news
Posted on: April 12th, 2017 by KW Musical Productions
KW Musical Productions is looking for a creative team to put together our next production:
Shrek the Musical
On stage February 2018 at the St Jacobs Country Playhouse
Applications for Creative Team:
Director, Music Director, Choreographer, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Music Assistant, Rehearsal Pianist, Props Designer, Props Assistant, Set Designer, Head Carpenter, Scenic Painter, Costume Designer, Sewers, Tech Director, Lighting Designer, and anyone else who wants to help out!
In addition to these positions, KWMP is also looking for volunteers to help out with props, sewing, painting, set construction, and other jobs that help create the show. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer.
- Please apply via Google Form below, any additional documentation may be sent via auditions@kwmp.ca. Deadline: Friday, April 28, 2017.
- Outlines of positions, requirements and expectations are posted below
- Position of Director, Music Director, Choreographer, and Rehearsal Pianist are to be present at cast auditions.
- Auditions proposed to take place a weekend in June. Callbacks to follow. Cast to be determined by Director, Musical Director and Choreographer: successful candidates to be notified by Production Manager within two days.
- Costumes, props, and sets will begin in intervening months.
- Rehearsals begin in October 2017 for vocals and large group choreography moving into intense rehearsal from January 7, and run every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon and evening until load-in.
Pertinent Dates:
- Auditions: June (TBD by Production team)
- Rehearsals begin: October 2017 with vocals and large group choreography. Intensive begins January 7, 2018
- Rehearsals: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 10pm, Sundays from 1pm to 10pm (Wednesdays if needed for choreography or leads dependent on availability of space and at discretion of directors)
- Load in/ set-up at St Jacobs Country Playhouse: Late January or first days of February 2018
- Tech/dress: Late January or first days of February 2018
- Performances: Early-Mid February 2018 (12 performances including student matinees)
Shrek Creative Team Job Descriptions
Apply to be on the Shrek Creative Team
Posted on: January 9th, 2017 by KW Musical Productions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2017 – KW Musical Productions is bringing the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life with Seussical the Musical, February 2–11th at the St Jacobs Country Playhouse. Seussical transports you back to your childhood with the Cat in the Hat, the land of the Whos and the Jungle of Nool. This story will help people big and small to rediscover the delightfully zany characters imagined by one of the most beloved storytellers of all time. Tickets are just $35+HST for adults and $29+HST for children(15 and under) by calling the Box Office at 519-747-7788 or visiting KWMP.ca
The Cat in the Hat (Rob Bridel) tells the story of Horton (Max DeNardis), an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo (Logan Brideau), a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers led by the Sour Kangaroo (Sarah Nairne), but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird (Sarah Willett). Although Horton faces many trials and dangers, his faithful friend, Gertrude McFuzz (Joanna Guistini-Wilkinson), never gives up on him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
“I used to read all of these stories to my daughters as children,” says Rob Bridel (Cat in the Hat). “To play this iconic character is an absolute thrill, especially when my daughter AJ is assisting in direction. It has come full circle.” One of the youngest cast members, Logan Brideau loves playing JoJo the Who. “I love JoJo because he is a big thinker and has a great imagination, like me!” He continues, “He thinks he’s a nobody but then he is the one who saves the Whos. It shows that anything is possible.”
Seussical is led by David Atkins (Director), Michael Brown (Music Director) and Sarrah Scott (Choreographer). Seussical was created by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once On This Island). Seussical is present through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
K-W Musical Productions has been bringing top calibre musical theatre to the Region of Waterloo and surrounding area since 1948. This not-for-profit organization is operated by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to providing a near professional experience in all aspects of theatre from performance to back stage.
For more information please contact:
Brenden Sherratt
Publicist, KW Musical Productions
marketing (at) kwmp.ca
519-591-009
Posted on: October 30th, 2016 by KW Musical Productions
“Oh, the Thinks you can Think” when KW Musical Productions brings the world of Dr. Seuss to life in Seussical the Musical on stage at the St Jacobs Country Playhouse this February. Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all the Whos of Whoville come together in this wildly imaginative show which will have you class singing all the way back to school. Hosted by everyone’s favorite the Cat in the Hat, this show celebrates the bonds of friendship, the richness of individual differences, the importance of tolerance, respect for the environment and the incredible power of open minds to think, wonder, and dream.
KWMP is a community theatre organization that has been providing opportunities for members of our community to shine, both on and off stage since 1948. Our student matinees offer educators the ability to engage their students through the magic of theater and expand their learning in and outside of the classroom.
