Trent Valley Archives Theatre is holding auditions in February for The Kid from Simcoe Street, its latest fundraising history play which will have its world premiere in June at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough.
Auditions will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23 and Tuesday, February 24 in Room 5 at Activity Haven Seniors Centre (180 Barnardo Ave.) in Peterborough.
The production is being directed by Drew Mills, who also directed Trent Valley Archives Theatre’s original production Crossing Over last year.
Mills says no preparation is required and participants should come ready to read. While walk-ins are welcome, prospective cast members and backstage volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance at forms.gle/C8ZWk47s28FKPSAu9.
“We are looking for actors of all ages and levels of experience,” Mills says in a media release. “This is a large, multi-age cast of 20 people with six lead roles, nine supporting roles, and five minor parts.”
Described as a heartwarming coming-of-age story, The Kid from Simcoe Street is based on the 2012 memoir of the same name by retired Ontario Superior Court Justice and poet James Clarke.
The play follows Clarke’s childhood growing up in poverty in downtown Peterborough in the 1940s, his struggles as a teenager, and the support of family, friends, and community that helped set him on a path toward a life of public service and writing.
The stage adaptation was written by Ed Schroeter and Gerry McBride, who co-wrote last year’s Crossing Over, along with David Frances Clarke — James Clarke’s grandson.
Schroeter notes that several actors who have performed in past Trent Valley Archives Theatre productions have gone on to appear in Peterborough Theatre Guild and 4th Line Theatre productions.
Four public performances of The Kid from Simcoe Street will be staged at the Market Hall on June 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and on June 6 and 7 at 2 p.m.
The play is recommended for audiences aged 14 and older and runs approximately 90 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
Tickets cost $40 for assigned cabaret table seating or $30 for regular assigned seating and are available online at www.markethall.org.
Trent Valley Archives launched Trent Valley Archives Theatre in 2023 to raise funds by staging theatrical productions about local historical events and to lay a foundation for developing new members, volunteers, and audiences.
The Kid from Simcoe Street is the company’s third production, with its inaugural production Tide of Hope staged in 2024 followed by Crossing Over in 2025.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the non-profit charitable organization, which houses an extensive and growing collection of local historical resources and makes them available to the public. Trent Valley Archives also encourages local and family history research, operates a facility, and raises awareness of local history through historical tours, events, publications, and presentations.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor for The Kid from Simcoe Street.
