The Imperial theatre
Summer. Time for Centre Stage
Every top-selling performing artist began in the humblest of ways, with a dream, a dedication to being the best they could, and with help from others who shared their knowledge. That priceless interaction between a mentor and their student produces dividends beyond the obvious, at times only becoming known years later when a teary-eyed award recipient thanks the person who instilled in them their sense of purpose.
This summer can provide the catalyst for young artists here in Saint John, as the Imperial Theatre's annual Performing Arts Schools get underway; a time-honoured tradition of established artists lending an eye, ear, and keen mind to developing performers.
This year's roster of teachers is exceptional for its depth and scope. Whether your child is a dancer, singer, actor or musician, they will find an instructor who is a master in their field; an accomplished, working professional with big 'C' credentials backing their names.
Many are from here, or have deep roots here, choosing to return and give back to the place they got their start. An example is Aarik Wells, Corps de Ballet dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. He hails from the Sussex area.
Other instructors include classically trained mezzo soprano (and Quispamsis resident) Theresa Patterson, who has studied in California and New York, and drummer Malcolm Boyce, an alumnus of the East Coast Music Awards and Saint John Jazz & Blues Festival.
"They've each gone into the big world, and come back to give something to the community they grew up in," says Sharolyn Lee, Director of Operations at Imperial Theatre.
Divided into four basic schools aptly called Sing IT, Act IT, Dance IT, and Rock IT, the programs are comprehensive, offering students a chance to develop their skills in areas such as drumming, flamenco dancing, singing, better expressing themselves on stage, improvisation and character development.
With full day classes, and most programs lasting two weeks, enduring friendships will likely be formed, along with the sense of accomplishment that will come from each class performing a final show on the Imperial's grand stage, highlighting their new skills.
The Imperial Theatre's Performing Arts Schools begin at the end of June, and continue into August. Detailed information is available at www.imperialtheatre.nb.ca, including an online registration form. Now, it's up to you, to get your budding Kain, Dion, Sutherland, or Peart on over there. Their fun and fantastic future is calling.
The Saint John 225 Spotlight is posted biweekly on Thursdays. Comment on this story or send us your story ideas - info@saintjohn225.com
eSolutionsGroup
