Youth Academy Season Sponsor
Major Sponsor
st. jacobs country playhouse february 14 to february 25, 2024
land acknowledgement Drayton Entertainment acknowledges that we live, work, and create on land that has been home to many nations and peoples (acknowledged and unacknowledged, recorded and unrecorded). The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is situated on territory that is within the Haldimand Tract and Treaty 3 of 1792; we recognize its longstanding stewards and earliest storytellers: The Anishinabek The Attiwonderonk (Neutral)
hello, and Welcome! Welcome to Footloose, the sophomore production of Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s High School Musical Project. This year, we’re thrilled to witness the collaboration of 51 students from 20 high schools, working together on the highly anticipated follow-up to last year’s Legally Blonde, the sensational, sold-out inaugural production. Footloose showcases a talented company of high school students who not only grace the stage, but also take on pivotal offstage roles including directing, lighting, sound, running crew, stage management, and wardrobe, all under the guidance of Drayton Entertainment’s talented professional department heads. This program offers a dynamic platform for students to discover their voices, build confidence, and acquire invaluable life skills. It also is inspiring a lifelong love for the arts and underscoring creativity’s role in shaping well-rounded individuals who will go on to create vibrant communities. We hope that you’ll scan the QR code below and visit the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy website to see all of the programs hosted at our Youth Academy in Waterloo and the impact they have on the youth in our community. You’ll see that the future is very bright. Thank you so much for supporting the next generation of talent. Enjoy the show!
Artistic Director Sponsor
Alex Mustakas
Artistic Director & CEO
A Message from the Director Thank you so much for coming. Your presence and support are integral to the learning we aim to offer the 51 students participating in this year’s High School Musical Project. These kids need you. Without you, they’d have no measure of whether their hard work paid off, or whether their passions are valid. They’re being taught that if they set aside their insecurities for the greater good, and fearlessly commit to the idea of “make believe”, that you – the audience – might leave enlightened and inspired. They need you, and we need them. We need the next generation to lead with open hearts and open minds. We need them to gain as many lived experiences as possible that foster belonging, empathy, accountability, self-worth, commitment, creative problem solving, and teamwork – the very principles that the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is founded on. If you don’t know the Youth Academy yet, we hope you’ll explore the ever-expanding arts education offerings there and join us in our quest to build better, more globally-aware citizens through the magic of theatre and lots of laughter. So once again, thank you, on behalf of Artistic Director and CEO, Alex Mustakas, our Director of Production, Dave Horner, all the department heads who led the students’ learning, Musical Director, Darryn de Souza, the creative and design teams, stage managers, musicians, parents, sponsors. And, most especially, the 51 kids who rolled the dice. It’s time to dance. david connolly
Director and Choreographer Legally Blonde
Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD Additional music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS, and JIM STEINMAN
Directed & Choreographed by David Connolly Music Direction by Darryn de Souza Set Consultant David Boechler Stage Manager Nadene Riehl
Costume Designer Jessica Pembleton
Lighting Designer Lyle Franklin
Assistant Stage Manager Molly Mück
Student Stage Management Jack Griffioen, Zoe McWhirter, Chase Oudshoorn Student Assistant Director Sharon Nwoko The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States Copyright Law. For more information, please visit: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
Musical Numbers ACT ONE FOOTLOOSE................................................................. Rusty, Wendy Jo, Urleen and the Company ON ANY SUNDAY.................................................. Rev. Shaw Moore, Ren, Ethel and the Company THE GIRL GETS AROUND.................................................................... Chuck, Ariel, Travis and Lyle I CAN’T STAND STILL................................................................................................................. Ren SOMEBODY’S EYES...................................................... Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo and the Company LEARNING TO BE SILENT....................................................................................Vi, Ethel and Ariel HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO..................................................... Ariel, Rusty, Wendy Jo and Urleen SOMEBODY’S EYES............................................................................. Rusty, Wendy Jo and Urleen SOMEBODY’S EYES (REPRISE).............................Rusty, Wendy Jo, Urleen, Chuck, Lyle and Travis HEAVEN HELP ME....................................................................................................................Shaw I’M FREE / HEAVEN HELP ME........................................................ Ren, Shaw and the Company
