Teen actress Maia Dueck takes on the challenging role of Hermione in the Carousel Theatre for Young People, Teen Shakespeare program’s performance of The Winter’s Tale.
The 15-year-old actress from Tsawwassen has worked before with actor, director and theatre educator Mike Stack who is leading this cast of 16 teen actors, ages 13 to 18.
“Knowing Mike was involved, I looked into this Carousel Theatre program and thought it would be really interesting thing to audition for,” said Dueck. “I went on-line and researched in December and auditioned in January.”
The Winter’s Tale is a story of love, jealousy, and atonement, where things aren’t quite as they seem. It is a fantastical tale, full of tricks and turns, that is sure to delight the entire family.
“My character is really interesting to play because she is a mother and a wife and as a 15-year-old I’ve never experienced these adult feelings, so it’s a challenge to play this adult character,” said Dueck. “With acting I like to draw on my own experiences, so it’s been challenging to find things in my life that relate to the things that she is feeling and what she is going through.”
Dueck is no stranger to local theatre goers as she was in the Delta Youth Theatre productions of Beauty and the Beast, Annie and Willy Wonka. She will be playing Ana in Frozen and Marion in their production of Music Man next year.
For 29 summers, Carousel Theatre for Young People’s Teen Shakespeare Program has been providing pre-professional theatre training in an intensive six-week program. During the program, teen actors are empowered through a professional rehearsal process and receive training in voice, movement, and text analysis toward a fully-staged public performance.
The Carousel Theatre for Young Peopleannual Teen Shakespeare Program stages outdoor, all-ages productions on Granville Island with a festival-style village, concession, and activities for the kids before the show and during intermission. Admission is free, but seating is limited, with premium seating available in advance for $6 per seat.
The Winter’s Tale runs July 26 with a preview show at 7:30 p.m. and opens on July 27 running to Aug. 10 with shows Monday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Performance Works Outdoor Stage is located at 1218 Cartwright Street on Granville Island. For more details see: tickets.carouseltheatre.ca or call 604-685-6217.
