Victoria Callin has always wanted to work with aspiring performers and that’s exactly what she’s managed to do.
Her youth musical theatre group, Triple Threat Performers, is presenting “Into the Woods.”. It’s an American fantasy that features the unforgettable music of Stephen Sondheim and a marvelous story by James Lapine, based on a fresh take of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
The show features a cast of 23 young people whose passion for the theatre lifts the show to a level rarely seen outside the professional stage.
“These kids (they are primarily 13 to 19 years old) rehearse two to three times a week for months, and they live for it,” Callin said. “They are passionate about performing and they are very, very talented.”
Callin added that the results are self-evident.
“The show is amazing.”.
Triple Threat Performers is also a reflection of Callin’s own passion and dreams.
“I was twelve years old when I knew that I wanted to someday help young people get into the performing arts. I loved dance and music and being a part of a show, and I wanted to help others who felt the same way,” Callin said.
So, after graduating from the Canadian College of Performing Arts, she set out to do just that. She established a youth musical theatre group called Triple Threat Performers and set out to stage their first production.
But there was a problem. It was 2020, and Covid 19 had completely disrupted performing arts everywhere.
“The young people who wanted to be a part of theatre and performing had nowhere to go,” Callin said.
“But we weren’t going to give up. We performed our first show in a garage with the audience sitting on the driveway. It was a challenge, but the kids had a great time.”
Since then the troupe has mounted seven shows and has moved to a regular theatre setting.
“Into the Woods” will take the stage at The Ridge Playhouse (inside the Claremont Secondary School Music Venue) at 4980 Wesley in Victoria.
Performances are Dec. 14, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. with an additional two shows on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are still available online at www.triplethreatperformers.ca for only $20 for kids, $22 for students, and $24 for adults.
Tickets will also be available at the door at show time.
It’s a chance to see budding talent at its best and shouldn’t be missed.