The senior musical theatre program from Arts Alive returns in July with a new musical, a new director and lots of new ideas.
Students last year were disappointed that the popular summer program was not offered in the school’s offerings.
Ward Norcutt, currently teaching in the drama department at Dover Bay Secondary School, directs Seussical – The Musical. Rehearsal starts July 9 and lasts for three weeks, with opening night scheduled for July 27 at the Bailey Studio, the home of Nanaimo Theatre Group, on Rosstown Road.
“Although I have directed many musicals, this will be the first time I have worked on Seussical,” Norcutt said. “I was delighted to be asked to work with Arts Alive on this show. Several of my present and former students have taken part in this course in previous years, and I know it can provide participants with a great deal of theatrical ‘know how’ in the short but intensive rehearsal period.”
Norcutt is keeping some of his new ideas close to his chest, but he let on that he is planning a moving, multi-level set to provide the different locations in Seussland.
Senior musical theatre is open to 12-18-year-olds. Actors don’t have to audition to join the course, but there will be auditions for major roles, and these will be held in late May through early June.
“We’ll also be looking for technical crew, set and costume designers and makers, and make-up artists,” Norcutt said.
Details of the course, which is a part of the 2012 Arts Alive annual Summer School of the Fine Arts, will be on the new website, which will be available in early April, at http://nanaimoartsalive.com.
Registration begins May 14, with an early bird registration discount and second family member discounts as well.
For more information, please call 250-713-9708 or e-mail admin@nanaimoartsalive.com.