ACT TWO STILL ROCKIN’........................................................................................ Cowboy Bob and His Band LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY..................................................................... Rusty and the Company CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART?........................................................................................... Vi DANCING IS NOT A CRIME....................................................................................................... Ren MAMA SAYS (YOU CAN’T BACK DOWN)............................ Willard, Bickle, Garvin, Jeter and Ren ALMOST PARADISE....................................................................................................Ren and Ariel HEAVEN HELP ME (REPRISE)..................................................................................................Shaw CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART? (REPRISE).....................................................................Shaw FOOTLOOSE (REPRISE).............................................................................................. The Company MEGAMIX.................................................................................................................. The Company
FOOTLOOSE* ON ANY SUNDAY THE GIRL GETS AROUND* I CAN’T STAND STILL SOMEBODY’S EYES LEARNING TO BE SILENT HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO+ HEAVEN HELP ME I’M FREE*/HEAVEN HELP ME/ON ANY SUNDAY
STILL ROCKIN’ LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART? MAMA SAYS ALMOST PARADISE++ DANCING IS NOT A CRIME ON ANY SUNDAY (REPRISE) CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART? (REPRISE) FOOTLOOSE* (FINALE)
All music by Tom Snow, except: *Kenny Loggins; **Sammy Hagar; +Jim Steinman; ++Eric Carmen All Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, except; “Footloose” lyrics by Dean Pitchford and Kenny Loggins
the company
(in alphabetical order) Luke Anderson (Willard Hewitt) Luke is currently in Grade 11 at Medway High School. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy debut. Other theatre: Troy Bolton in High School Musical (London Performing Arts Academy). Thank you to all the incredible people I have met in this cast and the directors and crew whom I’ve learned so much from. @luke._anderson
Stephen Blake (Coach Bunbar/Ensemble) Stephen is a Grade 11 student currently attending Eastwood Collegiate Institution as a drama major, and is very excited to perform in his first musical production. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: March Break Broadway Bootcamp. As a wise man once said, “I get knocked down, but I get up again.”
Emily Buchanan (Ensemble) Emily is a Grade 12 student at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde, Broadway Bootcamp Summer Session 2021. Other theatre: Spring Awakening and Our Town (Agnew Acting Studios). Thank you to my mom for her endless support and to my singing teacher, Sarah. Instagram: emilyyy.buchanan
Alex Caldarelli (Betty Blast/Ensemble) Alex is a 16-year-old student at WCI, and she’s ecstatic for Footloose to be her eighth musical! After performing in DEYA’s inaugural High School Production of Legally Blonde and in the children’s choruses of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and Joseph with Drayton Entertainment last year, she’s thrilled to be kicking off 2024 with this marvelous company! Alex has been trained in various styles of dance, and can be seen on stage with KW Glee. Alex thanks the incredible creative team for this amazing opportunity and her family for supporting her performing journey since age 4!
Ayla Coates (Ensemble) Ayla is currently home schooling through Grade 12x. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Elsa’s Understudy in Frozen Jr. Other theatre: Cinderella in Cinderella: A Christmas Pantomime, Student in Anne of Green Gables (PCT); Miss Lynch in Grease (St. Patrick’s Catholic High School); Dancer in White Christmas, Dancer in The Wizard of Oz, Ensemble in Something Rotten (Imperial Theatre Sarnia); HT Glee (Hidden Talents). Ayla is thrilled to be a part of another incredible Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy production and she would like to thank her family, cast mates, crew, and creative team for making this a wonderfully memorable experience.
Lucas Coutts (Lyle/Ensemble) Lucas Coutts, a triple threat performer, is excited to be returning to the stage with Drayton Entertainment. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Ensemble in Legally Blonde. Drayton Entertainment Children’s Ensemble: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other theatre: KW Glee. Lucas wants to express gratitude to his friends and family for their unwavering support.
Adrienne Enns (Vi Moore) Adrienne is thrilled to be a part of DEYA’s version of Footloose! Drayton Entertainment: Molly in Annie. Other theatre (selected): Tommy, Sound of Music (Stratford Festival); Elsa in Frozen, Little Girl in Ragtime, Jane Banks in Mary Poppins, Rafiki in The Lion King, Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Four terms with KW Glee. Webseries/commercials: SteamWorld Entertainment, Astrodog Media. Adrienne wants to thank Amanda Brunk (The Singer’s Theatre), Amanda Kind but most importantly her mom for all the support she’s gotten throughout her musical journey. Enjoy the show!
Connor Foran (Travis/Ensemble) Connor is thrilled to be back performing on stage in Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s Footloose! He is a Grade 9 student at St. David CSS and recently performed in the school’s production of Celtics on Broadway. Connor made his Drayton debut in Legally Blonde and has been a proud member of KW Glee. He is grateful for the support from his family and friends.
