From The Addams Family to Little Shop of Horrors, countless stories have been told to the CA community by Senior School students in the senior drama production.
This year, the senior production team is trying something new with help from other Integrated Studies (IS) programs: a cabaret!
The Black Box Theatre turns into a nightclub this March, as it hosts its first-ever cabaret (mocktails included). This year’s performance, Finding Our Voices, offers the spotlight to all cast members as they dance and sing across a bright, smoky stage.
The Ins and Outs of Cabaret
Cabaret has been around for hundreds of years. It’s typically a restaurant, nightclub, hotel, or other location with a stage, food, and drink. It’s a cozy, intimate setting—cabaret translates loosely to “little room”—that brings art to the audience in an interactive way.
CA drama teacher and one of the show’s creative directors, Leeanne McLim, felt inspired to create collaborative opportunities for students, tying drama to other IS courses, such as music.
“By bringing together theatre, foods, and music, we aimed to showcase the multidisciplinary nature of Integrated Studies and model how collaboration works in the professional arts world.”
Cabaret differs from traditional theatre by giving everyone an equal spotlight. Instead of having lead and supporting roles, the entire cast gets a chance to showcase their talents through song, dance, and character pieces.
Ms. McLim notes how moving away from a traditional musical helps tell a story in a unique, nonlinear way.
“A cabaret is built from a variety of acts, songs, dance, storytelling, and character pieces woven into one shared experience. Each performer is allowed to shine individually while remaining part of a supportive ensemble. The emphasis is less on a narrative and more on collaboration, connection, and celebrating individual voices within a unified team.” – Ms. McLim
Taking the Stage on March 12
With nine numbers scheduled in this year’s show, the cast and crew are busy putting the final touches on the production.
A highlight this year is the support from industry professionals, bringing the right glow, mood, and moves to the cabaret.
An award-nominated lighting designer, Shane Anderson, Gianna Read-Skelton, a professional actress and musical director, and Tiffaney Chin, an award-winning choreographer, have volunteered their time to support this year’s production.
Rehearsals primarily focus on choreography, singing, and building confidence for opening night.
During auditions, students showcased many of their individual skills, like playing the guitar, and creative director Andrea Page has worked with Ms. McLim to showcase these talents as much as possible.
She has also emphasized to students the need to take risks during after-school rehearsals.
“Students have been developing foundational performance skills such as confidence, stage presence, teamwork, musicality, storytelling, and resilience. There has been an emphasis on space and grace, recognizing that progress is not always linear and that theatre is a safe place to try, stumble, learn, and try again.” – Ms. Page
Their hard work is soon to pay off as opening night approaches for the cast and crew. Between new lighting, a new type of performance, and further collaboration between IS programs, Ms. Page hopes the community notices everyone’s efforts.
“We hope audiences see that every voice matters and that when those voices unite, something truly magical can happen.”
Tickets are still available for Finding Our Voices—save your seat through Rycor before opening night on March 12!