Performing Arts Programs Flourish

Clowning, improvisation, character development, musicals like Annie; Once On This Island; Peter Pan; the music of Gershwin, Sondheim, Rogers and Webber; and the folk songs of the Caribbean, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. These are some of the exciting worlds our students — both children and adults — have visited since 1993, the year the Avenue Road Arts School started offering courses in drama and music. Today, these programs have developed into a progression of learning with a focus on skills and techniques.

The Toddler Arts program through to the school's signature, Kinder Arts program, exposes kids to drama. "Everyone needs to tell a story," says Liana Del Mastro Vicente, Associate Director of the Arts School. "Exposing children to drama at a young age helps them understand that they are capable of communicating thoughts and ideas in different ways. Participating in drama helps them gain an appreciation for — and a non-judgmental view of — their peers." From the Kinder Arts program, children can move into various After School or Saturday classes, including Drama Studio and Musical Theatre.

Del Mastro Vicente, along with drama instructor and playwright Gideon Arthurs, are co-teaching a year-long, advanced theatre program for grades 4 to 8. The ARAS Young Drama Company is one of two classes for kids and teens being offered at the school, with admission by audition only. Musical Theatre II, taught by Robin Senzilet and Lisa Phillips, is geared to young actors in grades 6-10.

For adults, the highly popular Broadway Showtunes class has always been a favourite. This year, three other singing programs round out the selection: I Wish I Could Sing; Let's Sing Out!; and Broadway Showtunes II. For those adults interested in theatre, we are introducing two new drama classes: Introduction to Drama and The Theatrical Experience

Opportunities at the School abound for those who have always wanted to perform but never took the chance to shine. Now is the time. Carpe diem!