Bard To Broadway’s annual performing arts education series is looking for teenagers for the teen musical theatre.
The year, the group will be performing Once Upon a Mattress, which Hilary Whelton assures is “not as risqué as it sounds.”
Once Upon a Mattress is a musical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea.
Whelton is the co-director for the musical along with Miranda Atkinson, who is also the choreographer for Once Upon a Mattress.
Whelton said they’re looking for 25 teenagers for the program.
“What we always try to do is find a musical that has enough roles to keep everybody similarly occupied,” said Whelton, adding that some of the actors will play one leading role, while others could play multiple roles throughout the musical.
Whelton said when choosing a musical, they try and find something that’s suitable for the age group, as well as within their reach.
She said some of the teenagers have had no formal training, or minimal training, while other have some experience on the stage.
“We try to choose something that will allow everybody an opportunity to be successful while gaining as much experience as they can.”
The program, which runs July 25 to Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at the Village Theatre, is $275 plus taxes and includes a t-shirt.
To find out more, or to register, call Whelton at 250-752-0547 or email wheltonc@shaw.ca.
There is also two workshops preceding the teen musical theatre.
July 10 to 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the summer youth theatre workshop for kids aged seven to 14.
The week-long program allows the kids to develop their skills in the production of The Secret of Summer Island, an original musical mystery. The workshop is $145 plus taxes.
There will be two performances at the Village Theatre at 2 and 7 p.m. on July 16.
Registration has already started, but there is a wait list for those still interested. Call Thea Stavroff at 250-752-9867 or email tstavroff@shaw.ca.
July 18 to 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the junior music and performance workshop which involves daily classes in vocals, improv, rhythm, musical theatre and dance. The workshop is $170 plus taxes.
There will be a performance on July 23 at the Village Theatre.
Registration has already started, but for more information, call Whelton at 250-752-0547 or email wheltonc@shaw.ca.
