London is calling. Maggie Trepanier is answering.
The local triple threat - dancer, singer, actor - has already hit the ranks of professional performer after graduating from one of Canada's top stage schools (Randolph College in Toronto) and now she has been accepted into England's coveted Guildford School of Acting within the University of Surrey. She is heading there in a matter of weeks to begin her Master's Degree program in Musical Theatre.
Trepanier is taking a fledgling step in yet one more theatre skill, that of producer, as the host and organizer of a fundraising variety show. She is calling the event London Calling and her talented friends will be performing a series of numbers to entertain and enthrall audiences in aid of getting our local star onto the international stage.
"The Guildford School of Acting is very well respected and has strong ties to the West End theatre scene," said Trepanier. "Previous graduates have a very high success rate in working professionally and getting representation (an agent) immediately after graduation. Many have success working in the West End and internationally as professional actors, which is what I am working towards doing."
Local audiences most recently watched Trepanier in the Judy Russell Presents production of Legally Blonde: The Musical this summer.
She has also been in shows like The Sound of Music and Hair by Excalibur Theatre Arts, Russell's version of Evil Dead, plus shows like Moll at Annex Theatre in Toronto and Love And Information at the Toronto Fringe Festival.
Trepanier's name was frequently called to the winner's circle at the city's dance and music festivals over the years, and she has also been a teacher of new up-and-coming performers.
"This is a fundraiser show, yes, but it will also be great to see everyone one last time before I leave. Who knows when I'll be able to get back?," said Trepanier, who departs only about a week after London Calling.
"I don't know why I was so surprised, but I was really blown away with all the support I got to make this show happen. Everyone here is so awesome. I just mentioned the idea one day at a Legally Blonde rehearsal and everyone just jumped on it, throwing yeses at me, saying 'I'll do anything' so the entertainment value will be really high."
Some of the confirmed talent for the event includes musical performances by the likes of Catherine Hansen-McCarthy, Amy Blanding, Wil Fundal, Pucks alumni Murray Gable and Cindy Marcotte, Curtis Abriel, Kendra Hamelin, Kat Fullerton as Almost Marilyn, and many others.
"It'll be fun, and it'll be different," said Trepanier, mentioning numbers on the program from less blockbuster musicals like Dear Evan Hansen and The Book Of Mormon. "You won't usually see these kind of performances at Prince George shows, so that's what I'm looking forward to - different stuff, the stuff that's personally interesting to these great people who've stepped forward to perform."
It is a cabaret-style event with table seating, a bar (free shuttle home is provided), and a dance to follow the main showcase. It happens at the Columbus Community Centre on Sept. 8 (doors at 7 p.m., first number at 8 p.m.).
Tickets are $25 on sale now online at centralinteriortickets.com.
A silent auction will also be available at the event. Any donations are gratefully accepted, as well as sponsorship for any of the event's fixed costs (room rental, sound equipment, food/beverage, etc.).
To contribute to her cause, contact Trepanier at 250-614-3621 or [email protected].
"While it is an incredible opportunity to attend this school, it is also very expensive," said Trepanier on a brief break between the three jobs she's been working to save up the funds.
In addition to her own development as a performing artist, she is also garnering support due to the mentorship she'll be providing to the next generations of singers, actors and dancers following in her dance steps.
"It's very stressful, but it's stress I'm happy to have," she said. "I'm so lucky to be in a position to enjoy going to class every day working towards a career I know will make me happy going to work every day. And I want to be able to pass that on and bring that back to Prince George."
