L.A.U.N.C.H Pad
Learn About STF’s LEAP Program
LEAP is our community ensemble-building program for both emerging/evolving artists and youth. This is a recreational program that allows participants to be members of the productions and activities with less of a commitment. A program for the curious and creative.
Applications for the 2026 LEAP Program are now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2027 applications!
Introducing our 2026 LEAP Program
This year, we are pleased to introduce David Walsh, Gracie Sharpe, Brooklynn Cormier, Lyla LaSaga, Layla Radwan & Joshua Mackenzie as members of our LEAP program.
They bring enthusiasm and great energy to the program, and we are proud to welcome them to the Stephenville Theatre Festival community. Their participation marks an exciting beginning for LEAP as it continues to grow and develop.
We look forward to seeing their contributions throughout the season and beyond.
David Walsh
Hi! I’m David Walsh and I’m so excited to be joining STF summer season for my second year in the LEAP program. Born in St. John’s I moved to Stephenville when I was just two years old and started acting and singing lessons when I was just four. My first show ever was with the STF Young Company in 2019 where I was a cute duckling in Honk Jr! Since then I performed with STF as the major of Munchkin Land in The Wizard of Oz and Jack in Into the Woods, and last year in the ensemble for All Shook Up. My favorite role to date in the over 25 shows I have done would have been playing my dream role Orpheus in Hadestown with Nomad Stages.
Before I take the stage with STF this year I will be representing Canada at the International MTI (Music Theatre International) Competition in London, England. I have also competed the last 4 years at nationals for both musical theatre and voice. Currently I am active in auditioning for many productions in musical theatre and acting hoping my dreams of being a professional actor will soon come true!
When I’m not practicing at nomad stages or school band and choir, I can be found playing drums and guitar and singing all my musical theatre favorite songs!
I’d like to send out a special shout out to my family, friends and instructors who support me with genuine love and encouragement each day. I’m wishing STF another great season as we get closer to our big 5-0! Come out and support live theatre!
Gracie Sharpe
Gracie is thrilled to be returning to the STF Leap program this summer. She’s spent the last six years training with a pre-professional triple threat team, and recently completed her first touring production, the Canadian musical Going Under. Passionate to her craft, Gracie has performed in over 20 musical productions.
Some of her favourite credits include Going Under, Prince of Egypt, Matilda, Hadestown, Grease, Mamma Mia (Nomad Stages), All Shook Up (STF), Wizard of Oz, Honk Jr, Seussical Jr (STF Young Company) and the short film No Longer Blue (CNA Productions).
When she is not on stage, Gracie enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their constant support – and hopes you enjoy the show!
Brooklynn Cormier
Brooklynn is very excited to take part in the LEAP program and join STF this summer. She has always loved music growing up in the Codroy Valley and has been performing in musicals for the past seven years. Some of her favourite roles include Eurydice in Hadestown, Tzipporah in The Prince of Egypt, Gomez in The Addams Family, and Sandy in The SpongeBob Musical. She first performed with STF Young Company as Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods Jr.
She has also competed with the Nomad Stages dance team and represented Team Canada at the Dance World Cup in Spain.
She is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a talented community this summer!
Joshua Mackenzie
Joshua is thrilled to join the Stephenville Theatre Festival. His love for performing began with dance and grew into musical theatre, with Triple Threat quickly becoming his favorite class. He’s brought characters to life on stage, including Duke of Weselton (Frozen), Walter the Penguin (Madagascar), Chip (Beauty and the Beast), Charlie Bucket (Willy Wonka), Eric (Matilda), Old Man Jenkins and a Sea Anemone (SpongeBob SquarePants), and Young Aaron (The Prince of Egypt), and performed in STF’s 45th Gala with the Young Company. When not on stage, he trains at Nomad Stages. He’s grateful for his journey and all who have supported him, and excited to be inspired to grow and evolve with the STF Team!
Layla Radwan
Hi, I’m Layla Radwan.
I am 13 years old and this is my second summer being involved with STF. My first time was as a member of the STF Young Company and I performed in the 45th Anniversary Gala. I am over the moon join the LEAP program and act as Young Fiona this summer.
I was born in New Jersey in the US and moved to Corner Brook when I was three years old. I started Musical Theatre when I was four and I have been in 20 musicals so far. I have performed across Newfoundland, in New York City, and Toronto. Last Spring I even got to perform in an Off-Broadway production of High School Musical Jr. in New York City with A Class Act NY. In addition to acting and singing, I love making art and writing! I hope to write a musical one day!
I would like to thank the STF team for providing me with such an amazing opportunity, all of my teachers, and my family for supporting me and helping me achieve my dreams.
Lyla LaSaga
Lyla LaSaga is thrilled to be a part of the LEAP program, and join the cast of STF this summer! Lyla is an actor and dancer from Stephenville, who has been accepted to York University’s Dance Program for September.
She has trained with STF Young Company since the age of 9. Notable credits: Into the Woods -Rapunzel’s Prince, The Wizard of Oz-Scarecrow, Honk Jr. -Ugly, Seussical, Prince of Egypt -Dance Captain, The Addams Family -Morticia.
Lyla has also performed with Nomad Stages, and with the Lightning Elite Team in Walt Disney’s Halloween Spooktacular.
Support our Education and Community Programs by making a donation.