Kyri Friedman (Cop/Ensemble) Kyri Friedman is a Grade 11 student at WCI. She’s very excited to be returning to Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy for Footloose! Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: 2023 Triple Threat Advanced Training, Legally Blonde. Other theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Murder’s in the Heir (WCI); The Battle Of Boat, and Shakespeare In The Woods (The Singer’s Theatre). She also loves writing for theatre, and is currently working on two musicals and a play. She can’t wait to continue to involve herself in theatre in the future!
Lauryn Hayden (Ensemble) This is Lauryn’s second performance with the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, following last year’s production of Legally Blonde. They are a Grade 12 triple major at Eastwood CI and have been performing locally their whole life. Last year, she did a musical theatre intensive in New York City, and hopes to continue this passion as a career. Thank you so much to the incredible cast and crew for this outstanding experience! @laurynhayden_
Ronan Hayes (Ren McCormack) Ronan graduated from Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute in June of 2023 and is currently on a gap year. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Ensemble in Suessical Jr., Children’s Ensemble in Honk!, The Little Mermaid, Jack and The Beanstalk: The Panto. Other theatre (selected): Melchior in Spring Awakening (KWMP); Laurie in Little Women (Agnew Acting Studio). Thank you to my friends and family for coming out and supporting the show. “There is a time to dance!” @_ronanhayes
Ariba Idrees (Ensemble) After being a part of Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s previous high school production, Legally Blonde, Ariba once again wishes to share the joy of theatre with everyone, this time to dance its foot-loose! (pun intended)
Nicholas Johnson (Principal Harry Clark/Ensemble) Nicholas is a Grade 11 student at Galt Collegiate Institute. He made his Drayton Entertainment debut with Sleeping Beauty: The Panto in 2019. He’s done competitive dance with Move With Grace for 12 years, and vocal lessons with Jeff Vasey’s Music School for six years. Thank you to everyone who participated in giving me this experience.
Carter Johnston (Ensemble) Carter Johnston is a fifth year student at WCI. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Ensemble in Legally Blonde. Other theatre (selected): Demitrius in Midsummer Night’s Dream (KCI). They are really excited to be in Footloose.
Willow Kalka (Lulu Warnicker/Ensemble) Willow is a Grade 12 student at St David’s Catholic Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment debut. Other theatre: KW Glee Term 24 and 25, St David’s Arts Shrek the Musical and Celtics On Broadway. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me to push myself to new things, especially my mom (love you) @wiliscool
Sydney Kedmenecz (Ensemble) Sydney is a Grade 11 student at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School and she is so excited to be returning to the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy in Footloose. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde. Other theatre: Spring Awakening (Agnew Acting Studio); longtime member of KW Glee. Sydney would like to thank her family, friends and instructors for all their support.
Jason Li (Wes Warnicker/Ensemble) Jason is a senior at Huron Heights Secondary School, making his Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy debut with Footloose. This also marks his musical theatre debut, though he has previously taken on acting roles in school plays, such as Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. After graduating, he plans to pursue an engineering degree, and hopes to remain involved in theatre.
Chloe Lukezich (Ethel McCormack/Ensemble) Chloe is a recent graduate of Eastwood Collegiate Institute from their Integrated Arts program. She majored in Film studies, Drama, Music production, Vocal Arts, and Visual arts. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Spring Break Broadway Bootcamp (2021), Youth Musical Theatre Summer Bootcamp (2021), Script Acting Class/St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Showcase (2023), Teens Performing Arts Summer Camp (2023), Triple Threat Intensive Program (2023), Script Acting Class (2023). Other creative involvements: Second place in Skills Canada Film Competition (2023), Charlie’s Film Festival Honourable Mention (2023). Thank you to my family, my boyfriend and my friends for supporting me through this incredible experience.
Joey Mathers Scholl (Jeter/Ensemble) Joey just finished his last semester of high school at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate. Over the past few years he has fallen more in love with performing and is very excited to continue on this path. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. Other theatre: KW Glee; Band Director for Limelight (Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate). Thank you to everyone who’s helped me come this far, I truly can’t thank you enough. @musical_joseph h
Nathanael Olenewa (Bickle/Ensemble) Nathanael is a Grade 11 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment debut. Other theatre: Jack Kelly in Newsies Jr. (actOUT!); KW Glee. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their support over the years, and he knows this show will knock KW right off its tractor!
