Drama school reminds actor there’s no place like home

The University of Windsor will hold a place for Danielle Wade, says Tina Pugliese, director of the School of Dramatic Art.

Wade, an acting student who finished her second year, won a national search for the role of Dorothy in a Toronto-based stage production of The Wizard of Oz. The play, adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber from the books by L. Frank Baum, will begin performances December 20.

The 20-year-old LaSalle native finished as the fan favourite on the CBC-TV series Over the Rainbow to win the role. The show’s finale aired Monday.

“On behalf of the School of Dramatic Art, I’d like to congratulate Danielle on her exquisite performances throughout Over the Rainbow,” Dr. Pugliese says. “We wish her well in The Wizard of Oz, and hope she is able to finish her studies here after the show closes.”

Acting professor Brian Rintoul, who taught Wade last year, says she grew tremendously by applying herself fully to her work.

“Danielle is always honest, and never tries to avoid difficulties but works with them,” he says. “Throughout her performances on Over the Rainbow, she was always in total command, and I believed her performances completely.”

While Danielle is off to see the wizard, the drama school won’t be emptied of Wades—her sister Jordyn began studies in the drama in education and community program this fall.

Academic Area: