Youth Theatre Orchestra

OLTS NEW YOUTH THEATRE ORCHESTRA PROGRAM!

The Youth Theatre Orchestra Education Program is an auditioned training program at The Oshawa Little Theatre that is partnered with our longstanding and highly regarded Youth Theatre Education Training Program, a 9-month program for stage performers that culminates in a musical theatre production. The orchestra program is a valuable learning experience for all student musicians, and will give students the opportunity to rehearse and meet with local Music Directors, shadow musicians in the main stage OLT shows, learn full musical scores, meet other performers and musicians in the local areas, and perform in the pit orchestra for a live production. This 9-month program contains unique workshops led by local professional Music Directors and musicians, each teaching skills needed to perform in a full musical production and navigate the professional music world. The program will culminate in a full-length musical production performed by the OLT Youth Theatre Orchestra and the OLT Youth Theatre Education Training Program.

Depending on the applicant’s level, the musician may perform all, or some of, the musical numbers in the full-length production. Admission is based on the performance in your audition, as well as the instrumentation needed for that year’s musical production.  There is no minimum RCM level required, and all instrumentalists are encouraged to apply. The application form and general audition requirements are posted on the Oshawa Little Theatre website. Once you send your completed application form to YouthOrchestra@OshawaLittleTheatre.com, an email will be sent to you containing your specific audition requirements and audition date/time. Please email YouthOrchestra@OshawaLittleTheatre.com if you have any questions about the program or the application process.

Because Oshawa Little Theatre is a not-for-profit, charity organization, we rely on the efforts of volunteers to help us provide the low cost, high calibre programming that we offer. A moderate volunteer commitment is expected from parents, and may include supervision of workshops and rehearsals, ushering, or arranging social events. There's also the opportunity for interested parents to learn about and assist in the many backstage tasks and roles associated with musical theatre production. Training will be provided: no experience necessary! The significant commitment by both the youth and parents to the Youth Group Orchestra results in vibrant and rewarding musical theatre experiences.

AUDITION DATES:

Audition dates will be held on the following days at the theatre: July 24 and July 25 from 5pm - 8pm.

To book an audition, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/Y9h5MvYcgS

Your audition date preference from the application form will be taken into consideration. There is no minimum required RCM level. Applicants are accepted based on their performance in their audition. If you have any questions regarding the audition dates, or cannot attend but are still interested in auditioning for the program, please email YouthOrchestra@OshawaLittleTheatre.com.

Audition requirements can be found as a PDF at the bottom of this webpage.

Instruments we are accepting for the 2023/24 year:

Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp)

Woodwinds (Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, All Saxophones)

Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba)

Rhythm Section (Piano, Electric/Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass)

Percussion (Drum Kit, Mallet/Auxiliary Percussion)

PROGRAM DATES:

The entire program runs from September to May. For the first few months, students will participate in a variety of professional workshops each Sunday from 9am – 12pm.  Then in December, they will demonstrate their experiences in a Showcase of the Arts for their families. Production rehearsals will run on Sundays from 9am – 12pm January to May. Closer to the production performances, longer Sunday rehearsals will be added to rehearse with the cast. All participants will also have some weeknight dress rehearsals in the week leading up to opening night.  The program has strict attendance policies for the production rehearsal period. You must be able to commit to the rehearsal schedule with no more than three approved absences and no absences from May 1st onward, unless special permission is granted.

PROGRAM FEE:

There is no fee to audition. If the applicant is successful, a fee of $320 is due in full by September 1, 2023 and may be paid by e-transfer, cash, or cheque. The total cost of $320 includes a registration fee of $300, plus a mandatory $20 membership fee for one youth. The fee covers the workshops and materials needed for the 2023/24 year. More information regarding payment options and details will be sent once accepted.

Partial or full financial assistance may be offered to successful applicants who complete and submit the financial assistance form. Please email YouthOrchestra@OshawaLittleTheatre.com for the financial assistance form.

POTENTIAL WORKSHOPS:

Some workshops include introductory conducting, studying excerpts from various musical theatre eras, woodwind and brass doubling, sectional rehearsals led by local professionals on that instrument, musician performance health, introductory keyboard and vocal skills, Showcase preparation, working with different Music Directors, substituting as a musician, opportunities to shadow musicians in the Oshawa Little Theatre main stage productions, and more! (Workshops are subject to change)

Oshawa Little Theatre's educational programming supports youth in our community. We provide theatrical training and employment opportunities without bias and welcome individuals of all cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We are officially recognized within our metropolitan community as a leader in youth programming and support.

Oshawa Little Theatre provides an increasingly diverse audience and its theatre practitioners with consistently high quality, excellent value live performances, education and mentoring in an outstanding community performing arts facility. Oshawa Little Theatre provides education and mentorship opportunities to children and youth through performance and technical theatre programs, which operate year-round. Oshawa Little Theatre provides volunteer and educational opportunities for interested parties of all ages in all areas of theatre development.