Evlyn O’Toole (Ariel Moore)* Evie is excited and thankful to be returning for a second Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Production. The inaugural season’s production of Legally Blonde was the best experience! A love of performing has led Evie to stages at Ed Mirvish Theatre, the Stratford Festival, KW Glee, Crows Theatre Toronto, Fringe Festival Toronto, and Corey Agnew’s production of Spring Awakening. Love you more, Mom! Thank you always, David and Alex!
Alyssa Panda (Wendy Jo/Ensemble) Alyssa is a Grade 11 student at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Enid Hoopes in Legally Blonde, Summer Programs and Theatre Training (2017-present). Drayton Entertainment Children’s Ensemble: Wizard of Oz: The Panto, The Little Mermaid, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other theatre: KW Glee. Thank you for all the support, especially from my friends and family here at Drayton. Please enjoy the show, and I hope to see you at the Youth Academy soon! Instagram: @Aly.Panda
Charleigh Perry (Ensemble) Charleigh Perry is a theatre-loving Grade 10 student at St. Benedict’s Catholic Secondary School. She’s been on stage since the age of 9 and has been loving it ever since. She’s trained for over a decade in dance, piano and vocal. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde. Drayton Entertainment’s Children’s Chorus: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (twice!), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Other theatre: GREASE, Oliver!, Godspell, Carousel, Curiouser, Miss Scrooge, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Penny & Pound); The Wizard of Oz (Community on Stage). She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support. @charleigh.perry
Cole Raper (Cowboy Chet - Bartender/Ensemble) Cole is in Grade 11 at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, majoring in Drama and Instrumental Music. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. He has been dancing on stage with the Spot On Dance Company since the age of 7 and credits his love of dance to Danielle Dawson. He caught the acting bug in Grade 5 when he played Ron Weasley in his school’s rendition of Hogwarts Hero and in Grade 6 when he played Jack Will in Wonder. Thank you to all my friends and family for pushing me to go for this opportunity.
Addison Robert (Ensemble) Addison is a Grade 10 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate where she enjoys studying music and drama. Footloose is Addison’s debut performance with Drayton Entertainment. Addison has been a competitive dancer for over 10 years. Her favourite style of dance is Acro and loves to incorporate new tricks and skills into her dance routines. She also trains with a vocal coach. Addison looks forward to many more performances with Drayton in the future. @addi_.robert *Evlyn O’Toole appears with the permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
Ashley Rye (Ensemble) Ashley is a Grade 12 student at St. Mary’s High School. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. Other theatre: The Flower Child in Godspell (Penny and Pound Productions); Ensemble in SpongeBob the Musical (St. Mary’s Drama Dept.); Fili in The Hobbit (Playful Fox Productions); Ensemble in All Together Now (Ayr Community Theatre). Thank you to my friends and family with their unwavering love and support through my journey in the arts!
Max Sahadeo (Chuck Cranston) Max is a Grade 11 student at the French high school, Père René de Galinée (PRDG) where he is on the Senior Volleyball and Tennis teams. He is very excited to make his Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy debut as Chuck Cranston. Other theatre (selected): The SpongeBob Musical, All Together Now, Matilda, Annie (RCMPI); 13 The Musical (GLT). Thank you to all my friends and family, especially my mom, for encouraging me to pursue my passion in theatre.
Erin Tell (Eleanor Dunbar/Ensemble) Erin is a passionate arts student at Eastwood Collegiate, majoring in vocal and drama. Her debut with Drayton Entertainment was in Legally Blonde. She has done many other shows, as well as community activities such as swimming and lifeguarding.
Tayo Thomas (Ensemble) Tayo Dia Thomas is a Grade 10 student at Catholic High School and is making her Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy debut. This means the world and is something she will carry with her for the rest of her life! She’s very excited to be a part of something with such a big impact! Thank you to her friends, family, cast-mates, and Drayton Entertainment for giving her so many opportunities, encouragement, love, support, and kindness. @diathomas.music “On this world leave your mark, Don’t leave your stain, Dear world I’m glad I came.” - King Reign
Sullivan Thompson (Garvin/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Friedrich in Sound of Music, Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other theatre: Felix in Battle of Boat – Canadian Premiere (Singers’ Theatre); Jojo in Seussical, Bruce in Matilda (Horst Studio); Alice Beineke in Addams Family Jr. (Bravo Academy); Alice in Wonderland Jr., Aladdin Jr. (Royal City Musical Productions); Oliver (Community Players of New Hamburg); The Nutcracker (Ballet Classique/Cambridge Symphony). Sullivan has received many accolades at regional and provincial voice competitions and is part of the Integrated Arts Program at Eastwood Collegiate. He is grateful to the many mentors that have supported and inspired this journey.
