The Esplanade's lighting technician teaches students about light mixing.--PHOTO COURTESY RANDY FEERE
This past year has marked my tenth anniversary of being a Medicine Hatter. Moving across the country to a place I had never before visited was no easy decision, but wow, am I grateful I did. Coming from a larger centre, I was pleasantly surprised to find Medicine Hat packed full of engaging public events and expos, fantastic local restaurants and cafes and – most importantly to me – a vibrant arts and culture scene.
The city is filled with music, art, dance and an amazing array of theatre events.
I’m encouraged to see more theatre programming being offered to the children and students in our community year over year. In my role as the Esplanade’s Education Coordinator, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the dramatic arts can have in engaging young audiences and creating meaningful, thought-provoking conversations.
This summer will be the third year of hosting our week-long drama camps in our Studio Theatre. Offered twice per summer, and led by instructor Deborah Deans, our drama camps give kids the chance to explore, take risks and discover their own voices.
Deborah brings an incredible depth of experience to the program. She has been involved in community theatre since childhood, holds an A.R.C.T in Speech and Drama, and has run a private studio in Medicine Hat for more than 40 years. Many may recognize her from directing productions like The Little Mermaid on the Esplanade stage, as well as her 25 years leading TheActrics drama camp. With Deborah’s guidance, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, try new things and grow in a supportive, welcoming environment.
One of the greatest outcomes of this program is the confidence that grows within each student. Through theatre games, improvisation and performance, they learn to speak up, share ideas and trust themselves.
Even those who start out shy often leave feeling more comfortable along the way, with their creativity and imagination beginning to soar. The students work hard to learn the scripts, whether they’re solving a fairy tale mix-up or bringing bold characters to life in a wild west adventure.
These games and exercises are carefully designed to build empathy and social skills by working together, listening and supporting one another.
Saving the best for last, each week wraps with families and friends invited to a one-time-only performance created, directed and produced during the camp. It’s a special chance for students to step out onto the big stage in the Main Theatre and share what they’ve learned.
It gives them the unforgettable experience of performing for a live audience, and is a wonderful celebration of their hard work, creativity and accomplishments. Bravo!
Our summer camps have already filled up for the year. If you’re looking for a creative outlet for yourself or your child, we still have spaces available in our spring art classes for kids, teens and adults. Visit tixx.ca to register.
Dayna Walls is education co-ordinator at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre
