Halifax’s Neptune Theatre is in search of a new slate of young actors for Billy Elliot The Musical, the anchor production in the company’s upcoming diamond anniversary season.
I’m looking forward to capturing lightning in a bottle again and finding our new Billy, Michael, or Debbie right here on the East Coast. – Neptune Theatre’s artisic director Jeremy Webb
Originally cast in 2018, with the show slated to close the company’s 2019-2020 season, this inspirational story of one boy’s stumble from the boxing ring to the ballet studio was one of many productions cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19.
With the pandemic forced delays, the three young actors originally cast in the roles four years ago have now grown beyond the ages of the characters they were to portray.
“Losing our original cast was heartbreaking,” says artistic director Jeremy Webb. “I know all three of them have continued their performance careers, and I look forward to being able to work with them in the future.”
Despite the original cast ageing out of the roles, Webb sees a silver lining in meeting a new generation of Nova Scotia artists through a fresh round of auditions. “I’m looking forward to capturing lightning in a bottle again and finding our new Billy, Michael, or Debbie right here on the East Coast,” says Webb.
In addition to finding a 10 to 13-year-old triple threat who can sing, dance and act in the lead role of Billy, Neptune is also looking to re-cast similarly aged actors as Billy’s best friend Michael, and Debbie, the brash young girl from his dance class.
Parents of interested young artists can find out more about the roles and audition process online at neptunetheatre.com. The submission deadline is August 16, with auditions in Halifax, Toronto and online taking place in mid-October.
Billy Elliot the Musical plays Neptune’s Fountain Hall from April 25 through June 18, 2023. Visit neptunetheatre.com for tickets and information.