What is CAST?
"To instruct and inspire young people in the mechanics and the magic of theatre while providing a safe environment where they feel free to express their creativity and individuality." - Jennifer Paquette, Artistic Director
Young People Creating And Staging Theatre
CAST is a youth development project of Theatre Woodstock, based in the Woodstock Market Centre Theatre. Theatre Woodstock is an award-winning community theatre group and registered charity which has been entertaining area residents for more than 50 years!
CAST teaches children between the ages of 8 and 18 about the magic of theatre. They not only learn how to rehearse and perform, many also become involved in the off-stage activities of mounting a successful production. They learn about keeping commitments and responsibility to their fellow performers. They are rewarded with the thrill of a room full of applauding people telling them they have done well!
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CAST for Kids CD: a fundraising success!
We kicked off our 2006/2007 project CAST for Kids by raising just shy of $1,300 for The Stephen Lewis Foundation to help fight the HIV Aids crisis in Africa. Sue Garner and Jennifer Paquette will be heading up a committee of young people to continue fundraising efforts for this organization throughout the year. All costs incurred by the making of the CD and the family BBQ (a fundraiser held closing night) were covered by a donor. The Sentinel-Review did a story on CAST's fundraising efforts, highlighting CAST member Cheryl Keyes, who donated $100 to the cause by sewing purses and then selling them to her CASTmates.
Fall Session 2008-09
Junior Company presents
A Year with Frog and Toad the musical
Directed by Jason Paquette
Musical Direction by Betty Ford
Choreography by Taylor Markham
Arnold Lobel's well-loved characters hop from the page to the stage in Robert and Willie Reale's musical as it follows two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons; learning life lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.
- Rehearsing: Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
- Beginning September 6, 2008
- Performance Dates: January 8, 9 and 10, 2009 at 7 pm
Sophomore Company presents
The Nutcracker Sweete
Written and Directed by Joanna Sweete
Joanna returns with another black light special -- this one based on the beloved Christmas classic. Join us for a journey that is colourful, musical and jam packed with a feast for the eyes and ears! If you haven’t seen CAST’s blacklight shows before, hold on to your seats and enjoy the ride!
- Rehearsing: Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
- Beginning September 6, 2008
- Performance Dates: January 8, 9 and 10, 2009 at 7 pm
Spring Session 2009
Junior Company presents
A Thousand Cranes
Directed by Victoria Thompson
The true and poignant story of Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the Hiroshima atomic bomb disaster is an extraordinary departure from children's theatre. Though thought provoking and dramatic, even the youngest children can understand its deepest meanings. Our young cast will be part of the 'folding' and 'unfolding' of Sadako's inspiring story.
- Rehearsing: Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
- Beginning January 24, 2009
- Performance Dates: May 2009 at 7 pm
Sophomore Company presents
Alice in Wonderland the musical
Directed by Jason Paquette
Musical Direction by Betty Ford
Choreography by Taylor Markham
Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters.
- Rehearsing: Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
- Beginning January 24, 2009
- Performance Dates: May 2009 at 7 pm
Senior Company presents
Pippin
Directed by Jennifer Paquette
Musical Direction by Chuck Baxter
Choreography by Juliana Sherk
Join Pippin on a musical journey of discovery.
This Broadway favourite (originally by Bob Fosse) captivated audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar®-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell and the animated films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt) bursts with one show-stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.
- Rehearsing: Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 pm
- Beginning September 9, 2008
- Performance Dates: May 28 (preview), 29, 30 and June 3, 4, 5, 6, 2009 at 8 pm and May 31, 2009 at 2 pm
CAST Theatre Company is a project of Theatre Woodstock. For more information call 519-537-8871 or e-mail: .
