2023 Season Sponsor
Let’s hear it for the 2024 Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Musical Production! Announcing Footloose featuring local high school students on stage and off as our next highly-anticipated high school musical!
The High School Musical Production Program allows high school students to learn valuable life skills gained by participating in a fully-staged Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Production.
February 14 to 25, 2024
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Drayton Entertainment has been steadily growing its training offerings for young performers over the past several years, including launching its new, state-of-the-art training hub, The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Its mission is to provide performing and technical arts training opportunities anchored in the Drayton Entertainment brand of live theatre excellence, facilitated by professional industry mentors. Our aim is to cultivate community, incite leadership, ignite imagination, and boost confidence in a socially aware, inclusive environment.
The High School Musical Production Program offers 100% barrier-free access, including financial, emotional and physical, to unite students from different backgrounds, identities, cultures, abilities and interests, completely free of charge. Drayton Entertainment is committed to diverse, inclusive casting without regard to disability, ethnocultural identity, or gender. It allows students to be mentored by professionals in ALL departments, both on stage and off. We’re seeking passionate theatre-makers, whether their passion lies in performing or technical arts, to gain the hands-on, transferable life skills required to present a fully-staged Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Production.
Director and Choreographer
David Connolly
David is the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Director of Education for their Youth Academy and Co-Chair of their EDI Committee. He is also an active Disability and Inclusion Advocate who is deeply committed to changing the statistic of being the only male amputee to have performed on Broadway.
As an Educator, David has been an Adjunct Professor and Advisor to the Musical Theatre Performance Programs at Sheridan College, Randolph College, St Lawrence College, VanderCook College and most recently, the Hopkins Centre for the Arts at Dartmouth College. While on the faculty at the famed Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Centre in New York, his students included Natalie Portman and Bryce Dallas Howard. He has also collaborated with artists including Katy Perry, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, kd lang, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Brightman and many others.
For Drayton Entertainment, he has helmed over thirty-five productions including The Prom, Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Mamma Mia! Newsies, Singing In The Rain and their beloved Pantos. David is a recipient of The Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence and speaker for the DEI Committee of the International Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance. For the past four years, David has curated and moderated a disability inclusion panel at BroadwayCon in New York City to help develop actionable steps to improve disabled representation onstage, and has proudly served as a peer assessor for The Canada Council for the Arts.
“As we look to the future, we are committed to providing positive experiences for the next generation of artists onstage and behind-the scenes, which transcend the arts to shape future leaders and community-minded citizens. This production will provide an opportunity for us to support a broad generational shift in society by creating a socially aware and inclusive environment where these talented young people can flourish.”
-Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director, Drayton Entertainment
About the Show
NOTE: Parents should note that Footloose contains mature content, including themes of loss and grief, (PG-13) and should familiarize themselves with the story before agreeing to have their child audition.
After having to move to a small town where dancing is outlawed, high schooler Ren McCormack finds himself an outsider and the target of the local preacher who pushed for the ban – especially after attracting the attention of the reverend’s rebellious daughter.
A full plot synopsis can be found here.
Objectives
We strongly believe that skills developed through participation in the arts are becoming increasingly important in the workplace, in all sectors, and are essential to a young person’s success in developing a fulfilling life. We also believe that today’s post-pandemic world presents new, difficult challenges that arts education can help overcome.
A few of these parallel life skills include:
1. DEVELOPING CREATIVITY
Now more than ever, employers are looking for creative thinkers who can move their business forward, not just academic achievers who know how to maintain the status quo. Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think ‘outside of the box’ will distinguish arts students from others.
2. DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE
The real time reward that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, learning from mistakes and willingness to try new things with new people results in increased self-worth and a deep sense of belonging.
3. DEVELOPING FOCUS
The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Whether you’re in a big production number onstage or working together with fellow crew members, keeping a balance between listening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus. It requires each participant to not only think about their role, but how their role contributes to the big picture of what is being created.
4. RECEIVING CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
Receiving constructive feedback is a regular part of any arts instruction. Children learn that feedback is part of learning and it is not something to be offended by or to be taken personally. It is something that is a valuable experience and greatly contributes to the success of the final piece.
5. ACCOUNTABILITY
When children practice creating something collaboratively, they get used to the idea that their actions affect other people. They learn that when they are not prepared or on-time, that other people suffer. We also learn to acknowledge mistakes, learn from them and move on. This is a crucial skill to learn early in life because it contributes to the development of integrity of character, which every employer is seeking in a staff member.