Mackenna Van Massenhoven (Rusty/Ensemble) Mackenna is a Grade 11 student at H. B. Beal Secondary. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde the Musical, Frozen Jr, Triple Threat Summer Intensive. Other theatre (selected): High School Musical: On Stage!, The Addams Family (LPAA). Thank you to my wonderful friends I’ve made within this production, y’all are my rock! @its_mackv
Aspen Walsh (Cowgirl Bonnie/Ensemble) Aspen is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, majoring in Drama and Vocal Music. Drayton Entertainment: Legally Blonde. Other theatre: SpongeBob (RCMPI). They will appear this spring in Seussical the Musical with Today 4U Productions. Thank you, Shannon and Lucy, for all your support and guidance. Instagram: am.l0ves_you
James Wright (Reverend Shaw Moore) James is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood. Last year, he participated in Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s Legally Blonde. I hope you all enjoy the show!
Alastair Yantha (Urleen/Ensemble) Alastair is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood Colligate Institute as a vocal and drama major. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde. Drayton Entertainment: Children’s Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other: KW Glee for four terms. Thank you so much to the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy for this opportunity, especially David who has helped me so much, and a special thanks to my mom who’s my biggest supporter in the world! Instagram: @Superiorities332.
Madeline Young (Ensemble) Madeline has enjoyed being onstage since she was 7 years old. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Ensemble in Legally Blonde The Musical. Other theatre (selected): The Little Mermaid (CAST Theatre Company); Dr. Doolittle (Resurrection Catholic Secondary School). Madeline would like to thank Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy for this incredible experience!
the crew
(in alphabetical order) Abbey Brown (Wardrobe) Abbey is a Grade 11 student at St. David Catholic Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment debut. Abbey has stage managed for her school’s productions of Shrek the Musical (2022), Celtics on Broadway (2023), and The Point 146 Flame (2024). Abbey would like to thank her family and teachers for their constant love and support. Abbey has a passion for costume making, wig design and mixed media art. @abbloo.cos
Anna Castro (Running Crew) Anna is a Grade 12 student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan: The Panto, Mary’s Wedding. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde: The Musical, 2023 Spring Sessions. Anna is extremely grateful to be on another Drayton Entertainment production. She’s loved the whole experience and can’t wait for you to see the show. She would also like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her dreams. Enjoy the show!
Saturn Chow (Wardrobe) Saturn is a student at Eastwood Collegiate in his third year. This is his debut with Drayton Entertainment. He is very grateful for the opportunity and has learned a lot from working backstage.
Ailidh Connelly (Running Crew) Ailidh is a Grade 11 OSSD student at Guelph Collegiate. This is her first show with Drayton Entertainment. Other theatre: The Youth Performance Program: In Concert, Celebrating Broadway, Elf Jr, Youth camps (The Youth Performance Program); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Who’s Tommy (GCVI). Ailidh is very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a talented group of individuals.
Addison Joseph (Wardrobe) Addison is a Grade 11 student at WCI, and is thrilled to be working alongside an amazing cast and crew for her first ever Drayton Entertainment show! This past semester, Addison was Head of Wardrobe on her high school’s 80’s-themed production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She thanks everyone who has supported her along this journey!
Christina Kulikov (Lighting) Christina is a Grade 11 student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute, and is one of the school’s Tech Directors. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. Other theatre: Assistant Stage Manager on Murder’s in the Heir (WCI); Assistant Stage Manager on A Funeral to end all Funerals (KWLT); Lighting Designer on A Midsummer Night’s Dream (WCI). Christina is excited to work with everyone on this production!
Cece Ndiwa (Lighting) Cece Ndiwa is a Grade 12 student at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment debut: Lighting crew in Footloose. Cece has taken part in technical workshops in the past.
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Spring Sessions Classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays From March 26th until May 11th
Summer Camps (Ages 8−12 & 13−18) July 22 – 26
Performing Arts (all ages)
July 29 – Aug 2
Performing Arts (all ages)
Aug 12 – 16 Performing Arts (all ages) and Technical Arts (13-18)
Aug 19 – 23
Performing Arts (8-12) and Advanced Triple Threat (by audition only)
draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com
Grace O’Regan (Sound) Grace is a Grade 12 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. She previously attended the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy summer camps in 2022 and 2023. Other theatre: Emily in Elf Jr., Hannah and Darcy in Newsies Jr. (actOutKW). Thank you to my friends, family, and the cast and crew of this amazing show! @graceonbroadway on Instagram.
