Keeping kids in mind
The Guild creates shows, opportunities for children in its 2016 season programming
There are some wonderful opportunities for kids this coming season at The Guild in Charlottetown.
The first is being a part of “Anne and Gilbert - The Musical”. This lively show returns to The Guild for its fourth year from May 31-Oct. 18, under the direction/choreography of P.E.I.’s Brittany Banks.
Auditions took place on P.E.I. last month and in Toronto this past weekend and it is expected that the 2016 cast/young company will be announced shortly.
Another opportunity for talented youth who enjoy performing is “Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart.”
Featuring more than 20 songs by the late Canadian folk artist, the ceilidh-style celebration plays Tuesday and Wednesday nights, July through September.
Geordie Brown directs the show. Familiar to P.E.I. audiences for his dynamic portrayal of Roy Gardner in “Anne & Gilbert - The Musical”, he’s the artistic director of the Van Wart Young Artists Fund.
Brown plans to use this trust to give performance opportunities to young Islanders.
“Island performers are invited to submit their materials. We are giving grants to young performers as well as professional performers who will help me mentor the artists. So we will have a wide range of singers and dancers from across the Island in the show.”
Auditions will be at The Guild on Feb. 6.
“Casting the show with young Island performers, alongside professional mentoring artists, will help us breathe new life into this incredible tribute to the music of Stan. We’re also excited that it’s happening at this particular venue,” says Brown.
The Guild is also keeping young children in mind in its summer programming, says Alanna Jankov, executive director.
It is presenting “Pirates ARRR Us” by Islanders Andrew and Sandy Zinck and Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
“Pirates is a fun-filled family entertainment that we’ve come to expect clearly from the Zinck family. Many of you are familiar with some of the performances that they did at Beaconsfeld (Carriage House) last summer. There will be singing, dancing, puppetry and audience participation.”
With morning show times to appeal to younger children and families, “Pirates” will play Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. and “The Little Mermaid” will play Monday and Thursday mornings at 11 a.m., throughout July and August.
“Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” is being mounted by Top Hat Productions.
“It’s a classic underwater fairy tale, spearheaded by Michelle Banks,” she says.