Chicago Teen Musical Theatre Program Workshop

Program: September 5, 2026- March 13, 2027
Performance: Pal Theatre, Vancouver

Youth 14-18 years old will work as actors with a registration fee, learning the fundamentals of musical theatre drama through weekly rehearsals before performing in six public performances at the end of the term.

SYNOPSIS

In “Roaring Twenties” Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap... until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.

Credits

Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins / Script adaptation by David Thompson

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Age requirement

Ages 14 to 18

program VENUE

100-6133 Buswell Street Richmond

PERFORMANCE VENUE

Pal Theatre 581 Cardero Street, Vancouver

PROgram Fee

$1325 Payment Plan Available. Two Spots Left

Ryan Nuñez-Director of Chicago Teen Edition

Ryan Nuñez-Director-Chicago Teen Edition

Ryan is thrilled to be working with so many talented emerging artists through CTORA. An accomplished director, producer, and artist based in Vancouver, BC, Ryan’s directing credits include Pippin, Into the Woods, Godspell, The Drowsy Chaperone, and the upcoming Children of Eden with Play On Words Productions. A graduate of Capilano University’s Musical Theatre program, Ryan is the founder and host of the Broad-WHAT? podcast and the Ovation Award-winning Artistic Director of Play On Words Productions, now entering its eleventh year. Ryan extends his sincere thanks to the CTORA team for this opportunity.

Jacq Smith-Choreographer-Chicago Teen Edition

Jacq Smith (she/her) is a Vancouver-based artist whose dynamic performance experience, and versatile background, inform her work in dance, theatre, choreography, and film. Originally from Edmonton, and a graduate of the Edmonton School of Ballet, Jacq continues to develop her craft through training abroad. Jacq is an award-winning choreographer whose interest lies in reflecting the world we live in through her artistic practice. As a performing artist, dance educator and choreographer, Jacq has worked across Canada on both large and small-scale productions, in a variety of disciplines. Select credits: Pippin, Godspell (Choreographer - POW); Artist-in-Residence with Small Stage; Shrek (Assistant Choreographer - RCMT); UNDERTOW (Director/Choreographer); Illuminate (Director/Choreographer); Grease, West Side Story (CTORA); Gateway Theatre; and six seasons with Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular.

Monica Sumulong Dumas- Music Director/Orchestra Director-Chicago Teen Edition

Monica Sumulong Dumas is a bassist and award-winning music director based in Pitt Meadows who has performed in over 60 musicals over the last decade. She also performs with various jazz groups throughout the Lower Mainland including The Happiest Big Band on Earth and Sister Jazz. Recent theatre credits include Into The Woods (Play on Words Productions – Music Director), Waitress & Kimberly Akimbo (Arts Club). She would like to thank her village for the constant love.

Chersea Laing- Vocal Director-Chicago Teen Edition

Chersea is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, performer, songwriter, and educator with a lifelong passion for music. Classically trained in piano and voice, she also teaches guitar, bass, and trumpet. Her original music has reached listeners worldwide, and she is a dedicated advocate for both mental health and children's music education. Chersea has shared her teaching expertise with organizations including the Telus World of Science, Boss/Roland, and schools across Canada. Drawing from real-world industry experience, she develops confident, versatile performers while preparing the next generation of artists for success on and off the stage. Chersea is thrilled to begin her first season as Vocal Director with CTORA Academy and can't wait to help the company's vocals sparkle and shine!

Glenn MacDonald-Resident Set Designer-CTORA Academy

Glenn began his career at thirteen years old in the boys’ band in The Music Man at Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg. He went on to train in all aspects of the theatre at the Manitoba Theatre Centre. He has worked as an actor, Stage Manager, Production Manager and Designer for theatres across Canada and in the US including The Vancouver Playhouse, Arts Club Theatre, Stratford Festival, Charlottetown Festival and Studio Arena Theatre (Buffalo, NY). He co-produced Torch Song Trilogy at the Cultch, worked in Production Management for Expo ’86 Entertainment Department, Stage Managed the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Calgary Winter Olympics and was Operations Director for BC’s MUSIC ’91. He also works in television and film in set decoration and has over 100 projects to his credit. He sits on the Board of Trustees of PAL Vancouver. He is the recipient of the 2016 Jesse Richardson Award for Outstanding Set Design for the production of Annapurna. Glenn designed sets for The Woman in Black at Jericho Arts Centre, The Ballad of George Boivin, Funny Money, The Triumph of Love, Opening Night and The Importance of Being Earnest for Western Gold Theatre, where he has been General Manager since 2012. He created the stage and set for the Billy Bishop Legion Theatre for Tom Crean, Antarctic Explorer and most recently the sets and projections for The Trials and Tribulations of Whiskey Dick at Jericho Arts Centre and She Stoops to Conquer, Hilda’s Yard and Here We Go for Western Gold. Glenn has been associated with CTORA for four years and has designed Finding Nemo, Into the Woods, Honk, Peter Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh.

Scott F. Thompson-Sound Designer-Chicago Teen Edition

Scott F. Thompson AKA "Sneaky Thompson" is one of Vancouver's busiest Audio Artists. Learning from some of the greatest composers and sound designers such as Conrad Pope, Alan Menken, Adam Hurstfield, Gilles Parenteue, Thomas Newman & more. Scott is best known for his sound dessign work for The traveling circus boat Amara Zee and many shows at the Arts Club.

What Parents are Saying about CTORA Academy

Our family has been blown away by the high-quality programs at CTORA Academy. The production value, the talent of the young actors, and the selection of shows are all outstanding. It's clear there's a real dedication to not just teaching theatre but also showcasing it at its best. Every program we've attended has been touching, fun, and a high-level performance that truly captivates the audience. Strongly recommended.

CTORA's learning environment is incredibly friendly and inclusive, making my child feel accepted and valued. I recommend it to any parent.

CTROA is a wonderful organization that encourages children to be creative. My daughter auditioned for a production, with no prior musical theatre experience. I love the fact that children don’t need a professional resume or headshot to be considered. We have been involved in three productions and enjoying every aspect of the company. My daughter has grown as an actor and can’t wait to attend practices. She is looking forward to being a part of next production.

I would highly recommend CTORA for any child. Not only are the shows very high in caliber with incredible production / directing / choreography teams, but CTORA fosters a sense of community and family among the parents and children. My daughter has made some life long friendships while developing her confidence and skills on stage. We are grateful for the opportunities provided and my daughter looks forward to the possibility of being on stage again with this amazing company!

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CTORA Productions acknowledges that we live, work and play on the unceded and traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples – sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations.