Theatre Aquarius introduces new summer drama camps
190 King William Street 905-522-7815 theatreaquarius.org
As Hamilton’s professional theatre company, Theatre Aquarius has a long history of dramatic arts education. Starting this summer, this story will begin a new chapter at the company’s new Theatre Arts Education Centre at 55 Wellington St. South.
“We are very proud of what our Performing Arts Program has been able to achieve over these many years,” says General Manager Lorna Zaremba, “however the year-round program was always limited by a lack of available space to work and grow. Now we have three purpose-built studio spaces, and we are able to expand the programming we can offer.”
“I’m excited to build on the great foundation, developing a program with many points of access,” adds Program Director Jennie Esdale “if you are interested in musical theatre, or acting, or physical theatre, or playwriting, there is a way in for you. If you are curious about the performing arts, if you want to pursue a career, or if you feel like you have ideas you need to express, there are tremendous opportunities to learn and create.”
Aquarius’ Education Centre will also house the company’s professional development programs, working with emerging and midcareer theatre artists to create a vital centre for dramatic education for all ages and levels. “When we move into the fall, we will be adding adult classes as well,” Esdale says. “If someone is interested in a career in theatre, this program will give them real-life industry tools, skills, training and experience from professional, working artists.”
This summer the new Arts Education Centre will be alive with young people exploring one of three different programs as a part of the new Summer Theatre Camps. Running throughout the summer in programs of different lengths, and serving creative young people from ages 7 -18, the new Summer Theatre Camps are an exciting launch for a program that aspires to change lives and build community.
“I come from a physical theatre company in Alberta, called Green Fools Theatre, where we create new work through music, movement, puppetry, mask, storytelling,” Esdale says. “Our work has toured internationally and reached thousands of audience members. We also work with marginalized communities and youth at risk. We’ve done camps in inner cities that have seen fifteen languages represented and engaged with remote communities. I know the life-changing impact that performing arts programs can have.”
“Theatre arts are an essential contributing force for positive change that can improve outcomes for marginalized and underserved kids. Empowering voice, providing skills to express yourself. We all need these tools - they are essential. The very thing that makes us human is our capacity to tell stories and there are so many ways to tell stories. I’m really passionate about building this program, which can reach more potential story tellers and offer dynamic and diverse ways to explore expression.”
Learn more about the Summer Theatre Camps and the Theatre Aquarius Arts Education Centre at www.theatreaquarius.org/school.