Children on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are continuing to share their creative sides in free workshops, thanks in part to Island Savings’ three-year partnership with the Chemainus Theatre Festival Society.
The partnership announcement comes after a highly successful pilot of the Discover Theatre program last year.
With a $10,000 grant from Island Savings in 2011, the Chemainus Theatre was able to offer workshops to 1,140 children at 38 Island schools during the pilot of the Discover Theatre program. The ongoing partnership, totalling $30,000, means thousands more children will have a chance to participate, with nine new schools already added this year.
“We’re excited to have Island Savings continue their support of our Discover Theatre workshops,” said Nicolle Nattrass, education co-ordinator for the Chemainus Theatre. “The feedback we’ve received from teachers and students about the workshops has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The Island Savings Discover Theatre workshops are designed to help young people build self-esteem and self-expression. The program also helps students expand their interpersonal skills. Through the creative and collaborative process, participants learn to support and encourage their fellow classmates.
Schools can get involved in the Island Savings Discover Theatre program by contacting Nicolle Nattrass at education@chemainustheatre.ca or 250-246-9800 ext. 7090.
— Submitted