Insights with the Artists: Kelly Racicot
Kelly Racicot — Manager of Family and Youth Programs for Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra in Ottawa — sits down with Platypus Theatre’s Sam Bitonti to discuss the fabulous working relationship between the orchestra and the company.
“Presto, Mambo!” presented by Platypus Theatre and the NAC Orchestra in November 2024. Conducted by Cosette Justo Valdés. Photo by Curtis Perry.
Q: How has Platypus Theatre collaborated with the NAC Orchestra over the years?
A: According to the NAC Orchestra’s historical records, the first performance we shared with Platypus Theatre was How the Gimquat Found Her Song, which took place on November 22, 1997, under the baton of Mario Duschenes. This marked the beginning of our 27-year collaboration together!
Since that time, the NAC Orchestra has proudly worked alongside Platypus Theatre on numerous performances, including Rhythm in Your Rubbish (Music Under a Midnight Moon), Emily Saves the Orchestra, Charlotte and the Music-Maker, and others, totalling 55 performances. Each of these productions has resonated deeply with our local audience, showcasing the powerful connection between orchestral music and theatrical storytelling.
This year, the NAC Orchestra is thrilled to once again present Presto, Mambo! in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Originally co-commissioned by our orchestra along with the Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, this production continues to be a highlight of our programming and a testament to the enduring partnership between our two organizations.
Q: How does working with Platypus Theatre support the NAC Orchestra’s educational and artistic vision?
A: Collaborations with Platypus Theatre helps the NAC Orchestra achieve two of its main strategic priorities:
Support engagement in the arts for children, youth and families: Work with communities and partners across the country to support learning and engagement in the performing arts in order to offer exceptional and unique programming for children and youth.
Develop the Canadian performing arts through the work on the stage: Present a broad range of exciting work by diverse artists and arts organizations.
Q: How does Platypus Theatre foster a genuine connection between young audiences and orchestral music?
A: Platypus Theatre’s blending and integration of storytelling, puppetry, and costumes with orchestral music creates a uniquely immersive experience that engages young audiences on multiple sensory levels. By combining visual and narrative elements with live music, these performances not only capture children’s imaginations but also deepen their emotional connection to the music.
As Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, we are committed to serving our diverse audience by offering our concerts in a bilingual format, presenting performances concurrently in both English and French.
One of our main artistic challenges in this context is balancing the integrity of the musical performance with the need for clear, effective communication in both languages. It requires thoughtful planning, because we strive to maintain the flow of the concert while accommodating simultaneous translation, which can sometimes impact timing and pacing. Additionally, our performers need to remain mindful of the bilingual nature of the presentation, adjusting their delivery to ensure that all audience members, regardless of language preference, feel equally engaged with the performance. PLATYPUS THEATRE EXCELS AT THIS.
Ensuring that all content is equally accessible in both languages without compromising on the artistic quality is a delicate balance. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to overcome these challenges to deliver an experience that’s both artistically enriching and inclusive for all.
Ultimately, while presenting concerts in both English and French can be complex, it is a vital part of our mission to ensure that the National Arts Centre Orchestra remains a truly national organization, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of Canada.
Storytelling provides a relatable context for the orchestral music, giving the audience a storyline that unfolds in tandem with the music. As the orchestra plays, the story develops, and children can hear how the music reflects or enhances the emotions and actions on stage. This narrative framework makes the music feel less abstract and more accessible, helping young listeners connect with the music in a personal way.
Puppetry and costumes add another layer of visual engagement, bringing characters to life and allowing the audience to see and interact with the emotions and themes conveyed by the music. The physicality of puppetry and the expressive masks create a vivid world that draws children into the performance, reinforcing the emotional tone and music. This visual storytelling, paired with live orchestral music, creates a multisensory experience that makes orchestral music feel more immediate and relevant to young minds.
Ultimately, Platypus Theatre's fusion of these art forms provides a rich, dynamic environment where music is experienced not just as sound, but as part of a larger narrative and visual landscape. This holistic approach fosters a deeper, more lasting connection between young audiences and the world of orchestral music, making it both exciting and accessible for the next generation of listeners.
Q: What aspects of a "plug-and-play" show make the booking process easier or more streamlined for your team?
A: A "plug-and-play" show is incredibly beneficial for our orchestra team because it simplifies a number of key aspects of the booking and preparation process, ultimately allowing us to focus more on the artistry of the performance. There are a few key elements that make the process easier and more streamlined:
· Clear Technical Requirements: When a production comes with a well-defined list of technical needs—such as orchestral instrumentation, sound, lighting, and equipment requirements —this allows our team to anticipate what’s required in advance. We can coordinate with the venue, arrange for the necessary equipment, and ensure everything is in place without last-minute surprises. Having these details upfront makes logistics much more manageable.
· Standardized Setups: "Plug-and-play" shows typically come with a standardized setup that can be easily replicated across venues. Whether it’s a pre-set stage configuration or a familiar layout for musicians and performers, knowing exactly what to expect in terms of space and equipment allows us to move quickly through sound checks, rehearsals, and performance preparations. This efficiency reduces stress and allows us to allocate more time to rehearsing the music itself.
· Streamlined Communication: With a pre-configured show, communication between our team, the production company, and the venue is much more straightforward. There’s a shared understanding of the expectations, so there’s less back-and-forth and fewer opportunities for miscommunication. We can quickly align with the technical crew and stage managers on the details, which helps prevent delays or misunderstandings on the day of the show.
· Predictable Rehearsal Schedules: Knowing that the production is ready to go means that our rehearsal schedules can be more predictable. We can set aside time for the orchestra to rehearse the music, while the technical elements of the production can be tested and adjusted with minimal disruption. A "plug-and-play" show allows us to focus on musicality and performance quality, without having to accommodate frequent technical adjustments.
In essence, the more we can standardize the process and reduce the need for complex or custom adaptations, the more we can focus on delivering a high-quality performance. A "plug-and-play" production provides the orchestra team with the certainty and efficiency we need, enabling us to create a more cohesive and engaging experience for our audiences.
· From a conductor’s perspective, having trained actors and performers take on the role of hosts, storytellers and communicators helps tremendously!
Kelly Racicot (she/her) is a passionate Project Management Professional (PMP)® with a strong background in the performing arts, particularly within orchestras.
As the Manager of Family and Youth Programs for Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra, Kelly leads a variety of live and digital initiatives, including Family Adventures concerts, Student Matinees, Kinderconcerts, workshops, and community engagement activities. These programs reach and inspire thousands of audiences across Canada, delivering accessible, high-impact experiences both at the NAC and online.
With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, Kelly works closely with musicians, conductors, composers, artists, and community partners to create memorable artistic experiences. As a champion of cross-disciplinary learning and digital engagement, Kelly also manages the NAC Orchestra’s digital arts learning portfolio in partnership with Arts Alive, providing high-quality, free resources to enhance engagement among schools, families, and artists.
Kelly is committed to making orchestral music accessible to all, fostering connections through the transformative power of the arts, and supporting the creation and performance of new works by Canadian artists. Always eager to collaborate with fellow arts professionals, Kelly is driven to enrich the cultural landscape through creative and impactful projects.
