Theatrix Turns 30!
Theatrix Youtheatre Society is celebrating 30 years of promoting and encouraging the performing arts for children in the Lower Fraser Valley.
Theatrix Youtheatre founding Artistic Director, Deborah Solberg is handing the reins to Lauren Hillman with the succession planning assistance from the City of Port Coquitlam and board of directors. “It’s time to hang up my directing and producing hat,” said Deborah Solberg. ‘Lauren is brilliant at creating original theatre and the perfect person to build the next 30 years.’
Theatrix marks the anniversary by launching programs in partnership with the Langley Arts Council under the direction of Lauren Trotzuk. Theatrix’s first program in the Langley and Aldergrove area starts in April. During the Saturday morning program, students ages 6-11 will work with the director to create a script, story and characters from scratch.
“What sets us apart from other theatre groups is our dedication to producing original work and ensuring that the children enrolled in our programs have a voice in that creation,” Theatrix Youtheatre’s Artistic Director Lauren Hillman says. “We value the process of creation as much as the final product. The students grow the most from the creative process and we think that’s just as important as what they eventually present.”
Rehearsals includes discussions about mental health and happiness and activities for mental wellness such as meditation, visualization, yoga and more.
“We really wanted to focus on happiness and mental health because everyone is struggling with mental health right now, kids especially, and they don’t always get a chance to talk about it,” Hillman says. “Everyone is dealing with extra problems, extra stress, and this is a place for kids to feel safe expressing their feelings.”
The original production is one of three performances at a mini theatre festival – KIDSPEAK – at the Evergreen Cultural Centre on Saturday, June 19th as the first in a series of 30th anniversary events, sponsored by the City of Coquitlam.
The second anniversary event is The Memory Masquerade at Riverside Community Church to be held August 7, with an interactive walking tour dedicated to Theatrix’s past, present and future. “We don’t teach actors, we teach children to be better humans,” Hillman says. “Our students learn empathy, communication, and how to read body language. The things actors do on a regular basis also help them in life.”
The third event is planned at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody to officially wrap up the anniversary and acknowledge the participants of the past 30 years with a concert and awards program.
Stay Tuned for more info about upcoming events celebrating 30 Years of Theatrix!