Kira Panda (Running Crew) Kira is a Grade 9 student at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. She has been an active member of the Drayton Entertainment Children’s Ensemble performing in Wizard of Oz: The Panto, Joseph, Evita and, most recently, as the crocodile in Peter Pan: The Panto. Outside of theatre, she explores the world of music through vocal ensembles and youth orchestras as a flautist including the Laurier Youth Honour Band. For this production, she is excited to be working backstage where the magic happens!
Zoe Thompson (Wardrobe) Zoe is a student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. They are making their Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Project debut.
Ryan Vale (Running Crew) Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde: The Musical. Ryan (He/Him) loves the theatre and is thrilled to be working with Drayton for another season. He would like to thank everyone that got him to this point, including his friends, family, teachers, and most importantly, his mom for making it all possible. @ryguy489
Production Mentors Dave Horner ............................... Production Jenine Kroeplin ............................. Wardrobe Jessica Pembleton ....................... Wardrobe Joanna Lee .................................. Wardrobe Allan McMillan .................................. Sound James Chapeskie .............................. Sound Nicholas Wadel-Turcotte ................... Sound
Lyle Franklin .................................... Lighting Frank Crickmore ....................... Scenic Paint Kristen McCormick ................... Scenic Paint Naomi Damasco .................... Running Crew Charles Russell ....................... Running Crew Trevor Middleton ................... Running Crew
the creative team David Connolly (Director & Choreographer)* Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan: The Panto, Kinky Boots, The Prom, Mamma Mia!, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, Disney’s Newsies, Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Hairspray, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Red Rock Diner, HONK!, Lucky Stiff, Singin’ in the Rain, Cinderella: The Panto, Aladdin: The Panto, Legally Blonde, Disney’s High School Musical, Miss Saigon, and Crazy For You. David is also the Director of Education for the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy who holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre, a recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence, and is an internationally recognized Disability Inclusion Advocate. Insta: @deyouthacademy
Darryn de Souza (Music Director) Drayton Entertainment: Priscilla Queen of the Desert (2024), White Christmas (2024), Kinky Boots (2023). Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy faculty. Other: As the Music Director for The Tenors, Darryn has toured the world and shared the stage with countless musical legends. As an educator, Darryn has his own coaching practice, and built programs with Milton Youth Theatre Productions, the Studio School of Dance, Brampton Theatre School, Yellow Door Theatre, and the Centre Stage Conservatory. Music is the machinery for lifelong learning, and as such, Darryn is blessed to forge meaningful bonds as a mentor, helping to build up the next generation of artists. Thanks Alma, Austin, Harper, Charlotte and Sally, for keeping me on the path.
David Boechler (Set Design Coordinator)** Drayton Entertainment (selected): The Prom, Hairspray, Holiday Inn, Singin’ in the Rain, Honk!, Mamma Mia!, Sweet Charity, Guys and Dolls. Other Theatre (selected): Set and costume design for Spamalot (Stratford Festival); five seasons at Stratford (Cabaret, South Pacific, My One and Only); eight seasons at Shaw Festival; Cinderella (National Ballet of Canada/American Ballet Theatre); quondam (Royal Swedish Ballet); Red (Canadian Stage/Citadel); Prom Queen, Evita (Grand); A Fitting Confusion, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre Calgary); Mary Poppins, The Producers (Rainbow). Awards: Two Betty Mitchells, two Sterlings, and one Dora. Davidboechlerdesign.com
*The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy. **Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659.
Lyle Franklin (Lighting Designer) Drayton Entertainment: Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Buying The Farm, Kings & Queens of Country, Out of Order, Office Hours, Hilda’s Yard, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, The Affections of May, Lend Me A Tenor, Too Many Cooks, The Love List, Perfect Wedding, Twelve Angry Men, Separate Beds, The Odd Couple, Funny Money, Boeing Boeing. Other theatre: The Last Enchanted Forest (Petrolia), Walking on Water (Fanshawe College), The Anger of Ernest and Ernestine (Lost & Found Theatre), A Funny Thing Happened … (Ryerson University). He is a graduate of Ryerson University. Lyle is pleased to be working on another lighting design with Drayton Entertainment.
