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theatrical skills, whether for the stage or film. Even if they don't become "stars," these students do build self-esteem. "The benefits to being involved in theatre are unbelievable. The kids learn about teamwork, projection, and coordination. Theatre uses every talent, not just acting, singing, and dancing. Sometimes a student who is struggling at school will blossom through theatre," says Centennial Theatre Director Margot Gram. Last year, Centennial Theatre was covered in construction dust, so summer musical theatre programs were moved to Lonsdale. This year, homegrown theatrical producer Richard Berg, founder of Uncle Randy Productions, is organizing a series of classes in the refurbished facilities at Centennial Theatre. These include the brand-new rehearsal room. During the one-week Drama and Theatre Works class in August, students can develop short dramatic works through improvisation, games, and play building. There are a number of Musical Theatre Camps focussing on singing or dancing. At the Musical Theatre Performance Camps, kids work intensively to produce a Broadway production, culminating with a stage performance. A graduate of theatre training at Balmoral Junior Secondary, Berg went on to create Uncle Randy Productions and mount Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre when he was only 21. An inspiration to every kid who wants to make it in theatre, Berg loves to work with youth. "There's something about watching young people coming into their own as persons and then discovering themselves as performers," says Berg. This year, Berg's wife, actress-teacher Carrie Berg, is taking his place, assisting Aurora Reale with her popular Balmoral Summer Drama class. These classes, July 3 to 20, focus on the aspect of theatre that builds self-confidence and develops a student's ability to be spontaneous and responsive to fellow actors. Several recreation centres also feature acting classes, such as the Theatre and Drama Club and Theatre Junior Performers at North Shore Neighbourhood House, as well as Theatre Arts (level 1 and advanced) at Delbrook. Arts in the Cove features Maggie Mason and her well-loved Theatriks program. Dramaworks is back for its 11 th year at Klee Wyck, located near the Capilano River in West Vancouver. Every year, a different country or era is chosen to be a theme for the program, and this time it's Ancient Mexico. Students do some "painless" learning about the country while developing a play. During the three two-week sessions, the kids make props, design sets, and organize their own costumes. Call 925-7260 to register. Vancouver Youth Theatre (VYT) (877-0678) has been offering classes for about 18 years. On the North Shore they will be headquartered at the Church of St. John, in North Vancouver. Running in July, classes are led by professional actors and directors. The program focuses on play building, allowing participants to create their own stories. Students also work on scripted pieces and film acting. As well, the students may earn the chance to participate in VYT's regular season productions or the touring company, Kids' Writes, which performs plays developed by school kids. MUSIC & WRITING I I Win f I t i c k e t s | to the Vancouverj f international | 1 Children's Festival! i £ £ £ * £ J * e e I f you are one of the f i r s t 6 people to answer our skilltesting question correctly, you could win a pair of tickets to one of the many great shows under the big tents at this years Children's Festival. Here's t h e question: J J £ £ £ J £ £ * e £ * £ £ ? £ £ £ £ e * e * * 2 £ £ £ £ Where on the British Columbia coast is there a protected area for Grizzly Bears? £ £ £ £ (Hint - t h e answer can be found somewhere in this issue.) * * £ J £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ e £ £ e e www.vancouverchildrensfestival.com Fax your answer to 980-3565 before May 17th, 2001 to win. To check out the performance schedule visit the Children's Festival online at £ Winners will be contacted by £ phone - so make sure to give £ us your name and a number £ where we can reach you £ during the day. | ee«" e e e e e e e e " e , ' e e * , e «'«'«'er £ r For the younger set, there's Music Jump and Jive at Parkgate as well as Music Makers at Centennial Theatre. Over at the Arts in the Cove, there's a choice of Musical Art and Antics or Cubby Corner Music with singer Susan Trudell, for the wee ones. Writing is an art too! Let Sue Regehr show your child how to combine literary and artistic skills in Creative Projects (5 to 6 years) and Creative Ideas (7 to 9 years). For a l l r e c r e a t i o n c e n t r e p r o g r a m s , c a l l 9 8 7 - P L A Y in N o r t h V a n c o u v e r or 9 2 5 - 7 2 7 0 in W e s t V a n c o u v e r . Summer is a great time to pick up a guitar and learn to pick and strum. Let Don show your kids how at North Shore Neighbourhood House. He is giving group classes to 8 to 15 year olds and to those 15 years and older. Don is also offering an Introduction to Singing and will teach proper breathing, vocal health, and exercises to improve tone and pitch. AN INSPIRED ARTIST AT PARADISE VALLEY. May | June