All of this, plus even more life skills like perseverance, understanding, body language, collaboration, and dedication are the reason we do what we do.
The High School Musical Production Program is being offered at no cost to the participants. Participants will not be paid. Participants can count their rehearsal and performance hours as Volunteer Hours.
Performer Auditions
Audition Details
Students interested in becoming a performing cast member are invited to schedule 8-minute vocal auditions that will take place at The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Auditions will be held:
- Thursday, September 14th from 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Friday, September 15th from 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday, September 16th from 10:00pm – 6:00pm
- Sunday, September 17th from 10:00am – 12:00pm
These auditions will be for vocals only. Please sign up for your vocal audition time-slot at the bottom of this page under “Registration”.
There will be a mandatory dance call taking place on Saturday, September 16th from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. All performers interested in auditioning for the show MUST attend the dance call.
Callbacks for speaking roles will take place on Monday, September 25th 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
For this production of Footloose, we are looking to create a world that represents the diversity of Waterloo Region both onstage and off. As such, we both welcome and encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities to audition for all roles.
Participating in the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Musical Production promises to be a positive and enriching experience. The audition and interview process is designed to be transparent, fair and enjoyable for students. At the same time, auditions can be stressful and the outcomes are occasionally disappointing. Regardless of the outcome, auditions are a learning opportunity.
Auditions and rehearsals will take place at The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W) Waterloo. Entrance is at the top of the ramp on Parkside Dr.
How to Prepare for Your Audition
How roles are cast can be a difficult process to understand, especially from the outside. Assembling a cast is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle: directors must consider the parts available in the show, the unique artistic vision of the production, individual audition performance of actors in the casting pool as well as the overall cohesiveness of casting.
Vocal Auditions
Please prepare two of the music cuts listed below (under “Audition Material”) for your audition. Pick the songs that best suit your personality and voice.
Please bring a resume and a headshot to your audition. Your headshot will only be used as an identifying reference, so please don’t spend money on professional shots, but do make sure the picture looks like you.
Dance Call
There will be a mandatory dance call taking place on Saturday, September 16th from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. All performers that are auditioning MUST attend the dance call.
At the dance call, you will be asked to learn a section of choreography that you will then present as a group. You do not need to prepare any material for the dance call ahead of time.
Please bring clothes you can move in, indoor or dance shoes, and a water bottle to the dance call.
Callbacks
Callbacks for speaking roles will take place on Monday, September 25th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. These are an additional opportunity for the production team to get you know you better as a vocalist and performer. Unlike auditions, callbacks are specific to a single character, and are aimed at seeing how you embody that part. During callbacks, we will ask to see two things:
1. A small cut of a song the character sings in the show that we will provide.
2. Reading a monologue or scene that we will provide alongside other actors.
As this show is so ensemble-driven, we will not be holding callbacks for every role. In light of this, please do not view the presence/absence of a callback as reflective of your chances of being cast in the show!
Character Descriptions
Ren McCormack
(D3 – C5 Tenor) – Ren has recently traded in the big city for small-town life after his father walked out on him and his mother, Ethel. He’s trying his best to put his past behind him, but his new home has problems of its own. Ren tries to encourage Bomont to loosen its strict ban on dancing and live a little. This performer should possess the magnetism to inspire a whole community to cut loose.
Ethel McCormack
(A3 – D5 Mezzo Soprano) – Ethel has recently arrived to Bomont with her son, Ren, stepping away from a failed marriage and trying to make a fresh start. She’s got a sense of humor about her situation and a great need to make sure her son is adjusting.
Reverend Shaw Moore
(A2 – F#4 Baritone) – Reverend Shaw Moore is the most influential figure in Bomont. His conservative, religious views became strident after his son Bobby passed away in the Potawney Bridge accident while driving home from a big dance – in fact, he’s outlawed dancing altogether.
Chuck Cranston
(F#3 – B4 Tenor) – Chuck Cranston is Ariel’s boyfriend and a recent high school dropout. His only ambition seems to be making sure he has control over Ariel.
Ariel Moore
(G3 – Eb5 Mezzo Soprano) – Ariel is a young lady caught between her father, Reverend Shaw Moore’s, conservative beliefs and her own aspirations to experience life and enjoy it for herself. Ren ignites an excitement in her and she learns quickly that she has to stand up to her father to get what she wants.