Show Themes: Language Arts, Drama, Music, Dance, Social Studies, Theater, Perseverance/The Environment
Runtime: 2 hours
Ticket Price: $15+hst
Show Dates:
- February 1st, 10:30 am – Waiting list
- February 2nd, 10:30 am – Limited seating available
- February 9th, 10:30 am – Waiting list
Recommenced for students of all age
Last years production sold out, so many sure you order your classes tickets early!
Please see our Student Matinee information package for ticket prices and to request seats.
Download the Student Matinee package and Seussical Study Guide
Posted on: August 16th, 2016 by KW Musical Productions
KW Musical Productions is proud to present the worldwide musical phenomenon
Seussical the Musical
Directed by David Atkins, Music Direction by Michael Brown
CALL for AUDITIONS
Audition Location
KWMP Building, 14 Shaftsbury Drive in Kitchener
Solo Auditions
Interested in a named role? Soloists please come prepared with two short, contrasting vocal selections, preferably one ballad and one upbeat song. Choose songs that show off your range and your acting ability. You may be asked to sing parts of one or both of your songs. You may bring sheet music (a pianist will be present) or an MP3 of the instrumental music to accompany you. You may bring your own accompanist if you prefer
- Wednesday, September 14th
- Thursday, September 15th
- Saturday, September 17th
Callbacks will be on September 19th in the evening, and will involve movement.
Ensemble, Youth or Dance Auditions
Are you a dancer, a youth age 10-15 (born in 2006 or earlier)? Are you looking to join the ensemble or have a small role? This year we are offering stress-free group auditions allowing you to showcase your skills with a friendly group of peers. You do not need to prepare a song, just come warmed up and ready to impress.
Youth Ensemble Auditions:
- Wednesday, September 14th, 6pm
- Saturday, September 17th, 10am
Adult Ensemble Auditions:
- Wednesday, September 14th, 7pm
- Saturday, September 17th, 1pm
Dance Auditions:
- Thursday, September 15th, 6pm
- Saturday, September 17th, 11am
Callbacks will be on September 19th in the evening, and will involve movement.
Video Auditions
Video auditions will be accepted from those who are unable to attend any of the scheduled auditions, but must be received before September 14th. The video should include short selections from both songs and evidence of movement/dance ability. YouTube links are acceptable. Please complete the audition form below and include a link to your YouTube video and digital photo of yourself.
The Characters
You can find more information about the show, including a character breakdown here
Rehearsals
- Regular rehearsals will be Sundays from 1–10pm and Thursdays from 6–10pm, starting Sunday, October 16 (except for December 22, 25, 29, January 1, and 5).
- Not all cast members will be required for every rehearsal, but please let us know about any conflicts you may have to help us schedule appropriately.
- Technical rehearsals and performances are listed below. All cast members will be required for all of these dates.
Technical Rehearsals
- Sunday Jan 29: All day
- Monday Jan 30: 5pm–11pm
- Tuesday, Jan 31: Dress Rehearsal, 5pm–11pm
Performances
- Wednesday, Feb 1: Student Preview – 10:30am
- Thursday, Feb 2: Student Preview – 10:30am
- Thursday, Feb 2: Public Performance – 7:30pm
- Friday, Feb 3: Public Performance – 7:30pm
- Saturday, Feb 4: Public Performance (Matinée) – 2pm
- Saturday, Feb 4: Public Performance –7:30pm
- Wednesday, Feb 3: Public Performance –7:30pm
- Thursday, Feb 9: Student Preview – 10:30am
- Thursday, Feb 9: Public Performance –7:30pm
- Friday, Feb 10: Public Performance –7:30pm
- Saturday, Feb 11: Public Performance (Matinée) – 2pm
- Saturday, Feb 11: Public Performance –7:30pm
Getting Involved with KWMP
All cast members will be required to purchase a membership ($25), a script ($10) and provide a deposit toward completing 10 volunteer production hours ($100, refunded once hours are completed).
Book Your Audition Now!
If you have any questions please email auditions@kwmp.ca
Posted on: July 15th, 2016 by KW Musical Productions
KW Musical 
Productions is looking for a creative team to put together our next production:
Seussical
St Jacobs Country Playhouse
Feb 2 – 4, 8 – 11, 2017
Applications for Creative Team:
Choreographer, Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Music Assistant, Rehearsal Pianist, Costume Assistant, Props Assistant, Scenic Painter and anyone else who wants to help out!
- Applications must be sent by email to auditions@kwmp.ca. Deadline: July 25, 2016
- Outlines of positions, requirements and expectations is available here
- Position of Choreographer is to be present at cast auditions.
- Auditions proposed to take place a weekend in September. Callbacks to follow. Cast to be determined by Director, Musical Director and Choreographer: successful candidates to be notified by Production Manager within two days.
- Costumes and sets will begin in intervening months.