Jessica Pembleton (Costume Designer) Drayton Entertainment: Bittergirl The Musical, Legally Blonde: The Musical, We’ll Meet Again, It Runs in the Family, ‘ART’, Man of La Mancha, Canada 151: Better Late than Sorry, Kings & Queens of Country, Footloose, Canadian Legends, The Odd Couple, The Crazy Time, The Last Resort, Boeing Boeing, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, Lend Me A Tenor, Legends of Harmony, The Love List, Oliver!, Harvey, Murder at the Best Western, The Melville Boys, Separate Beds, The Odd Couple, On Golden Pond. Other Theatre: All Shook Up (Head of Wardrobe, Stage West Mississauga). Jessica would like to thank her amazing family and husband for all of their unconditional love and support.
Nadene Riehl (Stage Manager)* Drayton Entertainment (selected): Bittergirl The Musical, Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream, The Crooner, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, American Son, Legally Blonde The Musical, We’ll Meet Again, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, You’ll Get Used To It! The War Show, Hairspray, Kings & Queens of Country, Million Dollar Quartet, Red Rock Diner, Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Canadian Legends, Twist & Shout: The British Invasion, Snow White: The Panto, Footloose, Legends of Harmony. Other Theatre: Seussical The Musical, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, The Full Monty, Hairspray, The Sound of Music (KWMP) and KW Glee. She’s excited to return for her tenth season at Drayton Entertainment. Enjoy the show!
Molly Mück (Apprentice Stage Manager)* Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan: The Panto, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Prom, The Crooner, Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre: Three Sisters & Co., The Corsican Complaint (GBTS). Molly is a recent graduate of the George Brown Theatre School and is excited to be a part of Drayton Entertainment this season. Thanks to her friends and family for the support.
*The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.
Jack Griffioen (Student Stage Management) Jack is a Grade 9 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. Other theatre (selected): Assistant Stage Manager for An Ideal Husband, Assistant Stage Manager for Murder on the Orient Express, and Lighting Operator for Up Close and Personal (The Community Players of New Hamburg). Thank you to friends and family for always supporting me! @jac.kg122
Zoe McWhirter (Student Stage Management) Zoe is in Grade 11 at Eastwood Collegiate Institute as a part of the Integrated Arts Program and majoring in Drama, Visual Art and Production Technology. Last year, she was in the Drayton High School musical production of Legally Blonde as a part of the running crew. Other theatre (selected): Miracle on 34th Street, Jane Eyre, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Wonderland (ECT). Zoe is so excited to be on the stage management team. Hope you enjoy the show!
Chase Oudshoorn (Student Stage Management) Chase is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. He is excited to be a part of the stage management team for this production. Drayton Entertainment: Children’s Ensemble in Wizard of Oz: The Panto. Other theatre (selected): Prince Edward in Richard lll (Stratford Festival). Multiple roles in local youth musical productions.
Sharon Nwoko (Student Assistant Director) Sharon is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. Thank you to my friends and family for their support!
the band Darryn de Souza (Music Director/Piano) Drayton Entertainment: Priscilla Queen of the Desert (2024), White Christmas (2024), Kinky Boots (2023). Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy faculty. Other: As the Music Director for The Tenors, Darryn has toured the world and shared the stage with countless musical legends. As an educator, Darryn has his own coaching practice, and built programs with Milton Youth Theatre Productions, the Studio School of Dance, Brampton Theatre School, Yellow Door Theatre, and the Centre Stage Conservatory. Music is the machinery for lifelong learning, and as such, Darryn is blessed to forge meaningful bonds as a mentor, helping to build up the next generation of artists. Thanks Alma, Austin, Harper, Charlotte and Sally, for keeping me on the path.
Kevin Dempsey (Drums) Drayton Entertainment: The Crooner (2022), A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Kings & Queens of Country, Hairspray, Lucky Stiff, Red Rock Diner, Anything Goes, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Footloose, Big Band Legends, The Songs of Sinatra, Country Legends, Swing!. Kevin is happy to be returning to Drayton Entertainment to perform in Footloose. Kevin is an active member in the Toronto jazz scene and can be heard frequently on CJRT. He has also been on the McMaster University and Mohawk College music faculties for the last 30 years. Kevin has been performing with Drayton Entertainment since 1994.
