After months of rehearsals, Musical Theatre Kids will light up the stage with its rendition of Disney’s popular Beauty and the Beast Junior, starting Thursday, February 1.
A mix of seasoned stage performers and some brand new to theatre craft will feature in the show, according to production choreographer Paige Anderson. Rehearsals for 29 cast members who range in age from nine to 17 began last September.
“This show has a mix of veterans who have done every show and newbies who have never done singing, dancing or acting, so it’s a wide range of levels,” said Anderson.
Participants have an opportunity to learn many skills and, in some cases, characters as well.
“The main people are usually just one character, but the kids in the ensemble have to learn various different roles,” said director Carma Sacree. “It’s a lot of quick costume changes and gives them an opportunity when they’re just starting out to play a lot of different characters.”
Seeing the camaraderie, mentorship and boost in self-confidence among the performers is the most rewarding aspect of putting on the shows, according to Sacree.
“I’ve had parents put their kids in and they’re so shy you wouldn’t think they would do well in musical theatre,” said Sacree, “but they just blossom because it’s such a team.”
Musical director Megan Skidmore rounds out the teaching team and works with performers on singing techniques.
According to Skidmore, the three teachers bring a high level of expertise in their respective crafts and also great enthusiasm for what they teach.
“Something that’s really neat for these kids is that they’re working with people who have experience,” said Skidmore. “We obviously love what we do, so it’s rewarding that we get to share it.”
Not all the children involved in the production will be inspired to pursue careers in artistic fields, but the skills they gain will serve them throughout their lifetime, said Skidmore.
“The kids won’t necessarily make a career out of it, but it’s a chance for them to step out of themselves because as kids sometimes it’s not always comfortable being yourself,” said Skidmore. “But you can be these amazing characters in these great shows.”
The group currently has a partnership with City of Powell River that allows for rehearsals to take place on a proper stage.
“It’s great because we’re allowed to use Evergreen Theatre,” said Anderson. “It works out well because it sits empty a lot of the time.”
Beauty and the Beast Junior performances take place at 7 pm on Thursday, February 1, Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3, and at 1 pm on Sunday, February 4.
