Students from across Chatham-Kent will be walking the boards at the Capitol Theatre this week.
The National Theatre School of Canada Drama Festival, formerly known as the Sears Drama Festival, kicks off tonight with performances from Lambton Kent Composite School, Chatham-Kent Secondary School, and John McGregor Secondary School.
Subsequent evenings feature drama students from Ursuline College Chatham, Wallaceburg District Secondary School on Wednesday, and Ridgetown District High School and Blenheim District High School on Thursday.
Each performance will be adjudicated with two outstanding productions selected from each region to perform at the Ontario Provincial Showcase.
Founded in 1946, NTS DramaFest marks its 80th anniversary this year, celebrating eight decades of empowering young people through theatre.
The curtain rises at 6 o’clock each evening.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
Lambton Kent Composite School (LKCS)
“Better Than The Movie”
Written by Jeffrey Harr
Synopsis: First dates can be the worst – or the best! – especially when you’re on a date with the guy or girl of your dreams. How bad could it really be?
Chatham Kent Secondary School (CKSS)
“She Wrote, Died, Then Wrote Some More”
Written by Steven Stack
Synopsis: The comedic, melodramatic one-act mystery, She Wrote, Died, Then Wrote Some More, is an hilarious romp that features betrayals, broken hearts, a rather odd but beautiful love story, and many twists. The play features a cast of eccentric and unique characters, who may or may not at some point end up dying themselves.
John McGregor Secondary School (JMSS)
“The Blossom Canyon Fire”
Written by Don Zolodis
Synopsis: As a ferocious wildfire threatens to destroy the town of Blossom Canyon, California, ten people rush to survive the disaster, and find their fates intertwined with strangers. A play about kindness, family, and strength in the midst of tragedy.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
Ursuline College Chatham (UCC)
“Symphony of The Heart”
Written by Mia Cruickshank-Lewis (Student Playwright) and Malachi Smith (Assistant Student Playwright)
Synopsis: Cursed by Jupiter to be high school rivals, the God of War and the Goddess of Beauty must find balance in their conflicting natures to shatter the ancient spell.
Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS)
“The Way Home”
Written by Tyler White et al.
Synopsis: Escaping the Mohawk Institute residential school, a young boy named Newt journeys through the forest to find his way back to his home and his family. With the help of a spirited band of animal friends, he attempts to evade pursuing officers to safely reach his destination.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Ridgetown District High School (RDHS)
“Double Double”
Synopsis: Emily obsesses about awkward interactions in the past, she tries to predict the disaster of the future – and then of course, there’s three immortal witches sabotaging her drama club production of Macbeth so they can escape the mortal realm.
Blenheim District High School (BDHS)
“Play, right?”
Written by Stephanie McQueen
Synopsis: Playwriting is hard. Come along for the ride as this playwright tries to gain creative control of her own ideas before they take control of her.
CLICK HERE for tickets and show information.
