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The Singer’s Theatre 2027 In-Concert Intensive
Open to performers ages 16 through adult
The Singer’s Theatre invites performers to audition for its 2027 In-Concert Intensive presentation of The Secret Garden, featuring music by Lucy Simon and book and lyrics by Marsha Norman.
This concentrated winter program will bring together a company of singers and actors for a focused rehearsal process culminating in performances at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Kitchener.
All prospective participants must audition to be considered for the program and for casting. Before submitting an audition, please review the complete rehearsal and performance schedule to ensure you are available for the required dates.
About the Musical
Orphaned in India, young Mary Lennox is sent to Yorkshire to live with her embittered and reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor. There, Mary discovers a house filled with secrets, including her sickly cousin Colin and a hidden garden that has been locked away for years.
Guided by the mysterious Dreamers—spirits from Mary’s past—the children begin to uncover the healing power of friendship, forgiveness and renewal. Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, The Secret Garden features a sweeping score by Lucy Simon and a richly theatrical book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman.
Audition Information
Auditions may be submitted by self-tape or performed in person. Please prepare one musical theatre song, ideally in the style of The Secret Garden.
Self-Tape Auditions
Submission deadline: Friday, September 5, 2026
To submit a digital audition:
Select one of the audition appointments listed for September 5.
The selected date and time are administrative placeholders only. You will not attend a live virtual audition at that time.
Record yourself performing one musical theatre song.
Upload your recording to YouTube using the Unlisted privacy setting.
Include the YouTube link with your audition submission no later than September 5, 2026.
Please make certain that the link works and can be viewed without requesting permission. Performers submitting a self-tape may still be asked to attend an in-person callback in Kitchener.
In-Person Auditions
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Rockway Mennonite Church 47 Onward Ave, Kitchener, ON
Select an available audition time and prepare one musical theatre song in the style of the show.
Further information regarding the audition location, accompaniment and what to bring will be provided to registered auditionees.
Callbacks
Saturday, September 12, 2026 — Afternoon - After Initial Auditions
Rockway Mennonite Church 47 Onward Ave, Kitchener, ON
Selected performers may be invited to attend a callback following their initial audition. Anyone auditioning, including those submitting a self-tape, must be available to attend in person if requested.
Important Dates and Commitment
This is a concentrated rehearsal and performance process. Participants should review all dates carefully before auditioning and disclose any known conflicts with their submission.
Planned Rehearsals
December 27, 28 and 29, 2026, 5–9 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays throughout January 2027, 1–5 p.m.
Technical Rehearsals
January 27 and 28, 2027, Evenings
Performances
Friday, January 29, 2027 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2027 - 2 p.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2027 - 7:30 p.m.
A Sunday matinee is also being considered. Auditionees should tentatively reserve Sunday, January 31, 2027, until the final performance schedule is confirmed.
Performance Venue
Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts
36 King St W, Kitchener, ON
Tuition
Program tuition: $325
Singer’s Theatre alumni tuition: $295
Participation includes a Linklater Voice workshop.
Tuition applies to performers accepted into the program.
Principal and Featured Roles
Lily
Mary’s aunt and Archibald Craven’s late wife.
Mary Lennox
A young girl who is sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor following the death of her parents.
Mrs. Medlock
Archibald Craven’s stern housekeeper.
Dr. Neville Craven
Archibald’s brother.
Martha
A warm and spirited housemaid who befriends Mary.
Archibald Craven
Mary’s uncle and the lord of Misselthwaite Manor.
Ben Weatherstaff
The manor’s head gardener.
Dickon
Martha’s brother, who has a natural connection with animals and the land.
Colin Craven
Archibald’s young son, who has spent much of his life confined indoors.
Mrs. Winthrop
A headmistress brought to Misselthwaite Manor.
The Dreamers and Supporting Roles
The Dreamers are figures from Mary’s past who appear throughout the story, guiding the characters and helping to reveal the history of Misselthwaite Manor.
Roles include:
Rose Lennox
Captain Albert Lennox
Alice
Lieutenant Wright
Lieutenant Shaw
Major Shelley
Mrs. Shelley
Major Holmes
Claire Holmes
Fakir
Ayah
about the SINGERS THEATRE In-CONCERT
Intensive Program
A Compressed Musical Theatre Performance Experience for Singers and Actors
The Singer’s Theatre In-Concert Intensive is a tuition-based musical theatre performance program for singers and actors ages 16 to adult.
Designed for performers with singing and acting experience, this program offers a focused rehearsal process leading to concert performances of a full musical at The Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Kitchener, Ontario.
Presented in concert format, the In-Concert Intensive gives performers the opportunity to work on strong vocal performance, acting through song, ensemble storytelling, and live presentation under professional performance conditions.
Who This Program Is For
The In-Concert Intensive is designed for performers who are comfortable singing, acting, learning music, taking direction, and performing for a live audience.
Because this program operates within a compressed rehearsal period, participants should have previous performance experience and be ready to prepare material with focus, commitment, and professionalism.
Age range: 16 to adult
Experience level: Previous singing and acting experience expected
Admission: By audition
Tuition Based: Yes
Program focus: Vocal performance, acting through song, ensemble work, concert staging, and live performance
Younger performers will be considered when the casting needs of the chosen musical require it.
What Participants Can Expect
Participants can expect a focused, supportive, and artistically engaging rehearsal environment.
The program will centre on preparing and performing a full musical in concert format. While the rehearsal process is shorter than a traditional fully staged production, performers will still be expected to bring commitment, preparation, and strong ensemble responsibility to the work.
The focus will be on vocal storytelling, character intention, musical interpretation, and creating a polished concert experience for an audience.
Performance Opportunity
The In-Concert Intensive will culminate in concert performances at The Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Kitchener, Ontario at the end of January 2027.
Performances will be presented under full performance conditions, including professional sound and lighting. Select staged elements may also be included, such as costumes, physical staging, projection, or other theatrical components that support the chosen musical.
Program Expectations
Participants are expected to arrive prepared, attend rehearsals consistently, learn music outside of rehearsal when required, and approach the process with focus and professionalism.
Because the rehearsal period is compressed, preparation and commitment will be essential.
The program will include limited movement or staging as required by the chosen musical, but the primary focus will remain on vocal performance, acting through song, and ensemble storytelling.
Why The Singer’s Theatre
The Singer’s Theatre is an inclusive training ground for emerging artists, rooted in vocal excellence, meaningful storytelling, mentorship, and professional-calibre performance opportunities.
The In-Concert Intensive expands The Singer’s Theatre’s programming to welcome a broader range of performers, including older teens, adults, returning performers, and experienced singer/actors looking for a focused musical theatre opportunity.
This program offers a new way to participate in The Singer’s Theatre community while continuing the organization’s commitment to high-quality training, thoughtful process, and compelling live performance.