BY DUCK PATERSON
Vintage and valuable can mean ’55 Chevrolets or Picassos or things like that, but in Ladysmith, it has another meaning, too.
The Vintage and Valuable program is a free musical theatre experience for people 55-plus that’s federally funded and put on by the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District in partnership with Stephanie Roth Performing Studio.
Roth said the program provides an opportunity to sing and dance and learn about the performing arts, and also for participants to find out what they have inside themselves and build confidence.
“A lot of seniors are on their own and lack an avenue to create [these] experiences, so our goal is to give them that opportunity and to learn something that they might not even have known they have a talent for,” she said. “It’s also a great chance to meet new people, create friendships, tell stories and help each other … A lot of the folks that come here every week just don’t have a place to do these things, to let their hair down, and also not worrying what others think, because here we are all in this together, learning together.”
The classes started last spring at the Ladysmith Little Theatre and moved late last year to the arts council space at École Davis Road, as it allowed for more participants to be involved. There are now more than 25 people registered.
Along with the instructor Roth, the program is led by musical director Kraig Waye and choreographer Randy Ganne. Roth has worked in theatre for more than 35 years while Waye has 50 theatrical productions under his belt and Ganne has been immersed in theatre since he was five years old.
Waye said going from mainly acting to mainly teaching has been different but can be even more rewarding in some ways.
“All those people want to be here and they are keen to pick up any piece of advice. I find they really listen to what I have to say,” he said. “They look to us for guidance and we are encouraging them to be confident so we can show them how they can go further than their own expectations.”
The Vintage and Valuable program will culminate in what Roth said will be an “unforgettable showcase” at the end of this month.
“This grand spectacle will be their moment to shine, as they bring life with their newfound passion for musical theatre and hugely enhanced confidence,” she said.
Roth said the hope is to apply for another grant to continue the program. That process will take some time, she said, as the government will need to review a final report on the program’s success, and until then, she’s keeping her fingers crossed.
“These days are meaningful to the participants,” Roth said. “We do get many comments from the folks about how it gives them something to look forward to, how it makes them feel that they are doing something they didn’t think they can do … So it’s very beneficial for overall health of a lot of seniors.”
For more information, visit www.stephanierothperformingartsstudio.com.