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Local children’s casting call, Hansel and Gretel

Footlighters Theatre Society is pleased to announce the next production of its 23rd season
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By Frank Goodsir

Footlighters Theatre Society is pleased to announce that the next production of its 23rd season is Hansel and Gretel, set for Prince Charles Theatre Nov 30 thru Dec 2, a follow up to the successful productions of Jack and the Beanstalk (2007), Aladdin (2011), and three sell-out performances of Cinderella (2014).

Loosely based on the Grimm Brothers fairy tale, this adaptation tells of two children, Hansel and Gretel, and their widowed father who live at the edge of the Black Forest. Father leaves to go to the Yahk Fair to sell his wood carvings. Hansel and Gretel, who are supposed to stay at home, disobey their father and go with the orphans, who just happen to live next door, to another fair in West Crestonia.

Along the way they meet such characters as Miss Twinkleknees, Mrs Griddlestein, a troll, the King and Queen of Crestonia, a trio of eccentric witches, big bird, and eventually, the Gingerbread Witch. Children auditioning for this show will be the orphans, who walk along with Hansel and Gretel, as they pass through the Black Forest.

Part of the learning experience in a show like this is for the children to learn the necessary skills, both on and off stage, to belong to a large cast with a single goal in mind – the telling of the story.

The children must be willing to be part of a team, working together for the common good and be able to work with everyone else in the cast. Electronic gadgets (I-phones etc) are banned from the rehearsal floor but can be used during down times off the rehearsal floor as long as they do not cause any disturbance.

Auditions for the children will take place at St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church Hall from 3:15 pm until 5:15 pm on Wednesday Sep. 6. All children wishing to audition for this show should be at the hall by 3:15 pm and be prepared to stay until 5:15 pm. Parents will need to make sure their child arrives on time and has a ride home when the audition is completed.

Rehearsals for those selected for the show (a maximum of twenty children are needed), will be every Wednesday until show time. Parents will be needed to act as “orphan wranglers” – parents who assist when needed when small problems arise.

Also, as the rehearsals process develops, children will be given selected lines to add to their participation. Musical director, Simone Wiebe, will teach the children several songs which are included in the show such as One of Those Songs, The Happy Wanderer, Green Green, YMCA, Razzle Dazzle and Thank You Very Much. Kate Webb, the choreographer, will be teaching specific movements for these songs.

Additional rehearsals (Nov 27 thru 29) will be added during the show week with performances on Nov 30 and Dec 1 & 2. Children in all grades are welcome to audition.

Further information can be obtained by phoning director Frank Goodsir at 250.428.5082.