RAISE YOUR VOICE: AN INTERVIEW WITH RED TREE PA’S DUSTIN JODWAY
Red Tree Performance Academy has been running various programs, classes and performance opportunities in Hamilton, Ontario since founding in 2021. Now, their Junior Broadway company is set to hit the stage and raise their voices in the Junior production of the hilarious and joyful screen-t0-stage version of Sister Act the musical.
Steel City Reviews had the pleasure of a virtual interview with co-founder and director Dustin Jodway where we discuss the inspiration for the academy’s first fully-fledged production of Sister Act Jr., the importance of community in community theatre and the wealth of programming available from the academy itself.
Co-founders and production team members Breann and Dustin Jodway
What inspired you to select Sister Act Jr. for Red Tree Performance Academy’s fully staged musical debut?
If you know this family, you know we love Sister Act - I staged the full musical version of it once before at Hamilton Theatre Inc, with Breann (Jodway’s sister) in the Ensemble and Marylou (Jodway’s mother) in her favourite role: the best audience member ever - and we lived for it, every moment. So, when we decided it was time for Red Tree to venture out on a new branch with Junior Broadway Productions, Sister Act was a no brainer! The script is geared more to the younger actors, but the story is essentially the same. Plus, a bunch of kids in nun habits? That's also a no brainer!
We wanted to make sure we were able to have a diverse cast (staying true to the script), and we were very lucky that the auditions for the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier were grueling. It came down to two strong contenders as the character had to be just right. A week of auditions later, the role of Deloris was cast. It wasn't until then that we could start down the cast list, and give out the rest of the yes's and no's.
What have been some of your favourite moments from the rehearsal process?
Honestly, as cliche as this may sound; it’s all been our favourite! The cast really loves the show which makes it a joy to see come to life. Watching them grow as vocalists and actors is incredible, especially as we have some cast members as young as 8 years old in the production. Seeing the older Junior's really take on leadership and mentorship roles is exactly what we were hoping for when we were deciding to do a Junior production. This group of "Juniors" really understands the meaning of “community” in community theatre. We have had parents donate cases of water to rehearsal (which is always appreciated) as well as donating time to help with costumes and recording choreography videos.
When your team is family, every moment counts. We were absolutely blessed to have Aurora join our team as rehearsal pianist. The cast took to her quickly and the magic began. As I said: the whole rehearsal process has been blessed.
Various moments of rehearsal for Sister Act Jr.
Photo provided by Red Tree Performance Academy
What have been some challenges faced while bringing this production to the stage and how have they been overcome ?
Challenges, obstacles, hurdles: they're all just part of the process. Not being in the venue we will be performing in is the biggest challenge we've faced but it’s nothing a little spike tape and imagination can't fix. We have a fairly large dance space on our second floor that we have marked out the stage (half the size) so, the cast is able to roughly understand the layout. Luckily, we are able to utilize the space on our large review days so everyone is able to mark out their blocking visually.
Also, SUMMER. Everyone takes vacation in the summer, so scheduling rehearsals around summer holidays - what were we thinking?! Jokes aside, the parents of the cast have been absolutely incredible and everyone has been so accommodating and easy to work with.
What excites you about upcoming productions and opportunities for your students and how can the Hamilton community support your efforts?
Everything about upcoming productions excites us. We have one of our own "Seeds with Different Needs" students working with our writing instructor Gillian White, on an original musical about living a NeroDiverse life. We are thinking of a showcase for our over Junior students to take part in AKL while we are scouring rights websites to find the next best thing.
There are so many opportunities within Red Tree to grow as a performer. Hamilton can support by visiting our website and joining our growing family on Social Media to stay informed. Obviously, interested audiences should purchase tickets to Sister Act Jr and show these Junior Stars that that is exactly what they are, Stars! They deserve a sold out run!
That they do! Thank you Dustin, for all your insights and passion toward this upcoming production and all the wonderful opportunities that this academy can offer aspiring performers!
If this is your first time hearing about this performance academy, there are numerous classes and lessons available throughout the year. On top of vocals, instrumentals, acting and specialized dance classes, Red Tree also offers Private Party Packages for kids and grown kids! They have Breathwork and MEditation classes as well as Mindful Minis. Red Tree is also very proud to be one of the only Performance Academies in the area to work with both NeroDiverse and Typical all under one roof - as one. Red Tree would also like to send out a huge thank you to their incredible donors who help to ensure artistic minds continue to thrive in our city.
SISTER ACT JR. runs for FOUR PERFORMANCES ONLY August 24 and 25, 2024 at 2pm and 7:30pm and performances will be held at Hamilton Theatre Inc. (140 MacNab Street North in Hamilton).
