A teen theatre program in Qualicum Beach is presenting a classic Disney tale this weekend filled with memorable songs, fast footwork and plenty of undersea creatures.
“They’ve had a lot of fun with these characters,” said instructor Hilary Whelton, “learning to walk like a seagull and other animals.”
Bard to Broadway’s Teen Musical Theatre program is presenting Little Mermaid at the Village Theatre Thursday, Aug. 14 and Friday, Aug. 15 at 7.30 p.m., and Saturday Aug.16 at 2 p.m.
This year there are 29 students in the three-week workshop, a record number, and they’ve been learning acting, singing, dancing and stagecraft.
Whelton said she and instructor Donna Wilkins have been running the program for five years and there was a waiting list for students this year.
Some of the students have been with them since the beginning and others haven’t stepped foot on stage before. The program is designed for teens 13-18, and although many will graduate high school this coming school year, alumni from the program often come back, she said.
“Some kids were not able to take part this year but they came just to hang out,” she said. “It’s really satisfying to have people return.”
This year, former student of the program Nicholas Atkinson has returned to do some assistant teaching, directing and vocal coaching and similarly Bethany Freed is a dance caption. Both actors are also currently starring in B2B’s Young Frankenstein.
Some of this year’s crop of eager performers shared that although many people will recognize a lot of the play from the movie, there are also some new scenes so people can expect surprises.
Tickets are $11 for the show, available at the box office: 110 West Second Ave. Call 250-752-4470 to book tickets or to find out office hours.