Vi Moore
(A3 – Db5 Mezzo Soprano) – Vi is married to Reverend Shaw Moore and though she usually agrees with her husband’s point of view, she’s not afraid to disagree when the tensions rise and tempers flare in the house
Lulu Warnicker
Lulu has recently invited her sister Ethel to stay with her and her husband, Wes, in the small town of Bomont. As Ren struggles to fit in with the rest of the teenagers, Lulu does her best to remain a patient and supportive host.
Wes Warnicker
Wes is Lulu’s husband and a small-town kind of a guy. He helps Ren find a job, but, unfortunately, Ren’s employment doesn’t last long. Wes grows impatient but continues to support his family in this tough, transitional period.
Rusty
(A3 F#5 (opt. F#6) Soprano) – Rusty is Ariel’s best friend who talks a mile a minute and has a crush on the soft-spoken Willard. She’s unafraid to say what she wants, if only Willard would pick up on the clues.
Urleen & Wendy Jo
(A3 – D5 Soprano – Urleen) (A3 – E5 Mezzo Soprano – Wendy Jo) – Urleen and Wendy Jo are part of Ariel’s group of girlfriends who stick together no matter what. While Urleen may be a little more blunt, Wendy Jo is definitely a little more eccentric.
Willard Hewitt
(Bb2 – Ab4 Tenor) – Willard is a country boy of few words and even fewer dance steps. At first, he may appear physically aggressive, but really he’s just a soft-spoken guy. He quickly becomes friends with Ren, and the unlikely pair lead the charge to bring dancing back to the town. Though at the top of the show he has two left feet, he commits to learning dance steps at the Bar-B-Que and dazzles the entire club.
Principal Clark
Principal Clark is the boss at Bomont’s high school and an adamant enforcer of the town’s strict guidelines.
Coach Dunbar
Coach Dunbar is a teacher at the high school who strongly supports the town’s anti-dancing laws. When Ren arrives, Coach Dunbar does not make it easy for him, and exacerbates Ren’s situation by pitting him against other students.
Eleanor Dunbar
Eleanor Dunbar is a prominent member of the town council and Coach Dunbar’s wife. She, along with other council members, must decide on whether they should uphold its existing moral laws.
Lyle & Travis
(Tenor – Lyle) (Tenor – Travis) – Lyle and Travis are two members of the wrestling team who don’t like Ren, the new kid in school.
Betty Blast
Betty Blast owns the burger joint in town and gives the struggling Ren a job when he’s down on his luck. She has no trouble kicking anyone out of her restaurant if they’re causing trouble.
Cowgirl Bonnie
Cowgirl Bonnie leads a band that frequents the Bar-B-Que. She’s the club’s favorite entertainer.
Cowboy Bob
Cowboy Bob is a usual patron at the Bar-B-Que and takes a liking to Rusty when the high school teens visit the dance hall for the first time.
Cowgirl Jude, Cowboy Chet, & Cowgirl Laura Jo
Cowgirl Jude, Cowboy Chet, and Cowgirl Laura Jo are part of Cowboy Bob’s entourage who are having a routinely good night dancing when the Bomont teenagers make a visit.
Bickle, Jeter, & Garvin
(Tenor – Bickle) (Tenor – Jeter) (Tenor – Garvin) – Bickle, Jeter, and Garvin are teenage boys ready to help Ren and Willard take on the town’s laws.
Cop
The Cop in town is the ultimate enforcer of the town’s strict laws.
Ensemble
Footloose is truly an ensemble story. From big-city Chicago to small-town Bomont, the cast must fill out the world by making distinct and specific character choices. Each role helps elevate the tension between the restless young people and the strict adults trying their best to protect their community and shield their children. PEOPLE, KIDS, FRIENDS, CONGREGATION, BOY, CHOIR, PARISHIONERS, ADULT PARISHIONERS, STUDENTS, GIRLS, GUYS, BOY 1, BOY 2, BAND, COWBOYS, COUNCIL MEMBERS, TOWNSPEOPLE.
Audition Material
Please pick two selections from below that best suit your personality and voice to prepare for your audition.
AUDITION CUT #1: “Somebody’s Eyes”
AUDITION CUT #2: “Still Rockin'”
AUDITION CUT #3: “Holding Out for a Hero”
AUDITION CUT #4: “Can You Find It In Your Heart? (Part 2)”
AUDITION CUT #5: “I Can’t Stand Still”
AUDITION CUT #6: “Mama Says”
Callback Material
If you are invited to attend callbacks, you will be asked to read from the following material. We will specify what material we would like you to prepare.
