Youth take spotlight in Elf Jr. Musical

STITTSVILLE – It’s an extremely rare opportunity for youth to get to take the stage outside of school, but in 10 days a cast of 40 will get to shine under the stage lights this holiday season thanks to the volunteer organization Spotlight Youth Collective.

For months the large ensemble aged eight to 17, each one volunteering their time for the opportunity to take part in live theatre, have been tirelessly practicing their craft at the CARDELREC Centre in Stittsville, singing, dancing and acting, as the new non-profit organization Spotlight Youth Collective gets ready to launch its first ever production.

Spotlight Youth Collective is a grassroots organization, founded right in West Carleton, whose mission it is to “illuminate creativity, foster community and empower the growth of each young person through the performing arts.”

The organization believes theatre, song and movement unites, ignites imagination and enables individuals to “discover their unique voices.”

Spotlight Youth Collective does this by creating opportunities for youth aged eight to 18 to take on every role (except maybe director and producer – this time at least) needed to create a live theatre production. On Thursday, Nov. 27, the curtains will rise on Spotlight Youth Collective’s first production, Elf Jr. the Musical, based on the beloved holiday film Elf. This hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Based on the cherished New Line Cinema hit, Elf Jr. features songs by Tony Award-nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award-winners, Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.

The Spotlight Youth Collective production features a cast of 40 between the ages of eight and 17, as well as eight high school volunteers working behind the scenes to help bring the production to life. The production is being overseen by the volunteer board and a small handful of adult volunteers.

West Carleton Online dropped by the production’s second-to-last rehearsal and spoke with Spotlight Youth Collective co-founder Carp’s Jen McAndrew as things were wrapping up for the day.

McAndrew was shocked at the interest in the Spotlight Youth Collective’s first production.

“I think our auditions were the end of August before school started, and we had more than 75 kids sign up for auditions, which was crazy,” McAndrew said. “Our cast is just more than 40. So, they’ve been rehearsing since just after Labour Day. So, every Sunday, full cast rehearsals, and everything else.”

And it’s all done on their own time.

“It’s all fully volunteer,” McAndrew said. “Lee, Jen and Lauren are kind of our creative team and all volunteers. So, it’s a big undertaking.”

McAndrew said there was a need in the community for something like this for youth, especially in west rural Ottawa.

“I think, a couple of moms and I, just talking,” she said. “There’s lots of competitive dance. There’s lots of competitive hockey, that type of stuff, but something that’s accessible in terms of cost and in terms of timing and access, not so much. So, we have a range of kids with skills and abilities, and often they don’t get that chance in other areas. Outside of school, what kind of options do you have to do theatre? We talked to Rural Roots Theatre Company, but Rural Roots does a lot of their theatre with adults. There’s a lot of high schools that have stuff like that, but it depends on where you are. But really, that’s one opportunity a year, if you’re lucky.”

Still, McAndrew and her team were unsure what the response would be to a new youth-focused theatre group.

“I had no idea, I had no idea,” she said. “We’re kind of a like flying by the seat of our pants in a way, There’s a lot of excitement from parents who are just saying they are so excited, there’s something for their kid. For kids eight to 18, their parents often can’t find that option or there are city programs, but they’re shorter or they don’t do a show. It’s nice to give them that opportunity to perform.”

McAndrew says having that opportunity growing up meant so much to her, and as an adult, she appreciates those opportunities even more.

“I was super lucky,” she said. “I grew up doing dance and theatre, and it was such a big part of my story, and what made me who I am. To be able to do that for other kids is so rewarding, right? To give them that chance. Maybe they’ve never been exposed to it. I’m sure it was an eye-opener for the youth. How much work it is. Every piece of it, right? Like, it’s not just the rehearsals, and remembering your lines.”

What she says surprised theatre group members and their parents is the parallel making a production has with playing hockey, basketball, ringette or softball.

 “You’re part of a team,” McAndrew said. “That aspect too, right? It’s not just an individual thing. Even though you might not think of it as a team sport. But you’re part, even if you’re a caroller or an elf or your Buddy, or whoever, they all are so important to the story.”

With opening night only 10 days away the excitement is drawing closer, and McAndrew and the entire collective are feeling it.

“Good, excited, you know, you never know with live theatre,” she said. “You never know what’s going to happen, but I think the kids are excited. And, the parents have been fantastic, bringing them and committing the whole time, too. So, I think it’ll be good. I think it’ll be, for the first Spotlight Youth Collective show, to be this far along and to have so much talent that we can showcase, I think it’s a good thing.”

Some of that talent comes from right here in West Carleton. Buckham’s Bay’s Amie Deslauriers who is an 11-year-old attending Stonecrest Elementary School is set to play the saleswoman at Macy’s in Elf Jr. the Musical. Although she says she has always loved performing, this is her first chance, and that’s exactly why she tried out.

“Well, I love acting and dancing and singing,” Amie told West Carleton Online. “A teacher at my dance studio told me about it and I decided to audition.”

After months of rehearsals, Amie says things are going well.

“It just makes me happy, and I just like being on stage and performing,” she said about why she loves acting and dancing and singing.

Amie’s pretty excited about being in sales as well.

“She has a big moment in the store with Buddy, that I find very funny,” she said.

Amie says the process of putting together a live theatre production has been eye opening.

“It’s been difficult, but it’s really coming along,” she said.

Amie says she’s ready for her theatre debut.

“I’m a little nervous but also excited,” she said.

Spotlight Youth Collective’s production of Elf Jr. the Musical will run from Thursday, Nov. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 29 on the stage at Sacred Heart Catholic High School (5870 Abbott St. E). There are four evening shows all starting at 7 p.m. (the show lasts about an hour) and a 2 p.m. matinee also on Saturday.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. To purchase your ticket, click here.