Crater Creatives: April Perrin

Welcome to Crater Creatives, a biweekly artist profile series offering a unique look into the artists that call Sudbury home! There’s certain type of creativity that’s born up here in Northern Ontario, maybe it’s the wilderness that surrounds us, or maybe it’s just our resourceful spirit. Whatever the case may be we’re here to shine a spot light on the innovative artists of all sorts in this big old crater! Have an artist you’d like to recommend for a future Crater Creatives profile? Shoot an email to jessica@ourcrater.com and tell us all about it!

April Perrin stole our hearts this summer staring as Tracy Turnblad in YES Theatres’ SOLD OUT production of Hairspray! But her story doesn’t just start there – she’s been gracing Sudbury stages for years with her vocal stylings and acting skills appearing in Black Dog vs. the World (Sudbury Theatre Centre), Jesus Christ Superstar (another sell out from YES Theatre) to name a few. Having recently graduated from St. Lawrence College’s Triple Threat training program in Musical Theatre she’s ready to take the world by storm! Read on for all the details on this edition’s Crater Creative. (cover photo by Tafari Anthony)

Hairspray was a huge hit! Tell us about the experience of bringing one of your favourite characters to a sold out stage this summer? 

It was fabulous!  The show has so much heart and I think that’s what people connected to. Not only do you get to see huge spectacular musical numbers, but you get to hear a story that is arguably more relevant today than when the musical originally premiered on Broadway. I have loved Hairspray for the longest time, and it really was a dream come true getting to play Tracy!

You auditioned for NBC’s upcoming live production of Hairspray in New York earlier this year. Tell us more about that experience? 

It was very rewarding. Waiting in line with 1000 girls who not only look exactly like you, but who are also gunning for the exact same part as you is incredibly intimidating. I waited for 5 hours before I got in the building and then another 20 minutes before I was seen in the audition room. I ended up getting called back and getting the opportunity to sing for the book writer and lyricist of Hairspray.

What artists locally or beyond keep you inspired?  

I think Denise Vitali is one of the greatest gifts to art in the community. I always feel so centered and grounded after taking one of her ballet classes. She Has been one of my ballet teachers since I was 10 years old and two years ago we got the opportunity to perform on stage together in YES Theatre’s production of “In the Heights!” We’ve come full circle 🙂

What is your favourite thing about being a part of the Sudbury art community? 

I love Sudbury!! I was born and raised here so it’s always a good feeling to come back home. The best part is getting to work with all the other artists in the area. Sudbury has so many talented people and it’s an honour to learn and share the stage with them.

What would be your best advice to a new artist looking to get involved in our local art scene? 

Keep up with the social media pages and websites for audition notices!