Classes start in September! Click here for more information and to register!
The benefits of participating in performing arts programs are valuable and numerous. Some benefits include emotional, social, physical, and even academic. Further, according to David Murphey, Research Fellow and Director of The Child Trends Databank, participation in performing arts programs is related to various positive personal and academic outcomes, improving child development as a whole, enhancing cognitive, motor, and social skills.
Arts programs help build self-confidence. Various aspects of performing arts classes, from improvisation to performing on stage, will help your child build confidence and self-assurance. They will learn to explore outside of their comfort zone, appraise new situations, think outside the box, express their thoughts and ideas in a safe environment, solve problems, cope with performance and presentation fears, and build trust and self-reliance. All of these beneficial tools can be carried through to school, social activities, their future career, and will stay with them throughout their lives.
Drama and performing classes help improve communication skills, concentration, and memory. One of the main advantages of taking part in the performing arts in young individuals is the improvement of communication skills. Acting lessons, for example, will help with their presentation skills, vocal projection, tone of speech, and articulation.
Listening skills will also get refined by taking stage directions from teachers, by collaborating with peers, and working together toward a common goal. From learning new lines, to remembering their acting cues and timing, and rehearsing scenes time and again, your child will improve their focus, memory, concentration, and quick-learning skills.
Social-emotional development. Kids will also improve their social skills by working as part of a team, listening to others and expressing themselves, sharing and making new friends. They will learn to minimize errors and bounce back, solve problems and improvise, giving them the confidence to manage and perform in new situations that come with everyday life. The participation in these types of programs will also help enhance their interpersonal skills because they need to understand their play characters and the different roles, which allows young children to relate better to different situations, people, feelings, and support the ability to be in ‘someone else’s shoes.’ As a whole, the performing arts teaches kids about empathy, compassion, and how to express and understand their feelings and those of others.
Higher academic achievements. Studies have found that creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning increase and improve when arts education is added to the mix. As the Arts Education Partnership Report “Arts Education Has Academic Effect” suggests, arts learning in music, drama, and dance is related to high academic achievements in school. As is well-known, learning to play instruments and read music improves mathematical achievement and proficiency. Performing arts programs have multiple connections to reading, verbal and math skills, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
It’s super fun! Arts programs are a really fun way for your kids to express themselves, their emotions, and explore and improve their unique talents. Whether kids enjoy acting, singing, dancing, or a behind-the-scenes role, they will delight in expressing and improving their special talents. They will also have a fun workout in the process, as many performing arts classes improve flexibility, balance, and coordination.
So go ahead and enroll your child or youth in arts performing classes. See for yourself all of the benefits that come with it while you enjoy watching your child’s self-confidence blossom and their communication, social, and emotional skills develop.
The Bert Church Live Theatre, a live music and performing arts facility in Airdrie, hosts performing arts classes and camps for young people throughout the year. For more information, visit airdrie.ca and search for ‘The Bert Church Live Theatre.’
| Winnie Foster | McKenzie Nace |
| Jesse Tuck | Cole German |
| Mae Tuck | Madelyn Luebbers |
| Angus Tuck | Ford Warner |
| Miles Tuck | Justin Porath |
| Man in the Yellow Suit | Robert Herzog |
| Constable Joe/Ensemble | Ali Schropp |
| Hugo/Ensemble | Peter Cardillo |
| Betsy Foster/Ensemble/Mae u/s | Cristal Santiago Velez |
| Nana Foster/Ensemble | Teagan Yokanovich |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Winnie u/s | Sofia Moss |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer | Sydney Thompson |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer | Kendall Dockett |
| Ensemble/Nana u/s | Amaya Shannon |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Betsy Foster u/s | Mallory Owen |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer | Aislynne Hogue |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer | Teresa Kempton |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer | Sydney Switzer |
| Ensemble | Madi Ward |
| Ensemble | McKinsey Norris |
| Ensemble | Olivia Hurd |
| Ensemble/Constable Joe u/s | Asher Schropp |
| Ensemble/Featured Dancer | Ashley Earp |
What is Expected When You Audition for a Musical Production?
Tuck Everlasting: The Musical
Director: Ally Tierney
Music Director: Emily L. Sergo
Choreographer: Sierra Basilio
Age requirements:
CTA makes every attempt to provide a fair and equal audition opportunity for all actors ages
12-18 (as of the audition date; must not have graduated from high school). No experience is
required and selection is made entirely by the artistic staff and based solely on each
auditioner’s performance on the day of auditions. Actors are cast based on their ability and
suitability for the parts.
Volunteer requirement:
If cast in the show, each actor will be REQUIRED to volunteer five (5) hours to a technical area
(set construction, set decoration, costumes, props, lighting, and/or sound).
Auditions:
Actors should sign up online for auditions and submit the audition form electronically through
the provided links on the website. Actors should only sign up and attend one day of auditions.
Auditions are held at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD
21409. Auditions for this show require singing, acting, and dancing.
Auditioners should come with sheet music, or digital recording, as accompaniment of a song in
the style of the show. Please prepare approximately 16-30 bars of music. No recorded music
with vocals or a cappella singing is allowed. A piano accompanist will be provided.
