Whenever I’m at the Student Theatre Centre, I’m in awe of the energy and creativity that emanates from its core. The Centre typically echoes with music, laughter and casual conversation. But what of the stories it tells in silence?

A kaleidoscope of purple walls, photographs, stencils, quotes and plaques creates a visual impact. A large purple sign states: “Art is rare and sacred and hard work and there ought to be a wall of fire around it … that youth, art and creation always come together and flourish within these walls.” Stencilled above is the mantra: “A place to learn, a place to grow, a place to belong”.

The auditorium boasts wooden floors, natural light and considerable space for active involvement. It is well-equipped with stage space and curtains, lighting grid, and technical booth. A whiteboard outlining critical paths and upcoming events indicates considerable organization within this creative climate.

Large photographs of smiling students speak to the ownership and pride students feel in their accomplishments. Certificates, articles and thank you letters hang throughout the building to commemorate involvement in outreach activities. The archiving evident on the walls gives the building a sense of history and therefore a future.

The Renaissance lounge remembers students who came before and honours accomplishments in artistic professions. The costume, make-up, and properties rooms are

well-organized, and have aesthetic details: relevant quotes, changes in colour and mirrors with sliding curtains. One quote reads: “God is in the details” - these details reveal a high standard of care.

As I leave, I wonder… if someone who wasn’t a part of Student Theatre visited, what stories would they see and hear? My interpretation finds creativity and community, honour and history, laughter and learning - but people bring it to life! Join us as our students come to life this upcoming summer at Performing Arts Camp in Footloose (July 7-18) and Fame (July 21 – Aug. 1) and at Explore Theatre (Aug. 4-9 and 11-15). Programs are filling quickly, so call 905-335-7725 to register today! For information or tickets, call 905-637-6000.

Melanie Markin is a resident choreographer at Student Theatre and a former student.

What's New At danceScape

Classes and workshops

Our Spring 2008 Group Workshop Sessions started the week of May 12. Fall Sessions will start the week of September 22, with Open Houses on Monday Sept. 15 and Thursday Sept. 18 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. We are open throughout the summer for private and semi-private lessons, and may be offering some special summer intensive classes in the month of August.

Streetfest

Join danceScape for performances and interactive lessons at our performance pod at the corner of Brant & Elgin streets, part of the Sound of Music Festival’s Downtown Streetfest. Performance times are June 13 and June 14 at 6:45, 8:00 and 9:15 pm.

Dancing at Discovery Landing

danceScape presents an evening of dancing, demonstrations and lessons at Burlington Waterfront’s Discovery Landing during the Jazz & Blues Festival. Join us as we dance under the stars on July 19 from 7:00-10:00 pm. For more details on these and other events, visit our website at www.dancescape.com/events or call 905-633-8808.

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