Up Next: Theatre Orangeville’s Drama Young Company presents PUFFS

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Early on in the days of rehearsals of the high comedy PUFFS, Drama Young Company's production this year, the 15 youngsters involved were excited to talk about this tremendous show.

The Citizen had the opportunity to interview the cast, and a good time it was too.

Essentially PUFFS is about Wayne getting accepted at a well-known magic school; he finds himself put to one side in the shadow of another, more famous student wizard, who is considered more powerful and more exciting. 

How is the problem of being overshadowed handled?

You just meet a bunch of friendly people who don't understand that they are less. They may be told they are nothing, but they do their bit.

The Narrator tells us all this time the Evil Wizard is influencing their lives. Still, they are getting better and better in this big shadow. Then comes a massive battle, and they are

growing from the worst to much better than expected. This boy is super talented.

If they are the underdogs and they know that everyone else thinks so, the only reason is because they're not given the opportunities; they are viewed as students with no abilities, and they show that isn't true.

One cast member commented, “Maybe for someone who hasn't seen this, we are, a lot of us are socially inept. We know about this and this makes us have a new perspective.”

Several of the cast play multiple roles; one of them plays eight characters. The trick about multiple characters acting, it was explained, is to pick out their differences and build on the traits of each character. You need to walk and talk differently. One actor's two characters are a world apart. It is important to make sure their differences show. You need to just push those narratives hard, he explained. Hats and costumes make a difference as well.

At the two-week point of rehearsing, they were almost done blocking the entire show, freeing them to concentrate on the details and nuances over the final two weeks. Pleased with their progress, they commented they could put together a show in a month, an impressive pace, 

They praised Director Chandra Pepper, who has kept the energy going, building on characters and really focussing on how their characters will deliver their stories.

Best of all is how she has cast this production. She asked each of them who could you be the best at if you go beyond what you think are your limits.

Said Maddie, “Flexing your muscles as an actor."

This is the first time performing PUFFS for everyone.

PUFFS is a theatre experience that is so much fun, maybe perfect for this cast.

“People on stage are having a lot of fun, and the energy is infectious.

“You can't get that from going to movies.”

Come with your family and see this live theatre production, the cast of PUFFS declared, the entire family can enjoy it.

Running at Theatre Orangeville over the weekend of August 25 to 27. Details and tickets at www.theatreorangeville.ca Or call the Box Office at 519-942-3423