Ready, Set, PLAY!
On Thursday August 14 come to the Stratford Perth Museum to try one or more type of art! Try some instruments, read a scene, take a dance lesson, take a drawing lesson, try face-painting, take a fencing lesson -- find out what you like, and then make it a habit!!
Highlights will include performances of two shows prepared in workshops on August 12-13. Links to register for these family-friendly workshops are below.
About the Project
"Ready, Set, PLAY!" is a new initiative to encourage everyone to find an art form they enjoy and make practising it a regular habit! Medical research strongly supports the idea that engaging with the arts can be a healthy habit, contributing to both physical and mental well-being. Studies show that participation in artistic activities can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even help manage chronic conditions. Furthermore, the arts can foster social connection, enhance cognitive function, and promote resilience. This initiative intends to showcase all the ways available in Stratford for people to enjoy participating in the arts as part of a healthy lifestyle. Try some and see what you like!
Musical Theatre Workshop: Norton Micromusical "Animal Farm" -- Suitable for singers of all ages, Chris Norton and his co-writer Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton will teach the scenes and songs they've written to tell George Orwell's classic tale about a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where animals can be equal, free, happy and away from human interventions. Tues-Wed Aug 12-13 are dedicated to preparing the show. Participants will perform the production on Thursday as the highlight of the public Open House event that will invite the public to try out all their favourite kinds of art forms at various 'play stations.' Workshop includes free admission to the Museum.
Theatre Workshop to prepare Lois Burdett's play "Where There's a WILL, There's a Way!" -- "Who is William Shakespeare?" For more than 30 years, Lois Burdett has asked that question of her elementary school students in Stratford, leading them on a voyage of discovery that brings the Bard to life for boys and girls ages seven and up. Her latest work tells the story of Shakespeare's life including the challenges he faced and how he dealt with them as lessons that resonate today. Tues-Wed Aug 12-13 are dedicated to preparing the show. It will be performed on Thursday as the highlight of the public Open House event inviting people to try out different kinds of art forms. Workshop includes free admission to the Museum.
Born and raised in Stratford, Lauren Neilson has grown up immersed in the local arts scene. Her musical journey began at age 12 under the mentorship of Dayna Manning, where she discovered a deep connection to songwriting and live performance. Now 18 and studying Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier University, Lauren is dedicated to sharing her love of music with her community, including last year's Teen Scene. In year 2 it's become "Battle of the Bands"!
Contact Lauren at laureneileen.neilson@gmail.com
