Old and young, men and women, boys and girls - a whole rainbow of people came to audition for a role in Between Shifts Theatre's Christmas play at the Sea to Sky Hotel on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 18 and Sept. 19).
The musical pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has 13 roles, which more than 30 people auditioned for, said play director Kathy Daniels. Eight performances will be staged between Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 at the Eagle Eye Theatre.
Ten-year-old Spencer Dyer was one of the eager beavers who waited to impress the director with his acting skills.
It was his first time auditioning for Between Shifts Theatre. He wore a Scottish kilt and spoke passionately about his love for theatre. It might be his first time here, the young actor said, but he has been on the stage several time.
"It feels great to be on stage and to be able to show to a crowd what you really are," he said.
District of Squamish Coun. Patricia Heintzman said she auditioned because she thinks theatre can be an empowering experience. She read last year from Eve Ensler's famous plays, Vagina Monologues, and although she was nervous in the beginning, she said she really enjoyed the part.
Egged on by one of her friends, she auditioned for Sleeping Beauty this year.
"I never had an aspiration to be a professional actor, but I think the stage presence gives you a confidence and you feel electrified by it," she said.
Before the auditions started, the director asked everyone to gather in a circle. Then, to loosen them and prepare them for the audition, she started a group exercise, which involved throwing an imaginary ball at each other.
Participants were required to say "Thank you, red ball" as the imaginary ball landed in their hands. Then, to raise the stakes, she changed the red ball to a dangerous knife. It was the perfect, dramatic warm up for the auditions.
"Theatre is about working together as a team," said Daniels. "Theatre gives us an opportunity to express ourselves and it's a cultural experience that helps people connect to their cultural roots."
She said Between Shift's productions of the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty would be improvised in a number of ways.
"We're going to take the crap out of it," she laughed. "It's going to be a disco musical pantomime."
The play would also be localized with popular Squamish locales and jokes about local politicians and businesses, she said.
The actors would be chosen soon and the rehearsal for the play will start Sunday (Sept. 27).
"There are so many talented people who came and I don't want to say 'No' to anybody. But, this year, I'll have the toughest decision to make," she said.
