Search CITT/ICTS

Grand Theatre High School Project
A How-to

Educational Session | Presented by PMArts | The PM/TDArts Series is sponsored by PACT

The Grand Theatre has been producing the High School Project for 25 years.

This program offers students in the London Area the opportunity to participate in a large-scale musical theatre production, set in a professional setting, at no charge to the participants. Students form the acting company, led by a professional director, musical director, and choreographer. Student stage managers work under a professional SM and ASM, student musicians work with professionals in the orchestra pit. Students build and alter costumes, build and alter props, and work in scenic art, all under the mentorship of professionals. It is a major production, with high production values, and is an extraordinary introduction to the world of professional theatre and the performing arts.

This session will walk participants through the process of producing the High School Project, in the hopes that other theatre companies may replicate its success, and help train the next generation of artists and arts professionals. Participants will learn about the budgeting and scheduling from a production and artistic standpoint, how auditions and interviews are held, and all the ancillery events held throughout the process to keep caregivers, families, donors, and the broader community involved.

Presenter: Paul Fujimoto-Pihl (he/him) and Breanne Ritchie (she/her)

Paul Fujimoto-Pihl began his technical theatre career when he was selected as the slide projector operator for the police officer’s Stranger Danger presentation to his grade one class. After attending the Theatre Technical Production program at Humber College, Paul freelanced as a technician in Toronto before heading off to cut his teeth as Head Technician at Theatre North West in Prince George, BC. He has served as Technical Director at the Blyth Festival, Tarragon Theatre, and the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, where he is now Project Manager. Paul sits on the Program Advisory Committee for the Technical Production Program at Fanshawe College, is Chair of the Ontario Section of CITT/ICTS, and is Director of TDArts.

Breanne Ritchie is a passionate arts educator, administrator, and advocate. Currently serving as Education Manager at the Grand Theatre in London, ON, she creates enriching programming and resources for audience members to dive deeper into the season’s shows. As a High School Project alumnus, Breanne is thrilled to now administratively manage this impactful program which fosters a love of the arts in young people and launches many arts careers among its participants. A graduate form York University’s Theatre Studies program, Breanne’s love of arts education has been fostered and expanded through positions with the Stratford Festival, Young People’s Theatre, COC, and on the Board of Directors with Arts Education Network of Ontario.