Ren
Ariel
Shaw
Vi
Willard
Rusty
Tentative Performer Schedule
*Schedule subject to change, not everyone will be called to all rehearsals
*Workshops and Rehearsals will be held at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy before moving to the St Jacobs Country Playhouse (SCP)
Workshop Weekends
These weekends are for learning music and getting a head start on choreography for the show.
- November 24th, 25th, and 26th
- December 2nd and 3rd
- December 8th, 9th, and 10th
- December 15th, 16th, and 17th
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin the week of January 2nd and will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Tech rehearsals will begin taking place the week of February 1st.
- Jan 6 10am-4pm
- Jan 7 10am-4pm
- Jan 9 4pm-8pm
- Jan 11 4pm-8pm
- Jan 13 10am-4pm
- Jan 14 10am-4pm
- Jan 16 4pm-8pm
- Jan 18 4pm-8pm
- Jan 20 10pm-4pm
- Jan 21 10pm-4pm
- Jan 23 4pm-8pm
- Jan 25 4pm-8pm
- Jan 27 10am-4pm
- Jan 28 10am-4pm
- Jan 30 4pm-8pm
- Feb 1 4pm-8pm
- Feb 2 4pm-9pm On stage SCP
- Feb 3 10am-5pm On stage SCP
- Feb 4 10am-5pm On stage SCP
- Feb 6 4pm-9pm On stage SCP
- Feb 8 4pm-9pm On stage SCP
- Feb 9 4pm-9pm Q-Q Tech SCP
- Feb 10 11-9:30pm Q-Q Tech SCP
- Feb 11 11-9:30pm Tech SCP +Dress Reh. with Band #1
- Feb 13 4pm-9:30pm Dress Reh. with Band #2
- Feb 14 First Audience
- Feb 26 – Mar 3rd – Potential show extension week
Shows at SCP
Call times will be one hour before each show.
*School performance
**Opening night
Potential extension to March 3rd, 2024.
Backstage Interviews
Backstage Interview Details
We are hosting interviews for backstage roles in the following departments:
- Lighting
- Props
- Sets
- Sound
- Wardrobe
- Stage Management
All backstage students will be involved not only in preparation of, but in the running of the show as well and will be mentored by theatre professionals in their departments.
Backstage Interviews will be taking place:
- Tuesday, September 26th from 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Wednesday, September 27th from 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Please bring a resume to your interview.
Please sign up for your backstage interview at the bottom of this page under “Registration”.
Tentative Backstage Schedule
*Schedule subject to change
*Rehearsals will be held at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy until moving to the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse (SCP)
Your January schedule will depend on what department you are joining. We will try our best to accommodate conflicts, but count on between 20-30 hours throughout the month.
Tech rehearsals will begin taking place the week of February 1st.
- Feb 2 4pm-9pm On stage SCP
- Feb 3 10am-5pm On stage SCP
- Feb 4 10am-5pm On stage SCP
- Feb 6 4pm-9pm On stage SCP
- Feb 8 4pm-9pm On stage SCP
- Feb 9 4pm-9pm Q-Q Tech SCP
- Feb 10 11-9:30pm Q-Q Tech SCP
- Feb 11 11-9:30pm Tech SCP +Dress Reh. with Band #1
- Feb 13 4pm-9:30pm Dress Reh. with Band #2
- Feb 14 First Audience
Registration
Step One: Fill out the Participant Info Submission Form
Image Release Waiver
As the legal parent or guardian, I agree to allow and give permission to DEYA to use any photos or video footage of my child/children (ie. auditions, rehearsals, or performances) for the promotional use and purposes, should DEYA choose to do so in regards to the advertising of DEYA.
Step Two: Select a Time-Slot
Sign-Up to Audition for a Performing Role!
Sign-Up to Interview for a Backstage Role!
Step Three: Have fun preparing!
The 2023 High School Project
A look back at Legally Blonde…
2023 saw the inaugural Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Musical Production with Legally Blonde! With 35 cast members and 15 crew members from 15 different high schools, Legally Blonde has an almost sold-out run at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in February of 2023.
Read more about the show on CTV’s website: ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ to showcase young talent from Southwestern Ontario
“It’s just so professional. You get so much input on your acting and your singing. You get a lot of feedback […] Everyone here has gotten so close and we’ve helped each other grow and build.”
– Alyssa Panda, Legally Blonde Cast Member
Read Bill Jackson’s full article in the Waterloo Chronicle: ‘A new community of like-minded people’: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy to stage inaugural high school musical
2023 Season Sponsor
For more information, please contact us at
youthacademy@draytonentertainment.com, 519-804-1100