- Rehearsals begin in October for vocals and large group choreography moving into intense rehearsal from January 8, and run every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon and evening until load-in.
Pertinent Dates:
Auditions: September (TBD by Production team)
Rehearsals begin: October with vocals and large group choreography. Intensive begins January 8, 2017.
Rehearsals: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 10pm, Sundays from 1pm to 10pm (Wednesdays if needed for choreography or leads dependent on availability of space and at discretion of directors)
Load in/ set-up at St Jacobs Country Playhouse: Jan 27, 2017
Tech/dress: Jan 30, 31, Feb 1
Performances: Feb 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Posted on: December 10th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
Santa’s favourite musical
GREASE
is the hottest ticket in town!
Even Santa has gotten into the act. He’s on cloud 9 with KW Musical Production’s presentation of GREASE – February 11-13 & 17-20, 2016 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse!
And why not? Tickets have only been on sale for a few weeks and it’s already 30% sold out – the fastest start for a show in KWMP history!
How cool is that?
With such unforgettable songs as “You’re The One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, GREASE is definitely the word. Santa says that it’s the most electrifying stocking stuffer this Christmas at only $35+HST.
So don’t be left in Rudolph’s dust. Put the pedal to the metal and go online now to get your tickets!
Call the Drayton Entertainment box office at 519-747-7788, or visit in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 40 Benjamin Rd. E, Waterloo.
Posted on: December 3rd, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
Bring your class to Grease – the #1 musical in the world. Your students will love the music and experience the rush of watching one of the most famous stories live on stage with all their favourite characters. Get ready to shout “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!”
Recommended for students in grades 7 and up due to content.
Please see our Student Matinee information package for ticket prices and to request seats.
Download Student Matinee Package
Posted on: November 8th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
On February 14, 1971, a new musical about teenage angst, peer pressure, and a clash of cultures in the late 50’s opened just off Broadway. The show’s electrifying rock’n’roll music and infectious hand jive choreography was an instant hit earning it 7 Tony Award nominations the following year!
Now, 44 years later, leather jackets and bobbie socks are coming to the stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse as K-W Musical Productions presents “GREASE” – the summer romance musical where two worlds collide and opposites attract. Sandy Dumbrowski, the girl-next-door, will be played by Maggie Roth while greaser, Danny Zuko, will be performed by Nolan Henshall.
Maggie has appeared in several K-W Musical Productions including Annie in Annie, Urleen – Footloose, Patrice – 13 the musical, and Little Red Riding Hood – Into The Woods as well as Elle in Legally Blonde, Laurier Musical Theatre. Nolan’s previous performances include Charlie Bucket – Willy Wonka, Eddie – 13 the musical, Frederick Von Trapp – The Sound of Music, and Gabe in Next to Normal.
David Atkins (Director), Michael Brown (Musical Direction), and Sarah Willett (Choreography) will lead an incredibly talented cast of performers and a show
GREASE will rock St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from February 11-13 and 17-20, 2016. Tickets are just $35 + HST and are on sale now online at KWMP.ca
Here’s the full cast list for KWMP’s “GREASE”:
Danny: Nolan Henshall
Sandy: Maggie Roth
Kenickie: Trevor Middleton
Rizzo: Stephanie Ringrose
Doody: Keenan Smits
Marty: Mikayla McCrory
Roger: Ben Skipper
Jan: Haley Sopik
Sonny: Cody Burns
Frenchy: Amy Leis
Eugene: Richard Marchment
Patty: Dawn Gosney
Cha-Cha: Natalie Haney
Vince Fontaine: Brendan Stehouwer
Johnny Casino: Andrew Wong
Teen Angel: Tristan Pilcher
Miss Lynch: Diana Barber
Male Ensemble: Cameron Bunn, Ethan Kast, Nathaniel Little, Paul Booker, Sebastian Mateus, Thomas Buchanan, Gabe Namtu, Bailey Weiss
Female Ensemble: Ciara Moules, Jocelyn Bannon, Kaleigh Murphy, Kalene Ticknor, Kathryn Langridge, Kayla Liebig, Parker Ruby, Sara-Ann Birken, Taryn Meyer
K-W Musical Productions has been bringing top calibre musical theatre to the Region of Waterloo and surrounding area since 1948. This not-for-profit organization is operated by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to providing a near professional experience in all aspects of theatre from performance to back stage.
Posted on: October 14th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
From Amanda Kind
Broadway Our Way Project Manager (and KWMP Enthusiast!)
———————
Hello everyone!
We’re getting to the final countdown for our fall fundraiser—Broadway Our Way: The Comedy Edition— on stage at The Registry Theatre from November 5–7. There are so many fun numbers in this show! You won’t want to miss the hilarity as over 40 KWMP members sing, dance (and try not to laugh) while they perform some of the funniest numbers in show business history.