Auditioners need to learn the dance that is on our website. Here is a link to the dance
audition: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ou5h6jbTkZsgPMYvwFnsVJfE8daFt8n7/view
Tuck Everlasting Dance Audition Combo
Please learn the dance audition prior to the audition. You will be asked to perform the dance at
the audition.
We added a pre-audition Dance Workshop on Saturday, July 20 @ 12-2 p.m. Participants must
register in advance so we know you are coming. View details at
https://cta.ticketleap.com/dawtu/
Auditioners should wear attire appropriate for movement. Dance shoes, character shoes, and
sneakers are acceptable. NO open toed shoes, flip flops, crocs, or bare feet are allowed.
Auditioners should look over the monologues that are on the website. The auditioners should
be familiar with the words, phrases, and meanings. Auditioners may be asked to engage in
warm-ups, script readings, or similar acting exercises, at the director’s discretion. Actors should
come prepared to engage in these acting exercises during auditions.
If you are unable to attend auditions, you may submit a virtual audition. You will need to send
in a video of your dance, a song and the reading of one monologue. The videos can be shared
through a YouTube link or a google drive link and sent to
executiveproducer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Callbacks:
Some actors auditioning will be asked to return for a “callback” that is, a second look. The
called-back actors may be asked to do more extensive acting than in the first phase of
auditions. Please remember that an actor may be cast even if not called back, and an actor may
be called back but not cast. For example, an actor who only wants to play the lead role will not
be cast if the director decides that someone else is more suitable for that role.
Ensemble: Yes or No?
When you fill out the audition form for any CTA show you will come across the question, "Will
you accept an ensemble role?” Please answer truthfully. Please only answer "Yes" if you truly
intend to accept an ensemble role in the production.
We understand that many people desire a lead role, however the ensemble is an integral part
of every production. Participating in the ensemble gives every actor valuable experience. If you
really feel that ensemble is not acceptable for you for this production, please answer "No" to
the ensemble question. You will be given equal consideration for the specific roles you indicate
on your form. Please remember that you have a better chance of getting cast if you are willing
to accept any role or an ensemble part. The fewer roles you indicate that you will accept, the
fewer the director’s options for casting you.
Time commitment:
Participating in a production is a HUGE time commitment. Be sure you are prepared to commit
to all rehearsals and mandatory dates before you audition. You may not miss more than 3 non-
mandatory rehearsals. You will be asked to submit a list of all possible conflicts at the audition.
If you have a definite conflict with any mandatory or tech rehearsalsl, you should not audition.
Rehearsals are typically Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m., and Sunday afternoons
from 1-5 p.m. Times and days change for tech rehearsals and shows.
Parent/Guardian Information:
There is also a time commitment for parents/guardians. CTA is an all-volunteer organization
that relies upon parents/guardians to provide the much-needed support to make each
production a success.
Parents/guardians are required to attend meetings, volunteer time to the production, ensure
that their actor arrives to rehearsal prepared, and provide costuming support. This is a
commitment each parent/guardian must make in supporting their actor in the production.
Please be sure you, as a parent/guardian, are also aware of the commitment to the production
before your actor auditions. Theatre is a cooperative effort and every part of the team is
essential!
Did you know 72% of business leaders say creativity is their biggest priority in a new hire? That’s according to statistics put out by Americans for the Arts. The idea that arts as a necessary part of a child’s education and development has notoriously been called into question throughout the years, because when the powers that be have to make the choice between a core subject, such as math or science, and an arts class, they see the arts class as being unnecessary.
The reality is that study after study tells a different story: The arts are a vital part of children growing up into well-rounded, successful adults, hence why so many business leaders look for creativity when they’re looking at job candidates. In fact, a study commissioned by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021 found that students who study the arts:
With all of that in mind, let’s consider some of the ways a student can benefit from an arts program such as theater.
These are just a few of the many benefits young people gain from being in theater. They’ll also make new friends, meet people from outside their immediate community, get exposed to stories and music, and much more.
At Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, part of our mission is to provide opportunities for growth, development, and learning for all children involved. To learn about upcoming workshops and other opportunities, click here.
Welcome to the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis!
It is our third and final installment of our 65th season, a Season of Magical Mayhem!
This engaging and catchy show is the perfect way to end our season on a high note, speaking to inclusion and togetherness. As you watch these talented kids perform, know the magic you are seeing is the result of hard work and dedication both on and off the stage. I am so proud of this cast, crew, and production staff.
CTA relies on your support…because we are Better Together…
Please see our website for more information on everything above and happening at CTA!
www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org
Finally, CTA is growing our reach with the reconstruction of the annex to enable enhancement and growth of both our education and production program, extending our outreach to underserved families. The largest space will be a black box theatre that will seat 75+. CTA broke ground on July 28, 2022. We are so excited for this continued growth! We are starting active construction later this year!
Support CTA via this link: www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org/get-involved/#donate
As the curtain opens, I hope you are reminded of the power in togetherness, the joy in diversity, and the empowerment that comes from understanding yourself. I want to express my gratitude to you, the audience. Thank you for supporting the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Thank you for supporting the joy and light you see on stage right now.
With that, sit back, and try to keep from dancing! This joyful show will keep you on the edge of your seat! Get ready to Break it Down!
