The Confederation Centre Young Company

Musical Theatre Performance & Training program

“We Are Canadian” Series

The Confederation Centre Young Company program has been in existence since 1993, with a 2 – year hiatus (2002-03).  This program is a very unique and important training opportunity for musical theatre students. As part of the “We Are Canadian” Series, each year the focus is on a different province. 

For the 2009 season the Young Company will celebrate Prince Edward Island in a new 45 minute production called “Abegweit – The Soul of the Island”.  Twelve talented performers of diverse ethnicities will be chosen from Prince Edward Island to come together to tell the story and unleash the soul of the people, history, firmament and future of Prince Edward Island.

With music, dance and spoken word, this bilingual show will highlight the history and culture of the province through music, dance and works.  This is the third production in the Young Company series

Candidates must be between 16 & 23 years of age.  They must be students at the time of selection with plans to return to school or university the following year.  Candidates are selected based on an audition based on the three disciplines; acting, singing and dancing. 

The Young Company program is divided into two specific areas of study.  The first is a public presentation, whereby these aspiring young artists perform daily in a “free to the public” performance; a lively and colourful presentation showcasing the rich history of PEI through stories, dance and song.

The second unit is the training program where our students continue to develop the skills required in order to work in the professional theatre.   Our instructors teach dance classes (tap, step, jazz, modern, ballet, ballroom dance and hip-hop), Pilates, acting master classes, vocal workshops, mike technique, commercial voice, as well as mime and mask.  Guest artists are also included – offering guidance in basic business principles; audition etiquette, proper resume writing, learning proper procedures for auditioning for TV and Film, points to consider when hiring an agent or manager, and the art of working in the Canadian Theatre.

Funding for this program is through Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).  The program runs for 9 - 10 weeks. While at the Confederation Centre of the Arts (www.confederationcentre.com) the students also act as ambassadors for their home province.

Over the years this program has seen some of its members go on to perform in some of the country’s best known musicals.  It truly is an amazing opportunity for individuals who plan to further their career in Musical Theatre.  It remains clear that our country has vast talent.

Audition Requirements

top