It’s been my privilege to be the curator of sorts for this variety show. I’ve had the honour to work with several directors to build this project including Eric Da Costa, Trevor Middleton, Joanna Guistini, Sarah Petker, Tim Jackson, Terry Barna and David Atkins. We’ve also been very lucky to have Ciara Moules, Sarah Willett and Christine Watson bring their awesome moves to the table by choreographing a few numbers. And last but not least, we are very fortunate to have Bob Lee as the Music Director for this production—he’s basically been run ragged since the middle of July learning all 20 songs!
How do I explain this show to you?
It’s a cabaret show, just like our fundraiser was last year, except this time every single number is funny. Rob Bridel, who last year brought down the house with his delightfully hilarious sketch comedy, is back as the host… who knows what he will do?
In terms of songs, we have a great variety…and all funny. These well-known tunes like “Comedy Tonight” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, “Wash that Man Right out of my Hair” from South Pacific, and “Hello” from The Book of Mormon. Plus, there are a bunch of lesser known (but equally hilarious) tunes like “Transylvania Mania” from Young Frankenstein, and “The Alto’s Lament,” a hilarious ditty about what it’s like to be an alto in musical theatre (hint: it sucks).
We are having a blast in rehearsal. There has been loads of laughter and music. We’re also doing some darker comedy numbers as well—Vicci Taylor and Terry Barna will perform “A Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd, and Rob and a few others will do “Dentist” from Little Shop of Horrors. These ones are still funny, but in a bit more of a sinister way…Plus you get to see Tristan Pilcher and Andrew Wong in full body spandex unitards as the eels in “Sweet Child” from The Little Mermaid… That’s comedy right there.
Please buy a ticket. Come see the show and help support all the wonderful work we do at KWMP. I promise you will laugh your head off. You’ll have a marvelous time supporting the arts in this region and you’ll walk away feeling great. We’re finishing the show with a really awesome number from Sister Act The Musical—that’s all I’m gonna say about it because it’s too fun to reveal any more details!
Tickets are on sale now and they’re only $20 plus HST. Please join us. We’ve been rehearsing the show since the beginning of September but really there is no show without the audience—so now we look to you to complete the theatrical puzzle. Click here to buy a ticket now, I promise you won’t regret it.
See you the show!
Amanda
Posted on: June 25th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
Please read all instructions carefully before booking an audition. The fundraiser cabaret is only open to alumni who have performed with KWMP previously. If you have ever been on stage with KWMP, you are welcome to audition!
Performance dates
- Wednesday, November 4 – 7:30pm
- Thursday, November 5 – 7:30pm
- Friday, November 6 – 7:30pm
- Saturday, November 7 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Tech rehearsal dates
- Sunday, November 1 – all day
- Monday, November 2 – evening
- Tuesday, November 3 – evening
Rehearsal schedule
Thursday evenings, Sunday afternoons, Sunday evenings. Sunday afternoons will be opening and finale numbers (large groups). A schedule will be drawn up once auditions are complete and program sketched out. Rehearsals may begin in August where possible for certain groups, but rehearsals officially commence in September and run through October.
Who can audition
As this is a cabaret, the creative team is open to group auditions. People can choose to audition on their own or they can bring a duet, trio, quartet, or group. Whether or not a group number is included in the show is at the full discretion of the creative team. Dance numbers as well as short monologues or skits are encouraged as well.
What material to choose for the audition: COMEDY!
Choose something funny that shows off your comedic talents!
Dancers may choose to choreograph a routine to a comedy song and the creative team may add a vocalist later if that number is chosen. Actors please ensure your monologue or skit is no longer than 3 minutes. NOTE: This is a PG-13 show, so please refrain from material that uses excessive foul language or is vulgar. This doesn’t mean all racy material is out, it just means be mindful of content.
How to audition
Click here to book your audition. In the case of group auditions, designate one person to sign up on behalf of the group. When booking, please indicate the song, monologue, or skit title being presented in the “city” slot (the address slot is not used). If your song selection changes, please let us know ASAP as the list is being sent to our Music Director, Bob Lee, in advance of auditions.
What to bring
Vocals – sheet music (feel free to email sheet music in advance for the Music Director to auditions@kwmp.ca). Dance/musical production – CD, MP3, etc.
Audition dates
Tuesday, July 21 & Wednesday July 22, 7:00pm to 9:30pm – 5 minute slots
Video auditions welcome!
Send all video auditions to auditions@kwmp.ca in an appropriate format for the production team to view (YouTube/Vimeo clips preferred). Deadline to submit a video audition is July 22.
Book Your Audition
