2024 Playbill
PRESENTED BY
THE DANCERS' CHOICE ASSOCIATION
The Dancers’ Choice was formed to promote healthy not-for-profit competition in the arts. It consists of a small group of individuals who are not associated with dance studio’s, choirs or glee clubs but have acquired years of experience in live theatre, professional show and events, judging, choreography, vocal arrangements and the arts teaching field. The experience that makes up the board include all areas of the performing arts.
Of note, this includes choreography experience on Broadway and UK’s West End. Years of commercial experience in theatre and television. Musical direction, stage direction and choreography in live theatre. Judging experience across North America. Guest teacher for Universities and Colleges. Worked with some of Canada’s top artists including Karen Cain. All together over a hundred years of experience in theatre and all aspects of the performing arts.
Trudy Moffatt, Producer
Trudy is an accomplished theatre and events producer/director choreographer. She has worked on Broadway and in the UK’s West End. Her work in the arts has spanned over thirty years and some of the Celebrities that have performed under Trudy’s direction include, Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn, Veronica Tennant, Lionel Blair, Ronnie Corbett, Wayne Sleep, Lorna Luft, Louise Pitre, Rex Harrington and many more. Trudy runs a success theatre company, Diversified Theatre that produces seasonal musicals for over five thousand students in Ontario. She also owns Diversified Productions which is a thirty year old corporate events production company that produces many large corporate events every year. Trudy is thrilled to partner with Peter DaCosta on Canada Show Choir Competition which she feels is a great way to promote and get young adults interested in theatre arts.
da Costa Talent Management
da Costa Talent Management is a leading talent agency with a reach beyond borders. With offices in Toronto and Vancouver, and a network of contacts in Los Angeles and New York, da Costa Talent Management enjoys a boundless presence that benefits its eclectic roster of award-winning talent—actors, singers, dancers, choreographers in all styles of dance, voiceover and movement- based artists who work across every genre and platform.
Clients enjoy a one-on-one mentoring relationship with an aim to envisioning, meeting, expanding and even exceeding their career goals. This approach has reaped the rewards of long-term client loyalty, some dating back to the agency’s inception in 1998.
The agency is proud of its long history of guiding the careers of a selective roster of emerging and established performers. da Costa clients share some common traits: courage to embrace opportunity, aptitude to explore untapped potential, and passion for lifelong learning. Under the guidance of the da Costa team, clients have secured roles in productions in all of the major theatres across Canada, as well as Broadway, U.S. National Tours and London’s West End; national and international on-air commercials; and film and television credits range from independent films to episodic television and notable feature films.
Peter da Costa, Executive Producer
As founder and agency director of da Costa Talent Management, Peter da Costa leverages his entrepreneurial expertise and business management acumen to build the careers of da Costa clients. Under his leadership, da Costa Talent Management has grown from the country’s first agency to represent dancers for all areas of the entertainment industry to an industry-leading agency with a roster encompassing some of Canada’s leading talents who work across disciplines and platforms.
Peter is the co-founder of Show Choir Canada and Podium Concert Productions, and a Canadian Screen Award Winner as creator and co-producer of the TVO documentary Unsung: Behind the Glee. He also sits on the advisory boards for The Underground Dance Centre and Randolph College for the Performing Arts.
SCHOLARSHIPS
PERRY MANSFIELD SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2024
- One Full Scholarship to Perry Mansfield Summer Theatre Intensive Program 2024
- Two Half Scholarships to Perry Mansfield Summer Theatre Intensive Program 2024
THE MASTER CLASS SERIES
- One Triple Threat Intensive Summer Scholarship
SCHEDULE AM
9:45am
Doors Open
10:15am
Opening Welcome
10:30am
Fame School of Performing Arts “Fame”
Theresa DiMeglio—Director
Analisa Ovcharenko—Vocal Teacher
Sarah DeDonato—Vocal Coach
11:00am
Pickering High School “Euphonix Show Choir”
Lynne Smythe—Director
Ayana Richards, Lacia Paige-Cummings, Eseosa Agbons—Student Choreographers
11:30am
Strike It Up Artistic Center “Vocal Motion”
12:00pm
Beaconsfield High School “BHS Crescendo”
Ceri Howe—Director
Jeff Pinsky—Drama Co-ord.
