The training and development of young artists has been a priority for Western Canada Theatre since its inception in the 1960’s. Originally, as Western Canada Youth Theatre, founding artistic director, Tom Kerr, toured with students as far away as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In its current form, our goals have been a little closer to home, offering classes in a variety specific theatre disciplines based on the skills of visiting and/or resident artists. Classes can include introductory acting classes, advanced performance classes, and musical theatre classes for, primarily, children and youth aged 4 – 18. Over the past twenty years, the program has grown from weekly evening classes and occasional workshops to year-round offerings, including a production courses where the students build, produce and perform a full production for a public audience! We have watched a generation of young people grow in confidence, creativity and expression as they experience the benefits of exposure to and involvement in the performing arts. Whether they develop into professional artists – and some do – or they simply develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, the students benefit greatly from the classes. Because we live, work and play in a small city, WCT offers a tangible opportunity for young people, not only from Kamloops but from our region. We are recognized nationally for producing award-winning artists. The Stage One school is where it all begins…
