Classics Company – Musical

Ages 55 and over

The Classics program aims to provide opportunities for people 55 and over to participate in quality musical theatre.

Musical shows are concert versions of the “classics” with musicians on stage with the singers. There is no choreography or sets. Lighting, sound, visuals, some minor props, and costume accessories accent formal evening wear. Well-rehearsed scripts on stage will offset the need for memorization.

Additional Information

  • There will be an audition to join the musical production part of the program
  • Scripts will be used on stage as needed.
  • Participants in the program will receive training in theatre skills as we prepare for the production

Contact us at classics@theatreancaster.com

Program Dates/Times:

Sept. 9, 2024 – Jan. 13, 2025
(more to be added closer to show date)
6:30 – 9:30 pm

Fee:
$150

Performance Dates:

January 17, 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm
January 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Location:

Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
357 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, ON, L9G 2C1

Al Croxall

Al Croxall

Director

In 1996, after more than a decade of mounting musical theatre at secondary school and for the Ancaster Arts Council, Al Croxall, Gord Conroy and Ralf Hakenberg sat on Al’s back deck one day and came up with the idea of establishing a new community theatre. In 1997 when Al retired, he devoted his time to incorporating Theatre Ancaster and became its first President.

Besides co-directing, producing, and working on many shows throughout the years, Al has been instrumental in initiating new projects for Theatre Ancaster. Al was also part of the initiation of ArtSmart, a program with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board that provided a coop experience for students in theatre. Later he reimagined Theatre Ancaster’s annual Christmas benefit and started the Christmas Radio show tradition. Most recently he became part of the leadership of the Classics Company for seniors over 55 years of age.

Al enjoys his work as the emcee of Theatre Ancaster’s Chorus. As a member of TA’ s Creative Committee he values being part of the decision-team selecting shows for the company. He sincerely hopes that going forward into the new Memorial Arts Centre that Theatre Ancaster can keep the community culture and sense of family that he, Gord and Ralf imagined when they shared their friendship on his back deck so many years ago.

Krys Croxall

Kyrs Croxall 

Director

After a long career in education as a teacher, school administrator and superintendent, Krys retired in 2014 and joined the Theatre Ancaster Board of Directors. Since then, she has served as Secretary and now Treasurer of the Board. With her husband she has produced several Firehall shows (Nunsense and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), main stage musicals (Chicago, Annie) and annual Christmas Radio Shows. Along with Gord Conroy and Steve Becker, she and her husband initiated the Classics program for seniors over 55, resulting in the successful sold-out presentation of South Pacific.

Theatre Ancaster has been Krys’ passion project. In the early years she performed on the main stage and now sings with Theatre Ancaster Chorus and the Classics musical program. She loves musicals but it is the joy of working with talented people, especially her husband Al, to create the magic on stage that keeps her coming back for more. In 2021 Krys was delighted to be selected for the John Nielsen award presented annually by Theatre Ancaster to the volunteer of the year for her many years of service to the company.

FAQ

Why are the fees for the musical and non musical sections of the program different?

The costs for presenting a musical are usually greater than performing a straight play, with additional costs for purchasing the rights and providing musical accompaniment for rehearsals and the show.

What talents and skills do I need to be involved in this program?

A strong interest in performing on stage is the most important. For the musical you need to be able to sing in tune and carry a part.

Will you provide information on how to prepare for an audition?

Yes, we have suggestions and information about how to prepare that will be available.

Can someone with no previous acting experience be involved?

Yes, although major roles will often go to people with experience. Sessions involve individual and group training as well as rehearsal time for the show.

What kind of training do we receive?

We focus on training in character development, stage movement and the use of the voice (pitch, pace, and power techniques). In the musical, there is specific training on presenting a song, group singing, blending and balance.

Are there opportunities for family members to help with the production?

There are many ways to help such as wardrobe work, taking photos and finding props. We welcome cast members or family who can lend their talents to production work.

What if I cannot make all rehearsals?

We would hope to know about this before you committed to the program. If we know in advance we may be able to make some small adjustments to the schedule to accommodate some absences. We may also be able to work around emergency situations that arise but this is more difficult.

What if I know I cannot make a performance date?

Everyone in the cast commits to every performance from the beginning. We do not have understudies and so anyone taking on a major role in particular is expected to attend every performance.

If I turn fifty-five after the program begins but before the show, may I still join?

Yes, you may.

What is your refund policy?

If a participant needs to withdraw from the program for any reason, 

100% of the registration fee will be refunded before the beginning of the program.  
75% of the registration fee will be refunded after the first class/rehearsal.
50% of the registration fee will be available after the second or third class/rehearsal.
No refunds will be issued after four classes/rehearsals.

All refunds at the participant’s request will be subject to a $25 administration fee.