Maria-Anna Mavrokefalos—Choreographer
Alicia Magliocco—Stage Manager
Skipper Vallée, Abigail Marsh—Grad. Assistants
12:30pm
Lunch Break
SCHEDULE PM
1:30pm
St. George’s School of Montreal “G Major”
Candace Grynol—Director
Aaron Stamboulieh—Asst. Director
Alexia Gourd, Sandra Beaulieu, Claudia Meunier, Daphné Chandonnet & Tina Desrochers—Choreographers
Maryanna Chan, Claire Macaulay & Karen Pearce—Costume Designers
2:00pm
Music Academy of Western New York “Shout”
Jena Abati—Director
Steffahn Maclin—Choreographer
Rachel Kauderer—Performance Coach
Rian Whitman—Music Arranger
Jen & John Cuttitta—Set Design
2:30pm
All Saints Catholic School “Flair”
Stephen Roloson—Director
Brianna Nieu—Lead Choreographer
Sarina Gallippi—Choreographer
Lolita Mitchison—Junior Choreographer
3:00pm
Music Academy of Western New York “Roar”
Jennifer Cittitta—Director
Marten Linnan—Director/Choreographer
Brooke Kauderer—Assistant Director
3:30pm
Intermission
3:45pm
Guest Performance
Etobicoke School of the Arts “Splash”
Patricia Warnock—Director
Kerry Gage—Artistic Director
Michael Vieira—Musical Director
4:15pm
Awards
4:45pm
Show End
HOST—CARTER MUSSELMAN
Carter Musselman is an experienced but young face in the industry. Originally from Kitchener, he grew up training in all styles hip hop, jazz, contemporary, tap, and ballet at Bojangles Dance Arts. Over the years Carter has been able to train or work with some of the best choreographers in the business. Such as Ian Eastwood, Draico, Marty Kudelka, Amy Wright, etc.
At the age of 12 Carter had his first professional opportunity. Dancing rhythm nation along side Janet Jackson during her 2015 unbreakable tour. Since then he’s worked very steadily. Appearing on seasons 6, 7, and 8 of The Next Step as Heathcliffe. Carter has worked on countless other productions, such as Zombies 3, IT as the headless boy, Bring It On, Locke and Key and so many more.
Carter now resides in Toronto where he continues to train as a dancer but has also made the switch to acting.
JUDGE—ROBERT BALL
Robert Ball (He / Him) is an artist who brings heart and passion to everything he does with “a voice that's smooth as silk” - BroadwayWorld.com . Most recently seen in Drayton Entertainments ‘Evita’, in the principle role of ‘Magaldi’. Robert has also appeared as principle character ‘Arthur’ in the movie ‘Christmas On 5th Ave’, in ‘Chicago’ the musical at the Stratford Festival, ‘Treemonisha’ - Opera at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of the Luminato Festival and as a featured vocalist in the Stratford Festivals Streaming series “Canadian Mix-Tape” paying tribute to K.D. Lang, Rufus Wainright and Susan Aglukark directed by Richard Ouzounian and Thom Allison.
Robert began his career in Toronto’s gospel circuit as a soloist, choir member and choir director which lead to opportunities to lead choral and ensemble workshops throughout Toronto. He was assistant Choir Director for ‘Maafa’ in Brooklyn, NY, Artist Development and Vocal Coach for S4 Entertainment, he has been a sought after session singer working with producers; Promise (Montell Jordan, Drake), Saukrates (Nelly Furtado) and later Ray Angry (The Roots), Jason King (NYU Clive Davis Institute Chair) naming a few. Robert continues to work as a Mentor & Vocal Coach for NIA Centre for the Arts and as a Vocal Tutorial Coach at Sheridan College.
In 2006 he began what would be a 10 year journey with Royal Caribbean International as a Featured Vocalist, Vocal Captain and Headliner traveling to over 60 countries. In 2021 Robert had the opportunity to play legendary recording artist and voice actor ‘Levi Stubbs’ in the premier of the musical ‘The Soul of Motown’ at Stagewest Calgary, was cast in the principle role of ‘Brent' in the Steven Page & Daniel McIver show ‘Here’s What it Takes’ which was to have been part of the Stratford Festivals 2020 season. He also garnered a Best Actor in a Musical nomination by PlayBill.com for his performance in ‘Songs For A New World’ at Chestnut Street Playhouse, CT.
In 2020 Robert curated a solo cabaret called ‘Bold, Bruised, Born to Be’ for ‘Up Close and Musical’ directed by Richard Ouzounian for STRATFEST@HOME, in 2021 he was featured in the Beau Dixon curated ‘Freedom Cabaret’ at the Stratford Festival - which later toured in 2023.
He has worked with the likes of; Tony Award Winner Lillias White as Vocal Director - “Funkentine Rapture” workshop, Carol Woods (Grammy & Oscar Nominee) as Principle/Ensemble in “Follow the Star” cantata, Kenneth Roberson (Emmy Nominee) - Ensemble “We Ain’t Perfect” workshop just to name a few. As a solo artist and background vocalist Robert has been fortunate to share the stage with and open for; Mary Mary, Nikki Yanofsky, Keshia Chante, Mya, Kim Burrell, Big Freeda among others. He has toured Pride circuits (Toronto, Jamaica, Brooklyn, DC, London ON) and made appearances on radio and tv (CTV, Bold TV, Rogers, Sirius XM, CP24, CBC) promoting his solo music a blend of soul & jazz.
As an event producer for BGMN (Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario) Robert produced a talk show series entitled “From Our Point Of View” hosted by Canada’s Drag Race resident Choreographer Hollywood Jade, three episodes of which were picked up and streamed on STRATFEST@HOME .
