12 to 14-year-old to play John, the middle child of the Darling family. Additionally, six boys between the ages of 8 and 14 may be cast as The Lost Boys of Never Never Land.
Interested performers will be taught a song at the audition, and must bring along a recent photo. Previous acting experience is an asset, but not required.
“This is a wonderful experience for any child, whether it’s a building block in their career or simply for their personal development,” said Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas.
He noted there is a significant time commitment required for the children selected to join the professional cast of performers. They will be expected to attend a number of rehearsals Nov. 1 through 16, followed by the production’s five week engagement, Nov. 17 through Dec. 19.
Mustakas readily admits it is a substantial time commitment, but said the rewards are plentiful. Research shows that through the performing arts children are able to learn such skills as self-confidence, co-operation, understanding of peers, and above all, a renewed sense of self. By developing positive skills in children today, they may become the productive adults of tomorrow.
“These young people will have the chance to work with some of the most talented professionals in the performing arts, and learn about the industry while entertaining thousands of theatregoers,” said Mustakas. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Peter Pan is directed and choreographed by Trudy Moffatt, who has led each of Drayton Entertainment’s annual holiday pantos: Robin Hood (2009), Cinderella (2008), The Christmas Show (2007), and Aladdin (2006). Moffatt will be in attendance at the audition.
The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is located at 40 Benjamin Road East, in Waterloo. No appointments are necessary – Mustakas encourages all interested children to attend the open audition. Any other inquiries may be directed to Executive Producer of Drayton Entertainment Steve Roth at 519-638-5511 extension 245 or stever@draytonentertainment.com.
