On the Road As A Doodlebop
23-year-old actor's dream realized in boisterous blue role on hit kids' show

April 11, 2006
By XAVINE BRYAN THOMPSON, The Record


Two years ago, Chad McNamara had a tough choice to make: defer his acceptance to the University of Toronto one more time, or pursue his dream of acting full time.

He chose acting.

And if you or your kids watch television on weekday mornings, then you've probably seen first-hand that his risk-taking paid off. McNamara landed a role on a successful children's television show called the Doodlebops.

The show features three colourful characters -- DeeDee, Rooney and Moe -- who entertain children with musical skits and lively performances.

McNamara, 23, plays the blue character on the show, Rooney.

"I think the most challenging and rewarding part is being that role model for the kids," says McNamara in a telephone interview from Toronto where he's been busy rehearsing dance moves for a Doodlebop performance.

"It's a huge opportunity. As a kid I watched Sharon, Lois & Bram. Now knowing what I learned from that show, it's a great responsibility for me to do this show."

Each episode of the show features siblings DeeDee, Rooney and Moe as they work through social dilemmas and prepare for musical performances.

Like many siblings, the characters tackle everything from feelings of jealousy, to learning to appreciate their uniqueness.

Other characters, like Bus Driver Bob, help steer them in the right direction.

The Doodlebops has been such a hit with young kids in Canada that this Spring they'll tour the country, including a stop at the Centre in the Square this April.

While the show targets preschool children, McNamara says the Doodlebops aim to make music that parents can also enjoy.

"Our biggest compliment comes from parents when they say they can listen to our music as well," McNamara says. "We try to give a Top-40 feel with kid's music."

Music and acting have always played an important role in McNamara's life.

Growing up in Ottawa, he earned his first major gig at age 11 when he performed in a production of the musical Oliver.

Since then, he's added a list of impressive stage credits to his resume including Mamma Mia, West Side Story and Crazy for You.

But today, McNamara is focused on his role as a Doodlebop.

On rehearsal days, he's in the make-up chair at 7 a.m.

It takes about an hour to craft his costume, which includes a blue face, blue wig and blue bell-bottom pants.

By 9 a.m., rehearsal starts, and if everything goes on schedule, the Doodlebops wrap up by 6 p.m.

Then, McNamara has just enough time for dinner before starting to prepare for the next day by rehearsing his lines.

McNamara says he's looking forward to the Centre in the Square show -- which will be his first time performing in Kitchener.

A LASTING IMPACT

The opportunity to work directly with kids is very important to him because live performances can have a lasting impact.

McNamara remembers going to his first kid's concert -- a Raffi performance -- when he was young.

"I remember where I was sitting, the colour shirt he had on," he says.

"That's what I want. That's why I enjoy being a Doodlebop," he says.

"It's amazing being in front of hundreds of kids. You just feed off that energy.

"Everyone can relate to a time in their life when music was significant.

"For me, I like giving kids that music."

As for his decision to put school on hold to follow his acting career, McNamara says he wouldn't change a thing.

"I think the mistake that a lot of actors make is that they keep working on their back-up plan," he says.

"If you're going to do this career -- you have to throw yourself into it."

CONCERT

Who: Doodlebops

Where: Centre in the Square

Day: Saturday, April 15

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $27.50, $22.50

Phone: 578-1570


The Record

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