Theatre Makes Contestant Jack Ducat 'Optimistic and Joyful' - Next on Stage

By: Jun. 15, 2020
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The Next on Stage competition is narrowing down and we got the chance to chat with the contestants still in the race to win the grand prize!

Jack Ducat, a 2021 graduate of Carmel High School, has moved on this week into our high school top 10!

What does musical theatre mean to you?

Musical theatre means so much to me. Theatre has always allowed me to express my feelings and let my creativity run wild on and off the stage. Theatre has been a place where I have found incredible friends and a place where I feel welcome for who I truly am. Musical theatre is my absolute passion and I when I rehearse or perform the world stops and everything is wonderful. Theatre makes me optimistic and joyful and I love theatre so very much.

What is a fond memory you have from a past production?

I was given the opportunity to play Michael in Billy Elliot the Musical a couple of years ago. This was one of my first professional shows and one of my first shows with adults in it as well. I was so nervous for the show and was scared to be with all of these amazing professionals. My director Bob Harbin told me that nothing matters at all as long as I do the work and love doing it. The entire cast and crew supported me and picked me up with such loving energy. On and off of that stage the cast was a family. Some of my best memories ever I have with that cast, from having dressing room snack parties or choreography rehearsals and running through my tap number for the first time. It is such electricity when you're with a cast who is all there for you and you are there for them. It was absolutely incredible.

What is your favorite musical and why?

My favorite musical is She Loves Me. I really love Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's music. Every song in the show really moves the plot forward and is unique in its own way yet works so well with the rest of the score. I also love the story. It is so much fun to have two dueling characters who are both writing anonymous love letters to each other without knowing each other's identities. The predicament makes a great story and lots of comedy, with very serious drama sprinkled in as well. The show does a great job mixing comedy and drama while telling such a beautiful story. I adore everything about this show and can't help but smile when I hear its music.

Want to see Jack in the top 5? Vote for him HERE!

Inspired by your favorite network TV singing contests, the site invited high school and college aged students to submit videos of themselves performing a song from the musical theatre canon to enter the competition.

Voting for the top 5 is now open! The nominees have submitted all new songs for you to listen to before casting your vote!

Voting for High School will close at 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, June 17th. Voting for College will close on 11:59 PM ET on Thursday June 18th.

Then tune in for the results LIVE as the judges watch the performances and pick someone from the bottom three to be saved to compete for the top 10! Live shows will air Thursday at 8 PM (high school) and Friday at 8PM (college.)



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