Nic McPherson (Student Guitar) Guitarist, Rush Fan, Music lover! I play guitar with the professional live band for the Footloose shows. This is my first time working with Drayton Entertainment, I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity! In the past, I have worked with KW Glee and KW Youth Theatre, as well as events with the Eastwood Integrated Arts Program. Instagram: @nic_ mcpherson_ TikTok: @nic_mcpherson YouTube: @nic_mcpherson
David Myers (Keys II) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Joseph ..., Hairspray, Footloose, Priscilla …, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Little Shop ..., White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, and numerous pantos. One of Toronto’s main audition pianists, David also taught at both Sheridan College and The Randolph Centre for over 20 years. Outside of theatre, David was a founding member of The Musical Box, the world’s premiere tribute to Genesis, where he enjoyed 15 years of touring Europe and the Americas, repeatedly appearing at such notable venues as The Royal Albert Hall in London.
Junior Riggan (Bass) Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan: The Panto, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, The Crooner, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Rocky: The Musical, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella, Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, Anne of Green Gables, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde – the Musical. Other Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar (Theatre Sheridan), Mamma Mia!, Finding Black Joy (The Grand Theatre London), Yorkville: The Musical (Blyth), Now and Forever, a diva spectacular …, 9 to 5: The Musical (St. Lawrence College), The River Rolls (New Hamburg), … Patsy Cline (Leisa Wey Productions). Junior thanks the Drayton family for the opportunity.
drayton entertainment staff ADMINISTRATION Artistic Director & CEO..................................................................................................................Alex Mustakas Executive Director........................................................................................................................Steven Karcher Associate Artistic Director/Youth Academy Director of Education...............................................David Connolly Director of Finance.....................................................................................................................Siobhan Lovejoy Director of Human Resources & Artistic Administration................................................................ Natasha Hopf Director of Marketing & Development..................................................................................... Jonathan Randall Director of Audience Services........................................................................................................ Ellen Berwick Director of Facilities.............................................................................................................................. Alan Card Artistic Administrator............................................................................................................... Brenley Charkow Group, Events & Rentals Manager................................................................................................ Karen De iuliis Development Manager............................................................................................................... Lindsay Bellaire Audience Services Manager................................................................................................................ Gary Good Marketing & Development Associates................. Nigel Gordijk, Jenni Grandfield, Samareh Jones, Ria Moody Youth Academy Administrative Director....................................................................................... Randi Perriam Accounting Clerk..................................................................................................................... Joanne Labrecque Artistic Administrative Assistant................................................................................................ Stephanie Reeve PRODUCTION Director of Production......................................................................................................................Dave Horner Production Coordinator........................................................................................................ Jeff JohnstonCollins Technical Directors.................................................................................................. Lyle Franklin, Austin Wilson Head of Construction .................................................................................................................... Robert Clarke Assistant Head of Construction......................................................................................................... Jenna Barry Lead Carpenter........................................................................................................................... Lindsey Woelfle Carpenters............................................................................................................... John Bigelow, John Graham House Technicians................................................................Glenn Beckner, Richard McLeod, Naomi Damasco Production Administrator....................................................................................................................Caitlyn Hill Building Services/Production Technician.........................................................................................John Bigelow Running Crew................................................................................................ Trevor Middleton, Charles Russell Flys.............................................................................................................................................Naomi Damasco WARDROBE Head of Wardrobe....................................................................................................................... Jenine Kroeplin Assistant Head of Wardrobe....................................................................................................Jessica Pembleton First Hand........................................................................................................................................... Joanna Lee Cutter..................................................................................................................................... Anna Farquharson Stitchers....................................................................................... Sarah Hunsberger, Joanna Lee, Julia Nelham Head Dressers...................................................................................................... Sarah Hunsberger, Joanna Lee AUDIO Head of Audio . ........................................................................................................................... Allan McMillan Audio Operator..........................................................................................................................James Chapeskie PROPS Head of Props.................................................................................................................................. Kat Theriault SCENIC PAINT Senior Scenic Painters...............................................................................Frank Crickmore, Kristen McCormick BOX OFFICE Box Office Manager......................................................................................................................... Laurie Castro Box Office Supervisor..................................................................................................................Paige Corriveau Local Box Office Staff................................Emily Castro, Laura Hole, Laura Kapp, Fiona Lehmann, Tracy Novak Year-Round Box Office Staff..................................................... Aly Hill, Lyne Lemaire-Harnack, Amanda Howe, Zoha Kan, Kayden McKeown, Yvonne Schieck FACILITY (St. Jacobs Country Playhouse) Facility Manager/House Manager...........................................................................................Cheryl Oudshoorn Bartender..................................................................................... Samantha Reid, Tyrah Wilson, Ethan Bleskie Custodians..................................................................................................................................... Domestic Bliss