Auditions happening soon for first show put on by new local theatre company

April 5, 2023 · 0 Comments

Over the Footlight Productions was founded in March

By Zachary Roman

There’s a new player in the local theatre scene.

On March 31, the non-profit theatre company, Over the Footlight Productions, was launched by long-time Caledon residents Lucy Todish and John Thomas.

Over the Footlight Productions also announced its inaugural production, “Something Rotten”, which it will produce alongside the Stage Academy Theatre Association.

Something Rotten is described as a hilarious musical and it’s set in the 1590s. It follows the lives of two brothers who are struggling playwrights trying their utmost to compete with the great William Shakespeare.

The Stage Academy Theatre Association is a non-profit drama and musical theatre school in Bolton that’s been serving the community for 14 years. According to its website, the association’s goal is to “work toward fostering an appreciation of theatre as a means to build self-confidence and success in public speaking situations.”

Performances of Something Rotten are planned from October 26 to 29 at the Vaughan Playhouse.

Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa has a passion for arts and culture and he’s going to be the executive director of Something Rotten. He’s super excited to bring the production to the stage with local talent.

According to Over the Footlight Productions, Something Rotten is “filled with witty dialogue, catchy tunes, and plenty of laughs, making it a must-see for anyone who loves musical theatre.”

As executive producer, Rosa is in charge of things like marketing, booking rehearsal spaces, and theatre bookings. He noted the play has to be held in Vaughan as there’s not yet a theatre in Caledon that could handle the magnitude of the production planned.

“We continue to advocate for a performing arts centre (in Caledon), but we’re not going to let that stop us,” said Rosa.

Todish said she’s excited to partner with the Stage Academy Theatre Association to bring the production to life.

“Our goal is to provide top-quality entertainment that is accessible to everyone, and we believe that Something Rotten is the perfect show to launch our company,” said Todish.

Thomas, who is Over the Footlight’s Artistic Director, said the new theatre company is dedicated to “producing high-quality shows that showcase the talents of local actors and creatives.”

Rosa echoed this sentiment, and said there needs to be more ways for Caledon residents to showcase their talents. He said a musical will be a great way to do this as it incorporates acting, music, and dance into one big show. People with all kinds of talents will be needed.

Auditions for Something Rotten are coming soon, and will be taking place at two different times (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) on April 15 at the Albion Bolton Community Centre. Call-backs will take place the following day, April 16, from 2 to 6 p.m.

To request an audition or to inquire about volunteering for the theatre company, interested parties can email overthefootlight@gmail.com.