Robert is not only a multidisciplinary artist but also an artist that believes as Nina Simone said “It is an artists duty to reflect the times…” with that he is an artist who gives back not only in his authentic artist practices but also in his mentoring and advocacy. Follow Robert on all social media outlets at: @RobertBallMusic
JUDGE—LISA STEVENS
Director, Choreographer, Intimacy Professional, Fight Choreographer
AEA, CAEA, BAEA, SDC, ACTRA Instagram:lisa_l_stevens Website: www.lisastevens.biz
Canadian born - Lisa Stevens is an International Emmy Award-nominated Choreographer with credits spanning the globe. Before living/working in NYC, Lisa resided in London, England where the majority of her “performing career” took place. Favorite experiences include the original cast of Chicago (West End); Phantom of The Opera movie; Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat movie; original cast of Bombay Dreams (West End & Broadway); Star For A Night (BBC series 6 seasons); and performing for Her Majesty The Queen, four times, at the Royal Variety Performance. After transferring to Broadway with Bombay Dreams, as the Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain, Lisa went on to choreograph the North American National Tour. The next 6 years were devoted to the mega hit Disney’s High School Musical where Lisa choreographed productions in the US and UK, Australia, Japan and Spain. Disney’s High School Musical 2 followed in the US and UK.
Memorable Choreographic and/or Directorial credits include Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 the Musical in London’s West End, and Australia; Who Do You Love (Edinburgh Festival); the films Diary of A Wimpy Kid 2; Fear Street “Prom Queen”. Coriolanus (Bard on the Beach); Disney Plus’s “Encore” Episode 10 High School Musical; Broadway Bares “GAME NIGHT”; Fiddler on The Roof and West Side Story and Grease! (Drayton Ent); Dreaming of A Jewish Christmas documentary; Guys & Dolls (Axelrod, NJ): The Little Prince (Theatre Calgary); Cutman, a Boxing Musical (Goodspeed Opera House, CT); The Witches of Eastwick (Ogunquit Playhouse, Maine); In The Heights (Vancouver Arts Club); Artistic Director for the National Artists Program (Canada Winter Games); Victory Ceremonies at the 2010 Winter Olympics; Writer/Producer of two Bollywood shorts Tauba Tauba and Shakalaka Bombay.
Recently, Lisa was honored with an induction into UNESCO'S CID (Conseil International de la Danse) the official umbrella organization that recognizes prominent federations, organizations, and selected individuals in all forms of dance worldwide.
As an educator, Lisa currently is on the dance faculty at NYC’s AMDA and is the owner of Broadway Bound International llc. She teaches Boundary & Consent practices for young adults at the U of T, St. Lawrence College and Waterloo University.
JUDGE—JEANNIE WYSE
Jeannie appeared as the Vocal Coach for CBC’s Over The Rainbow and is in demand as a Vocal Teacher, Coach and Musical Director. Shows include: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Holiday Inn, The Drowsy Chaperone, Anything Goes, Chicago, Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins (Drayton Entertainment), Jersey Boys (Dancap), The Sound of Music (Mirvish), Seussical (YPT), Nine, Kiss Me Kate (Theatre Sheridan), Canadian Women in Song (Angelwalk), The Full Monty (Rose Theatre), Hair (The Grand), Guys & Dolls, Fame, Wonderful Town, Into The Woods, The Rocky Horror Show (Randolph College), Side by Side by Sondheim (Sonus Stage Producations) and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Georgian Theatre Festival).
Jeannie has toured North America with Riverdance - The Show and toured and recorded extensively with the Elmer Iseler Singers. She has appeared as a soloist with the AIMS Festival Orchestra, Summer Opera Lab, Vocalpoint Chamber Choir and the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir with whom she was a Vocal Coach for seven years.
Jeannie is Vocal Department Head at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts and has served as conductor of the Intermediate Chorus for the Canadian Children’s Opera Company. She was Associate Music Director for the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (including three recordings with The Choir of MCC) for 21 years and is the current Music Director at Jubilee United Church. Jeannie has also been a keyboardist for Beauty and the Beast (YPT), Pelagie (CanStage), Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia!, Lord of the Rings and Book of Mormon (Mirvish).
Jeannie studied Voice, Piano and Organ at the Western Conservatory of Music and Opera with Lois McDonall and at the American Institute for Musical Studies in Austria. She has a private studio teaching Musical Theatre, Pop and Classical voice and is also active as a Clinician and Adjudicator.
THANKS
CREDITS
Producer
Trudy Moffatt
Co-Founder / Consulting Producer
Peter da Costa
Stage Manager
Ivan Stanic
Sound Design
Craig Goddard
Sound Technician
Dan Dowey
Lighting Technician
Max Malfara
Accounting / Box Office / Scoring / Website
Peter Aylin
SPECIAL THANKS
To Cawthra Park S.S. for co-hosting, especially Stacey Tiller and Erin Vardy along with all our amazing volunteers, family and friends.
MISSION
To play a vital role in the development and support of show choirs in Canada by creating opportunities, including live competition-format presentations, that inspire youth participants to not only work together through song and dance to achieve a common goal of excellence but also grow and develop as individuals while sharing in the creative process.