THUNDER BAY — Paramount Live has always been dedicated to nurturing young talent and providing unparalleled opportunities for youth in Thunder Bay.
Their latest endeavour, finding the perfect cast for "Carrie: The Musical," has been nothing short of extraordinary, highlighting the immense talent within our community.
The auditions for a role in this upcoming production saw an overwhelming turnout, with over 70 students vying for a chance to bring this chilling coming-of-age horror classic to life. Each audition showcases the dedication, passion, and raw talent of Thunder Bay's youth, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring.
The audition process at Paramount Live, collaborating with the new Badanai Young Company for this project, is designed to mirror real-world experiences, teaching invaluable life skills.
Participants prepared monologues, performed songs, and engaged in brief meet and greets with the directors, much like a professional audition. This rigorous process not only identifies the best fit for each role but also equips the young actors with skills beneficial beyond the stage.
Auditioning is akin to preparing for job interviews, fostering confidence, resilience, and the ability to present oneself effectively —skills that are crucial in any career path.
“Not all of our senior shows are audition-only, but 'Carrie' is an extremely challenging production, requiring exceptional vocal, physical, and mental abilities due to its demanding music, subject matter, and intense choreography. For this show, we need triple-threat talent and the best of the best," explains Tegin Menei, one of the co-directors.
"Fortunately, we will have more opportunities coming up for students who may not be successful in these auditions. There's space for everyone in theatre, and we are dedicated to helping new students or those needing more experience to hone their talents and improve their confidence,” Menei said.
Mandi Husiak, the other co-director, said: “We’re really excited to do something that is truly different from shows we’ve done in the past. This show brings so many new learning opportunities for our students as there will be a lot of complexities in the acting, and intricate choreo and movement throughout.”
Thunder Bay is brimming with talented young individuals, and it is a privilege to provide a platform where this talent can shine. The director’s and production team’s commitment to offering these enriching experiences is unwavering, as they believe in the transformative power of theatre and the arts.
The final round of auditions wrapped up on July 23, and the big cast list reveal will be made public at the start of August. Follow Paramount Live and Badanai Theatre on our social media channels to stay updated, as they have something special in store for this announcement.
“Carrie: The Musical" will be performed from Nov. 11-13 and 20-23. Stay tuned as the cast brings this classic tale to life, celebrating the remarkable talent of our youth and the vibrant arts community of Thunder Bay.
